OSHKOSH
ECONOMIC
ANNUAL REPORT oShKoSh northWEStErn | Sunday, March 30, 2014
OSHKOSH Economic Annual Report
What’s Inside
What’s Inside 4
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2014 Outlook
Oshkosh poised to build on positive momentum Industrial Park
New airport industrial park aimed at aviation businesses Conventions
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Oshkosh aims to rebuild convention connections
General Manager / Advertising Director
Redevelopment
Karen Befus
Jeld-Wen redevelopment project ahead of schedule
Editor
Jim Fitzhenry
10 Technology
Study: Oshkosh is emerging as a leader in technology industry
Leaders expect more growth along US Highway 41 corridor
Has Oshkosh community covered
Angling for fishing tournament tourism dollars
An interstate selling point
Eyes second expansion in as many years
Chef Ryan’s mission: Comfort food with a slant
Grants help homeowners tackle projects
Study will outline options for redevelopment
Giving the gift (card) of downtown Oshkosh
City, cyclists look to ramp up Oshkosh bike, pedestrian plan
New gym combines fitness elements
100 years and counting for Kitz and Pfeil
12 Highway 41 Corridor 13 Kwik Trip
14 Tournaments
Oshkosh Economic Annual Report is published by the Oshkosh Northwestern. Contents of the section are for the Oshkosh Northwestern. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior consent of the Oshkosh Northwestern. For more information, contact Karen Befus at 920-426-6701
Reporters
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Jeff Bollier Noell Dickmann Derek Paulus Laura K. Selenka Jennifer K. Woldt Photographers
Jeanette Merten Joe Sienkiewicz Graphic Artist
Marie Rayome-Gill
15 Interstate
16 Alliance Laundry 20 Food
22 NeighborWorks
25 Pioneer Redevelopment
ON THE COVER: Top: Neighborhood revitalization is a key goal of Oshkosh community leaders through organizations such as NeighborWorks. Bottom, from left, U.S. Highway 41 will earn an Interstate designation later this year; Kitz and Pfiel hardware looks forward to the next 100 years; fishing tournaments bring big tourism dollars to Oshkosh.
26 BID
26 Bike Plan 28 CrossFit
30 Kitz and Pfeil Sunday, March 30, 2014
OSHKOSH Economic Annual Report 3
OSHKOSH Economic Annual Report
2014 Outlook
‘It’s going to be an incredible 2014’
Oshkosh poised to build on positive momentum BY Jeff Bollier Oshkosh Northwestern Media
From the river walk to residential construction, the varied pieces of the Oshkosh economic puzzle are falling into place once again this year. Pick any segment of the economy, and public officials or private developers probably have a project in the works if one isn’t already started.
with river walk construction and the successful launch of the Best Western Premier Waterfront Hotel and Ground Round at River’s Edge has started to spill over into other areas.
“All initial signs are pointing towards being very favorable from the level of prospect activity out of our office to the interest in the Highway 41 corridor from investors The momentum Oshkosh and commercial businesses to started to capture last year plans in downtown and cen-
tral city,” Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce Vice President for Economic Development Rob Kleman said.
is such a good sign. It means the (housing) market is coming back and buyers want to buy right now,” Pawlosky said. “A lot of that was pentup demand, but there was some insecurity about jobs. But I really believe it’s going to be an incredible 2014.”
Cheryl Pawlosky, of Coldwell Banker The Real Estate Group, said local employers have shored up their operations, leaving local businesses and residents Public improvement or primore confident about buying vate development, central and building homes and mak- city renovation or frontage ing major decisions. road addition, retail or resi“Just to see new construc- dential, it’s all already started tion coming back into Oshkosh Outlook CONTINUED on page 5
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Outlook CONTINUED from page 4
to take shape in Oshkosh: • DealerFire purchased and started renovating the old Kitz Printing building at 531 N. Main St. The company expects to move its offices into the upper floors of the building this summer while its continued growth means it’s likely to hire new employees over the course of the year. • The Rivers II has cleared city hurdles and construction of the 80-unit apartment building will begin on this year on the property west of Jackson Street along the Fox River. • The Outlet Shoppes at Oshkosh plans to open a diner-style throwback restaurant called Johnny Rockets this spring. Last year, it completed an exterior upgrade and renovation of the shopping complex. • The city’s Inspection Services Division has issued permits for three new single-family homes in the first two months of this year while the $8.1 million in total project valuation for permits issued through February is $1.3 million ahead of the same period in 2013.
office building as soon as this summer, depending on the demand for commercial office space. Oshkosh Community Development Director Allen Davis said interest in riverfront projects, both public and private, has spurred the city to begin a visioning process with the help of the East Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission. He said the city is also considering contracting for assistance with development of a riverfront action plan similar to the downtown action plan that helped guide revitalization efforts over the last 14 years. “We hope to have the visioning work done this spring so as to give us an idea of interest, stakeholders and the next steps for us in the time we have to plan,” Davis said. “I think it’s a high priority for the city in the long term. I expect it to be something that will receive a greater emphasis than it has in the past. Plus, we have momentum building along the riverfront and we want to keep that going.”
Kleman said community leaders also will continue to work behind the scenes to develop support networks and infrastructure for key sectors of the local economy such as • The city has awarded the information technology, aviacontract to extend the river tion and advanced manufacwalk urban trail through turing. the Boat Works property “I think our entrepreneurial on the south shore of the river. The project also will culture continues to grow,” include development of a Kleman said. “I think we’ll parking lot, bathrooms, a see more development of the shelter and a kayak and IT sector and the efforts to establish the aviation busicanoe launch spot. ness park will position us well • The owners of the forfor further development of mer Jeld-Wen property at our aviation industry.” Oregon Street and Sixth Avenue said they could Jeff Bollier: (920) 426-6688 or begin construction of an jbollier@thenorthwestern.com. Sunday, March 30, 2014
OSHKOSH Economic Annual Report 5
OSHKOSH Economic Annual Report
Industrial Park
New airport industrial park aimed at aviation businesses
BY Derek Paulus For Oshkosh Northwestern Media
Oshkosh is preparing to expand its influence in the aviation world with the development of a new $10 million industrial park on the southeast corner of Wittman Regional Airport. The city of Oshkosh, Winnebago County and Chamco Inc., a non-profit industrial development organization, have collaborated to develop the 80-acre site after receiving a $2 million federal grant through the U.S. Economic Development Administration. The grant will go toward extending roads and utilities — and is matched by an additional $2.4 million from the city. Oshkosh’s community development director, Allen Davis, said Winnebago County, which owns the airport, and Chamco have received proposals from businesses to move onto the site, but it wasn’t until last year that officials acquired the land necessary to act on these proposals. Now, however, the business park is ready
to be developed with a focus the necessary resources to on aviation-based businesses. become successful. The sec“Aviation is kind of a large ond would focus more generally on early stage businesses field and we want to play it that work in industries sucdown to which ones would be cessful in the region, such as best in Oshkosh,” Davis said. manufacturing. The $10 million project will “The comprehensive vision include a business accelerais to build a facility, which tor building, which Chamco is home to the accelerator CEO Elizabeth Hartman said program participants while will assist new and developing they are going through the businesses. program, as well as other “The business accelerator entrepreneurs in the region,” is a program UW Oshkosh, Hartman said. “We would along with many partners, bring to that facility resources is developing to assist early new businesses need whether stage businesses with bring- it be legal assistance, marketing their ideas to market,” ing assistance, business planHartman said. “Business ning assistance and the like.” accelerators combine seed Though the development financing, intensive mentoris still in the early stages, ing… and access to business Hartman said the city will leaders and investors to help be working with a consulnew businesses be successtant who will help pinpoint ful.” the types of businesses in Hartman said two accelera- the aerospace industry that tor programs are being devel- should be focused on during oped. The first would extend the marketing process. She the efforts of the AeroInnovate said AeroInnovate regularly program, first conceptualized received inquiries from aeroat the University of Wisconsin space businesses prior to the Oshkosh, by helping aero- industrial park land being space entrepreneurs obtain acquired and expects the mar-
keting process to be a successful one.
“It took us 30 years to fill the Southwest Industrial Park in Oshkosh. In 1980, it was farmland,” she said. “Now, it is home to businesses which employ nearly 3,500 workers with… property values of more than $110 million. We can have similar success with our aviation park, but it will take time, particularly to build a park with an industry focus.” While there is much work left to be completed, officials expect to aggressively market the opportunities during this summer’s AirVenture 2014, hosted by the Oshkoshbased Experimental Aircraft Association. In addition, Davis said he expects work on the industrial park’s sewer, water and street systems to occur in the near future. “Certainly the EAA is an excellent base to build on, but there is the potential there to build it broader,” Davis said. Derek Paulus is an Oshkosh-based freelance writer.
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OSHKOSH Economic Annual Report
Conventions
Oshkosh aims to rebuild convention connections
BY Derek Paulus For Oshkosh Northwestern Media
going into business under the ownership of the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Foundation and a private investment group led by Rich Batley and John Pfefferle.
Since its grand opening last spring, the Best Western Premier Waterfront Hotel and Convention Center in downtown Oshkosh has begun to provide academic and ecoThe hotel’s general mannomic advantages to the local ager, Daniel Schetter, said area. the convention center was The building underwent a in need of a worthy hotel to $16 million renovation span- draw in visitors, a partnerning 15 months after years ship that had been lacking of disrepair before finally for a decade. The convention Sunday, March 30, 2014
center had been renovated, but the hotel was suffering. “The hotel and convention center, by necessity, have to work together,” he said.
We have been very successful with the events business in Oshkosh.
Schetter said the hotel’s ability to manage events at the convention center allows it to provide lodging and food Wendy Hielsberg for event guests. Convention center events not only pro- that Schetter said can “know vide business to the hotel, that they’re going to get busibut also to local businesses Conventions CONTINUED on page 8 OSHKOSH Economic Annual Report 7
Conventions CONTINUED from page 7
ness.” “Before the hotel opened, I had never seen such strong local business support… they were so happy to see the hotel was being renovated,” he said. Even in the short time following the renovation, the hotel has hosted events that are providing an economic boost, including February’s Oshkosh Placement Exchange, or OPE. OPE provides university and college employers a chance to meet and interview candidates, and it’s an event that Schetter said had the hotel booked solid for an entire weekend. Though the convention center has a number of scheduled events in the coming months, including a Wisconsin Department of Justice Conference April 7-11 and a Girl Scouts Conference April 11-12, executive director of the Oshkosh Convention and Visitors Bureau, Wendy Hielsberg, said the business is so competitive that bidding is already taking place for events as far out as 2016. Although Oshkosh has been out of much of the convention business for years, she said she has great expectations. “We have been very successful with the events business in Oshkosh,” Hielsberg said. Other events at the convention center have included those held by the Department of Natural Resources and multiple corporate entities, Schetter said. He also noted having UWO nearby also creates the potential for it to be used for more academic events in the future. Upcoming academic events
include the UW Oshkosh Marketing Conference June 10-14 with an expected 160 attendees.
referred to as “compression.” When the Best Western is booked full, convention visitors still need a place to stay and The Best Western isn’t the eat, and will rely upon other only hotel that profits from local hotels and businesses. With the convention center major convention center events, however, as success- having the potential to benefit ful events cause what Schetter multiple area businesses, it is
only fitting that the project began with the collaboration of multiple area organizations and individuals. “This truly was an excellent example of collaboration,” Schetter said. Derek Paulus is an Oshkosh-based freelance writer.
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OSHKOSH Economic Annual Report
Redevelopment
Jeld-Wen redevelopment project ahead of schedule BY Jeff Bollier Oshkosh Northwestern Media
Grant Schwab and Peter Lang didn’t expect to be looking out over 27 acres of largely clear developable, riverfront property this winter. Instead, Lang and Schwab, two members of the partnership that bought the Jeld-Wen property last spring, expected to spend 2014 funding studies and demolishing the complex of aging buildings piece by piece.
Oshkosh Community Development Director Allen Davis said he’s pleased with the group’s progress to date and said the city continues to work with the developers to help secure grant funds for ongoing environmental said the group would like to assessments of the site. construct office buildings on But he also said the partner- the parcel between Oregon ship has provided the city the Street and the Dockside easements needed to ensure Tavern while the bulk of the river walk urban trail con- parcel west of Oregon Street struction begins in that area would be a mix of residential in 2015. He said he expects the options. Morgan District will be home “We feel we have enough to some key projects that tie interest to start on one of the into other central city revitaloffice buildings, but we’re ization efforts.
Yet there it sits now, largely empty, a key south shore location at a key time in Oshkosh’s central city transition, poised to play a key role in revitaliza“We’re still open to office, tion as the Morgan District, a retail … anything that can mix of housing, commercial help the south shore and tie and office space. it into the river walk,” Davis “Our first, positive step for said. “I like the progress I’ve the community was getting all seen so far.” of that out of there,” Schwab The demolition timetable said. “It was such an eyesore may have been accelerated by for so long.” state funding, but Lang said Lang said the partnership individual projects will begin behind the Morgan District at a slow, deliberate pace over idea is ahead of schedule the next several years. largely because a Wisconsin “It’s a key parcel to the cenEconomic Development Corp. tral city and to the city as grant helped kick-start demo- a whole. There needs to be lition and an assessment of an eye towards longer-term the site’s benefits and chal- development,” Lang said. “We lenges. hear it from people on the “Without WEDC’s support, street talking to us about the the buildings would have most site. It’s coming from everylikely been used for storage where that it’s important to while we did a little here and the city as a whole. And whatthere as cash flow allowed,” ever we do there needs to be Lang said. “In turn, in the next right for the entire commu12 months, we anticipate and nity.” look forward to trying to get Still, the broad brushstrokes the site ready for develop- of a vision for the site have ment.” started to take shape. Schwab Sunday, March 30, 2014
still waiting on a few commitments,” Schwab said. “There’s good interest in the office space, in being downtown. There’s such a good vibe with what’s going on downtown. There’s a good, positive mojo going.” Jeff Bollier: (920) 426-6688 or jbollier@thenorthwestern.com.
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OSHKOSH Economic Annual Report
Technology
Study: Oshkosh is emerging as a leader in technology industry
BY Laura K. Selenka For Oshkosh Northwestern Media
products, Kleman said Fox Valley Technical College and the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh uniquely provide Oshkosh’s business community with a “constant churn of talent,” Kleman said.
While Oshkosh is wellknown for overalls, airplanes and specialty trucks, it could lay claim to a share of technology companies, according to a recent Business and Companies heavily investIndustry Cluster Study. ed in data processing and technology In response, are findan IT coming Oshkosh mittee has can offer a been commishealthy busisioned to furness environther develop ment with a Oshkosh’s knowledgeburgeonable working technolforce. Tech ogy industry, companies, in according to turn, provide Rob Kleman, Eric Hoopman a wide range Senior Vice of products President of Economic Development and services such as software for the Oshkosh Chamber of development, digital marketing, gaming, mobile apps and Commerce. customer service. Kleman, who daily moniHeading Oshkosh’s IT comtors the pulse of the local economy, wasn’t unaware of mittee is Eric Hoopman, owner this emergence. He quickly of DealerFire. Beginning as pointed to local successes of a freelancer, over a decade companies such as Accu-Com, of steady growth has brought Hoopman into 2014 as head ImproMed and DealerFire. of an international company “Entrepreneurs started employing around 100 people these companies a few short (70 in Oshkosh.) Dealerfire is years ago,” Kleman said. an Internet marketing firm “They hit on the right thing.” that targets the automotive While many communities industry. Based in Oshkosh, are attempting to foster the it services more than 2,000 growth of companies that clients with account manageprovide technology based
Oshkosh has great up-and-coming businesses and people - quite a few for such a small community.
Technology CONTINUED on page 11
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Having only had a handful of meetings, they are still choosment teams in Texas, Kansas, ing a name. Goals are aplenMinnesota, Tennessee and ty, however. Russia. Foremost, Hoopman has Hoopman echoed Kleman’s committed to completing “two claim that Oshkosh provides or three actionable items this employers with “a youthful year, rather than only making view” from interns and gradrecommendations…tangible uates of FVTC and UWO. He things to impact the communidescribed the pool of potential ty on a short order.” To offer employees as highly talented an example, Hoopman spoke in areas of digital marketing of starting a national speaker and writing. circuit to offer information “Oshkosh has great up-and- and education on technology coming businesses and peo- related topics. He said such ple—quite a few for such a an opportunity could reach small community,” Hoopman broadly into the community said. “The people in the com- and benefit any company that munity are amazing, especial- uses technology or provides ly in the service side of the technology related products business. There is a ‘Midwest or services. vibe’ that connects with peoAt the heart of the IT comple outside of the area.” mittee is a common interest The new, 16-person com- to foster the growth of techmittee is still in its infan- nology based companies in cy, according to Hoopman. Technology CONTINUED on page 13 Technology CONTINUED from page 10
Sunday, March 30, 2014
OSHKOSH Economic Annual Report 11
OSHKOSH Economic Annual Report
Highway 41 Corridor
Leaders expect more growth along US Highway 41 corridor
The other area of interest is promises Rob Kleman, Senior Vice President of Economic where U.S. Highway 41 interOshkosh has a comfortable Development for the Oshkosh sects with State Highway 21. routine of welcoming new busi- Chamber of Commerce. Kleman said “there is a great nesses along the U.S. Highway deal of opportunity for comIn fact, he said, the com41 corridor each year. Each mercial development in that pletion of major constructime the ground breaks on area,” and though he couldn’t a new project, we crane our tion projects, as well as the announce any specific develnecks and search for infor- coming upgrade of Highway opers who are ready to commation to identify the newest 41 to interstate status, has mit, a number have contactoptions in our ever expanding Oshkosh’s corridor poised for ed the Oshkosh Chamber of additional expansions. Turning marketplace. the attention away from the Commerce for information. The area around Ninth Ninth Avenue area, Kleman Many companies also have Avenue has seen the most highlights two other important been waiting for the construcgrowth in the last few years. development areas. tion to be completed, to see In 2013, the addition of Jo-Ann how the traffic would flow. The former Wal-Mart propFabric and Craft Stores and Kwik Trip and Horicon Bank erty near J.C. Penney, between CVS Pharmacy provided the South Park and 20th Avenues, are two of the newest addimost visible changes to the has been purchased by the tions to the west. To the east, retail corridor. Masters family, the develop- Kleman is excited to share This year may keep us in ers who own The Mine Shaft that the former Sears Grand suspense a bit longer, as no in Hartford and the Fox and building has been purchased formal announcements of new Hounds Restaurant in Hubertus. by the locally based Alliance business arrivals have yet Kleman is “anticipating some- Development. He expects the been made. However, 2014 will thing significant” to soon be former Ponderosa building to by no means be a quiet year, developed on that land. be the next to go. By Laura K. Selenka For Oshkosh Northwestern Media
The Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce website receives about 500 prospect contacts per year. These are requests from new entrepreneurs and existing businesses, who are seeking information about market demographics, looking for a tour of the community, or asking for information on a specific site that has already caught their attention. The chamber’s website also provides a database of vacant buildings and sites for prospective businesses to search. Kleman labels about 150 of those annual contacts as serious prospects. “There absolutely has been interest from national developers. The signs are very encouraging for high growth in 2014 and 2015,” Kleman said. Laura K. Selenka is an Oshkosh-based freelance writer.
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OSHKOSH Economic Annual Report
Kwik Trip
said. “Our coworkers will go to Technology CONTINUED from page 11 great lengths to serve people and really just do the right Oshkosh. The committee will explore ideas for community thing.” outreach and engaging the Wrobel said Kwik Trip stores youth as they choose career are designed to be more like paths. Consideration also will a neighborhood grocery store be given toward collaboration than a gas station. Its Nature’s and shared resources among Touch, Kitchen Cravings and different businesses. Cheese Mountain products The well rounded commitare made, shipped and sold by Kwik Trip, which allows for it tee includes representatives to compete with larger retail from local IT businesses, FVTC, UWO and the superinchains. tendent of K-12 schools. The On its website the company group also will address what said that it strives to be a is often referred to as “brain part of every community it drain,” whereupon completserves. In Oshkosh, Kwik Trip ing degrees, graduates seek gives back to the community employment or entrepreneurthrough its Neighbors Helping Neighbors program, which ship outside of the state (or, distributes funds for people in Hoopman’s experience, the in the community who have country). Wanting Oshkosh experienced a disaster, a med- to retain fresh talent, the ical-related hardship or have a committee seeks to promote Oshkosh’s quality of life and pressing financial need. help connect graduates with Its Youth Sports Sponsorship desirable local jobs. Program is a donation pro“There are almost 300 techgram for amateur youth sports programs for athletes ages 18 nology employees combined and younger. Kwik Trip is also among the committee mema major donor to United Way bers, but no overlap in prodand contributes to Feeding uct,” he said. “We have like needs. Our focus is to consoliAmerica food banks. date and grow awareness of The company started in 1965 opportunities. We are workin Eau Claire, and currenting together to build a pool ly has stores at more than of talented potential employ400 locations in Wisconsin, ees.” Minnesota and Iowa. Laura K. Selenka is an OshkoshBY Noell Dickmann new stores are reflective of a Noell Dickmann: (920) 426-6658 or based freelance writer. Oshkosh Northwestern Media ndickmann@thenorthwestern.com positive relationship with cusKwik Trip has stepped up its tomers in both Oshkosh and presence in Oshkosh and now the surrounding Fox Valley. has stores at all the major U.S. “We appreciate the opporHighway 41 intersections. tunity to serve the market in Most recently, stores were Oshkosh,” Wrobel said. “The built at State Highway 21 and customer base there has been Washburn Street and on Ninth very good to Kwik Trip.” Avenue near U.S. Highway 41. Wrobel said customers, It has six stores in the immediwhom they refer to as guests, ate Oshkosh area. choose Kwik Trip because its Steve Wrobel, a spokesman workers live by the golden for Kwik Trip, said the new rule of treating others how stores are a continuation of the you would want to be treated. retailer’s plans to add 15 new “It’s our people,” Wrobel stores every year. He said the
Kwik Trip has Oshkosh community covered
Sunday, March 30, 2014
OSHKOSH Economic Annual Report 13
OSHKOSH Economic Annual Report
Tournaments
Angling for fishing tournament tourism dollars
By Derek Paulus For Oshkosh Northwestern Media
Oshkosh sits on the banks of Lake Butte des Morts and Lake Winnebago, so it should come as no surprise that it is home to a number of high profile fishing tournaments, both regionally and nationally. The large number of fishing events and tournaments in the area provide countless hours of recreational fun for local anglers as well as an economic boost through visiting fishermnn from outside the area. One of Oshkosh’s largest fishing tournaments, the winter Battle on Bago, occurred last month. Wendy Hielsberg, executive director of the Oshkosh Convention and Visitors Bureau, said the event registered more than 9,000 participants from all over the Western Premier Waterfront country. and Convention Center as the “That’s one of the largest host hotel, which is certain to ice fish tournaments in the provide an economic boost to United States,” she said. the downtown area. Hielsberg said most of Though the economic and Oshkosh’s fishing tourna- recreational benefits of ments involve visitors from Oshkosh’s waterways are outside of Wisconsin. Battle enjoyed by both visitors and on Bago is scheduled to return locals alike, it is local efforts this summer June 14-15 with that help maintain this attracan expected 5,000 attendees. tive tourism draw. Proceeds from the tourna“This fishery is as good as ments help to fund conservaany around the Midwest,” tion efforts and youth-based Otter Street Fishing Club charities. President Scott Engel said. This summer is set to close The fishing club has funded out with the Cabela’s National Walleye Tournament, Sept. nearly $500,000 in projects 18-20 at Menominee Park, that benefit fishing in the which is part of a national area, according to the club’s tour comprised of profession- website. Funded projects have al anglers. The tournament included habitat work, donawebsite listed Oshkosh’s Best tions for docks at Rainbow
Park and a fish aquarium at from local businesses. the Menominee Park Zoo. The uses for Oshkosh’s The club also helps local waterways don’t stop at fishanglers and fishing events by ing, however, as developments donating equipment and plow- of downtown Oshkosh’s river ing snow during the ice fishing walk now appeals to leisure boaters as well, allowing them season. to dock along the waterway “I’m very proud of what our and visit downtown shops and club does… you have to give restaurants. back to conservation,” Engel “You have never been able said. to do that for quite a few years The Otter Street Fishing in Oshkosh,” Hielsberg said. Club hosts its own fishing Engel said Oshkosh resievents as well, which include summer and winter tourna- dents have a unique opporments. They also will host tunity living near the area’s their 2014 Kids Fisheree on waters and the events they host. Aug. 9 at Menominee Park. “We’ve got a wonderful Engel said many area busiresource right here in our own nesses are supportive of club events. He said 50 percent backyard here,” he said. of donations received for the Derek Paulus is an Oshkosh-based annual Kids Fisheree come freelance writer.
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OSHKOSH Economic Annual Report
Interstate
An interstate selling point
Fox Valley’s infrastructure, the interstate designation will How much difference can indicate that a stronger chain links Wisconsin “from Miller one letter make? Park, to EAA, to Lambeau.” When U.S. Highway 41 Compared to a highway, becomes an interstate in the fall of 2014, Oshkosh will find an interstate requires higher out. While the interstate will design standards, which in cause maps to become out- turn provides improved safedated and require the state to ty for travelers. Because of this, many larger companies replace 1,300 highway signs, require their outlets to be the implications run much located in places with access deeper for the Oshkosh econto interstates. Kleman said omy. that the upgrade “will enhance By Laura K. Selenka For Oshkosh Northwestern Media
Rob Kleman, Senior Vice President of Economic Development for the Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce, said the first thing this change will do, is provide a new “corridor identity.” To outside entities who know nothing of the
Sunday, March 30, 2014
laid the groundwork for a high level of commercial development.
Besides the obvious large scale redesign of the Butte des Morts Bridge, many smaller bridges were upgraded to accommodate clearance for higher profile trucks. The overpasses at U.S. Highway 45, Ninth and Witzel avenues, and Snell Road were all raised to meet interstate standards. A traffic reversal at State Highway 21 brought city trafthe economic design of our fic over the top of the traffic region.” on Highway 41. Upgrades also Oshkosh City Manager Mark were made to shoulder widths Rohloff recounted the many and rights of way. construction phases Oshkosh “Most of what the state had has patiently undergone in the done was in hope of eventulast few years. The $500 mil- ally receiving interstate stalion Highway 41 project has tus. The state DOT made this
“We can use this upgrade for marketing purposes.” Mark Rohloff investment. We (with local funds) helped with the adjoining streets and when utilities needed to be moved,” Rohloff said. Moving forward, Rohloff believes Oshkosh is in a good place to attract new businesses. Some national comInterstate CONTINUED on page 18
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OSHKOSH Economic Annual Report
Alliance Laundry
Alliance Laundry eyes second expansion in as many years By Noell Dickmann Oshkosh Northwestern Media
“It’s vital to have them Huebsch, IPSO, Cissell and surrounding northern, southern and eastern areas. D’Hooge. as part of this community,” Alliance Laundry Systems “It’s clear to me that being Mansmith said. “And they’re Plant manager Todd Kaull in Ripon will break ground in said the company plays a sig- the largest employer and hav- huge supporters of the comthe coming months on a $46 nificant role in both the local ing so many employees with munity as well.” million expansion to its manu- and regional economies as one families right in town, we’re Mansmith said Alliance is a facturing and assembly facili- of the top five largest employ- the key to their economic viamember of the Ripon Chamber ties that will add about 150 ers in Fond du Lac County. bility,” Kaull said. of Commerce and provides jobs to the regional economy. It is the largest employer in Ripon Chamber of a great amount of support The commercial laundry Ripon. Commerce Executive to other chamber businesses. equipment manufacturing He said 40 percent of its Director Jason Mansmith With the expansion, Alliance company was established in workforce comes from Ripon, agreed, and said the global will add 150 manufacturing 1908 and produces brands 40 percent from areas to the corporation is significant in and office staff to its current Laundry CONTINUED on page 17 Speed Queen, UniMac, west and 20 percent from the the town of 7,700. 16 OSHKOSH Economic Annual Report Oshkosh Northwestern
Laundry CONTINUED from page 16
1,567 employees. Alliance won Wisconsin Manufacturer & Commerce’s Manufacturer of the Year Special Award for investing locally and growing globally in 2013, and in 2012 won the same award for its market leadership. Kaull said the company’s employees are its biggest and best asset, and that the positive relationship with the town and its workforce has created a good partnership. “We recognize that we need them,” Kaull said. “And they recognize that they need us.” The Ripon plant, Alliance’s only manufacturing location in the United States, occupies five buildings on more than 58 acres. The facilities include two manufacturing plants, an engineering center, test
Sunday, March 30, 2014
lab and distribution facilities, making it a vertically integrated company. During a normal day at the plant, Alliance employees use an enormous machine flatten 30 steel rolls weighing 23,500 pounds each, manufacture the parts, mix the paint, do about 100 loads of laundry to test the completed product and much more. The insides and outsides of washers and dryers are built in different areas, moving about the plant on a belt as they make their way through the assembly line. The plant produces 2,500 products per day, Kaull said.
February to acquire Primus Laundry Equipment Group, based in Gullegem, Belgium. Primus has production facilities in Czech Republic and The expansion will add China, and sales offices in 106,000 square feet of space France, the United Arab to the plant and is expected to Emirates, Spain and China. be completed in 2016. “Outside North America Alliance also recently is where our opportunities announced an agreement in lie,” Kaull said. “It’s a great
merger between a very large North America market share company and a very large global… company.” The transaction is expected to close prior to the end of March. Noell Dickmann: (920) 426-6658 or ndickmann@thenorthwestern.com
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Interstate CONTINUED from page 15
panies require direct access or a specific proximity to an interstate. They want a guaranteed level of access, and the promise of reliable delivery of products. From a marketing standpoint, a business identity can be enhanced by being located on an interstate. As a point of reference, Rohloff mentioned a recent trip he took to northern Michigan. “A U.S. Highway can be anything. Highway
41 runs through Houghton, Michigan as a two lane street.” In the selling of Oshkosh as a center of business growth, Rohloff said the upgraded infrastructure should be highlighted as an example of the assets Oshkosh can offer. “We’re real pleased,” he said. “We can use this upgrade for marketing purposes, and local businesses can use it for marketing purposes.” Laura K. Selenka is an Oshkoshbased freelance writer.
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OSHKOSH Economic Annual Report
Food
Chef Ryan’s mission:
‘Comfort food with a slant’ By Laura K. Selenka For Oshkosh Northwestern Media
Chef Ryan Nolan is kind of a big deal. At least, in as far as Oshkosh’s culinary scene goes. A son of the Fox Valley, and Oshkosh resident from childhood, Nolan trained at the prestigious Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. When he had finished school and had his fill of New York living, Nolan returned home. A broke 20-something, he picked up a job at Callahan’s, formerly on Washburn. Not intending to put down roots, he still entertained the idea of moving to New Orleans with a college buddy. While that dream waited to materialize, Nolan began his slow journey through several Fox Valley restaurants, learning valuable management skills, practical life lessons, and, in time, putting down roots. In 2001, Nolan took the giant leap into restaurant ownership. He opened Water City Grill, where local foodies soon took note. Several of his original menu items quickly became favorites, and he won When hired by the Gill famthe dedication of a small cusily, owners of the previous tomer base. downtown hotel at 1 N. Main, After a short run of sucNolan worked with them to cess, Nolan closed Water City create a menu that was half Grill in 2009. American cuisine and half “The math equation didn’t reflective of their East Indian make sense anymore,” Nolan heritage. Of his time in their said. employ, Nolan said, “It was a He closed the doors and valuable experience to work moved on to his next oppor- with the owners and their wives to learn how to prepare tunity.
authentic East Indian food.” After some time, Nolan took a position at Mahoney’s, then located on Knapp Street. Cozy and charming, the ambiance was a natural fit for Nolan’s culinary view point. His homemade meatloaf and gourmet macaroni and cheese followed him to the Mahoney’s menu.
Opportunity for a larger location recently moved Mahoney’s to 30 Wisconsin St. Owned by Tom Taggart, Grant Schwab, and Aaron Weigandt, the new Mahoney’s is spacious and uniquely poised between the college campus and Oshkosh’s downtown. Ready to capitalize on a flurry of new developments, Nolan CONTINUED on page 21
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over, but that is what the peothey sit across the street from ple want. UW-Oshkosh’s new Alumni He said Mahoney’s menu Welcome and Conference gives the people of Oshkosh Center and in close proximity what they want. Nolan to the new river walk. describes it as a balance of Nolan’s fingerprints are, his past locations and also again, all over the new new items to draw in fresh Mahoney’s menu. His meat- clientele. The predominant loaf and macaroni have pre- theme remains “comfort food, dictably followed him, as with a slant.” well as a few other consistent Nolan has learned over the crowd pleasers, including his years that comfort food for tomato basil soup (an appeone person may be different tizer that dates to his opening from what someone else perday at Water City Grill). “We were opening, but I ceives as comfort food. That still didn’t have a soup. I is why the new menu ranges threw it together in about ten from a Pear and Brie PBJ, a minutes, and it’s become a classic with a modern slant, to monster in itself,” Nolan said. Butter Chicken, an authentic East Indian dish with creamy He likens his old recipes to curry “that you won’t find favorite songs people want to hear, joking that the Rolling anywhere else.” Nolan CONTINUED from page 20
Stones may get tired of play- Laura K. Selenka is an Oshkoshing “Paint it Black” over and based freelance writer.
Sunday, March 30, 2014
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OSHKOSH Economic Annual Report
NeighborWorks
NeighborWorks grants help homeowners tackle projects
By Laura K. Selenka For Oshkosh Northwestern Media
Kathy Webb had a 30-yearlong relationship with the wobbly, rusty railings on her front porch.
Through her neighborhood association, River East, Webb found out about Good NEIGHBOR Grants, available through NeighborWorks Badgerland. Area home owners who meet income guidelines and live within an organized neighborhood association can complete a onepage application to help cover the cost of exterior projects. Most grants are valued around $1,000.
Miller’s Bay, Northshore and Algoma Park. Associations are not always based on historic value, but rather, the level of interest shared among the neighbors to better their community. They select the borders that define their neighborhood boundaries and write a mission statement. Information on organizing neighborhood associations can be found through Planning Services at the city of Oshkosh.
Try as she might, every time she had money for household upkeep and repairs, something else seemed more demanding. Like many homeowners, her repair budget always had more needs than resources. Then Webb found out about an opportunity to Other Oshkosh neighborIn 2011, a general concern apply for a grant to help fund hood associations include among community leaders in the improvement. Stevens’ Park, Middle Village,
Oshkosh over deteriorating neighborhoods drove them to search and connect a national non-profit organization called Neighborworks. The organization helps connect philanthropic leaders in the community with residents lacking funds to keep up their properties. Oshkosh partnered with NeighborWorks Badgerland, based in Kenosha, which agreed to expand into Oshkosh, and now has one full time employee officed on the Grants CONTINUED on page 24
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in the first round fourth floor of the US Bank of grants, which helped with projbuilding. ects such as roof Shelly Rienke, local representative of Neighborworks repair, landscaping, Badgerland, said the program and restoration of “encourages people to engage historic features. their neighbors, and a lot of The second round positive changes are happen- of distribution only covered 13 recipiing in the neighborhoods.” ents. Rienke attriNeighborWorks Badgerland butes some of that has distributed two rounds of drop in participagrants to date, and is curtion to her need to rently securing funding for market the program a third round. The money better. comes from a variety of In neighborhoods sources, including the city’s Community Development like River East, Fund and several private the program seems foundations. Some contrib- to speak for itself. Besides utors include the Wisconsin being a grant recipient, Webb Public Service Foundation, knows many others who have the J. J. Keller Foundation, received help to improve and the John E. Kuenzel their properties. Foundation. “Many homes are older, but There were 37 recipients owned by younger people who Grants CONTINUED from page 22
want to improve the property. It would benefit everyone if businesses and corporations would donate to the fund,” she said. “I believe when neighborhoods are looked after and cared for there is a lower
crime rate, children feel safe… Anytime people take pride in their neighborhoods, it spills over to improve the quality of the city.” Laura K. Selenka is an Oshkoshbased freelance writer.
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OSHKOSH Economic Annual Report
Pioneer Redevelopment
Study will outline options for Pioneer Inn redevelopment
hotel was demolished, but the marina continues to operate The city of Oshkosh is mov- on the property. ing forward with a study to “We can’t force anyone to assess the economic feasibilidevelop their property, but ty of a new effort to redevelop we can’t let a lack of mainthe Pioneer Resort property. tenance drag the whole area The study will look indi- down,” Rohloff said. “After vidually at three components the disappointment of them of the property: the location not getting some approvals where the hotel once stood, from the state, we can’t let the marina, and the expanse them use that as a reason to of riverfront that extends the let the property continue to be was not ready to make a comlength of Pioneer Drive. ment regarding the upcoming run down.” Pioneer project with the city. Oshkosh City Manager Mark Rohloff said he would like to Rohloff indicated, however, Rohloff said he has not spo- “focus on the positives of how ken directly with the owner of to get something done.” In that the primary task at hand the Pioneer Inn — Brookfield- hopes of reopening a conver- will be a market-based study based Decade Properties — sation with Decade Properties, to collect information on the in over a year. He said the the city hired UW-Oshkosh’s opportunities for using the city has no evidence of prog- Business Success Center to space. He would like to see ress on the part of Decade study options for successful examples of what other cities have done with properties in redeveloping the property, redevelopment of the space. exhibiting similar attributes. but officials have been in conKim Biedermann, Survey tact with the company about “The study will not specify Success Center Manager for code violations that need to be the Business Success Center, what we have to do, but instead addressed at the property. describes their role in the busi- will say ‘here are some ideas A decade ago, a stalemate ness community as opening up to chew on,’” Rohloff said. with the state Department university resources to aid in The study will look at the of Natural Resources left areas that sometimes include property as it could be dividthe prime waterfront prop- consulting and research. She ed into three different areas erty undeveloped and under- said much of the work the cen- (riverwalk, hotel property and utilized. A portion of the old ter does is confidential, and marina) and weigh the options By Laura K. Selenka For Oshkosh Northwestern Media
Sunday, March 30, 2014
for independent projects versus development of the entire site. Prefacing that “ultimately it will depend on the developer,” Rohloff is enthusiastic about getting this study started. He hopes the study results will provide the property owner and the community of Oshkosh with some inspiration and a basis for fresh discussions. “Great opportunities exist, but we have to have a good, practical business application,” Rohloff said. “If not, then it’s just talk.” Laura K. Selenka is an Oshkoshbased freelance writer.
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BID Bike Plan
Giving the gift (card) of downtown Oshkosh
By Laura K. Selenka For Oshkosh Northwestern Media
The Downtown Oshkosh Business Improvement District (BID) was created in 1987 to ensure that there would be free parking for visitors to the downtown area. The efforts to boost downtown continue and now include gift cards. Property owners in the BID pay an annual assessment in addition to their normal property taxes. The money funds customer parking, beautification, trash collection, targeted advertising, and other things that directly benefit downtown businesses. The BID has created a cohesive area, where business owners work together to enhance and promote the downtown, said Cassie Cook, BID manager for the Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce. BID gift cards are a relative-
ly new addition to the downtown shopping experience, having started in November 2012. There are currently 17 businesses and restaurants participating in this program. As foot traffic continues to grow, and participant businesses experience satisfaction, Cook hopes to expand the level of participation. Cook said businesses have had a mixed response to the idea of offering and accepting gift cards that are exclusive to the downtown area. In part, this may be due to a small processing fee, similar to what businesses incur when accepting credit cards. A local processing center, Cornerstone Processing Solutions, was chosen to perform this service, in order to keep the fees low. Scott Dercks, owner of House of Heroes Comics and Games, participates in the
BID gift card program. “I thought it would be a good thing to help build the community of the downtown. The cost wasn’t that much,” Dercks said. He said he has received positive feedback from customers, and has seen that some are even mindful of the importance of supporting downtown businesses when giving gifts. He said he has also found that some regular customers have been using the cards as a convenient method of budgeting their own purchases. “They can put so much on it per month, and then re-load it for the next month,” he said. Of the businesses that are already participating, Cook said, “I think people can see the long term, big picture of the program.” She thinks the gift card program, as well as an active concern for recruit-
ing and retaining downtown businesses, “makes the downtown thrive.” Cook is optimistic about new and relocating businesses joining the downtown area. She cited the recent addition of 2 Blondes, The Dragonfly, Winnebago Bicycle, and Back Lot Comedy House as examples of the diverse offerings people can find by walking Oshkosh’s streets. Foot traffic has increased over recent years, in Dercks’ opinion, and he partially credits the unique offerings among the downtown shops. “There are good, core stores that people like to visit. Satori Imports has been here for 40 years,” he said. “Camera Casino brings people from out of town. When people come, they stop and visit other shops.” Laura K. Selenka is an Oshkoshbased freelance writer.
routes, called “sharrows” that cyclists and vehicles share equally. Since the plan was adopted, the city has installed bike route signs or pavement markings on High Avenue from Oshkosh Avenue to Jackson Street, on Algoma Boulevard from Jackson Street to Woodland Avenue and designated Osborn Avenue and New York Avenue as future bike routes. Oshkosh Assistant Planner Benjamin Krumenauer said there’s room for the city to get more aggressive about becoming more pedestrian- and
cyclist-friendly. “I don’t have a set pace, but we would like to ramp up our commitment to the plan,” Krumenauer said. Rennert, a recent addition to the Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan Advisory Committee, said meetings earlier this year focused on establishing routes to connect downtown to Menominee Park and northeastern parts of the city via Hazel Street. Krumenauer pointed out Hazel Street has the capacity to accommodate a bike lane and it would provide access to several
City, cyclists look to ramp up Oshkosh bike, pedestrian plan By Jeff Bollier Oshkosh Northwestern Media
Ben Rennert wasn’t sure what to expect when he opened Winnebago Bicycle in downtown Oshkosh last summer. He knew the location at the corner of North Main Street and Merritt Avenue put him at the center of much of downtown’s recent momentum, but he wasn’t sure how the cycling community would respond. He didn’t have to wait long for an answer. “I have a lot of people grateful for having a bike shop downtown, in this area of the city
instead of the south and west sides,” Rennert said. “We’re in proximity to a great deal of Oshkosh residents. The store, in general, though, hasn’t found a specific niche. Instead, it’s a smattering of every possible option out there from used bikes to mountain bikes to commuter bikes.” Much like Rennert’s shop, Oshkosh has implemented a few bits and pieces of its Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan since it was formally adopted in 2011. It has striped a few bike lanes and marked a few shared
Bike CONTINUED on page 28
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OSHKOSH Economic Annual Report
CrossFit
CrossFit converts: New gym combines fitness elements
By Jennifer K. Woldt Oshkosh Northwestern Media
When Mary Peters saw two guys setting up what appeared to be some kind of gym next door to her office in a north side strip mall, she had to find out what was going on. Once Peters stepped inside the door and asked what was going on, she learned it was the beginnings of Oshkosh’s first CrossFit gym. Her interest was piqued and that lead to her trying out a beginners class. Now less than a year later, Peters, 52, is a regular at CrossFit Oshkosh, 2909 Green Hill Court. “I’d never even heard of CrossFit before,” Peters said. “I have no athletic experience whatsoever. Now I look forward to it.” CrossFit is a strength and conditioning program that aims at improving muscular strength, cardio-respiratory endurance and flexibility with constantly changing workouts that incorporate gymnastics, weight lifting and aerobic exercise. Co-owners Austin Phillips of Hustiford and Ben McMillan of Ripon were introduced to CrossFit during a National Guard deployment in Afghanistan. After trying a CrossFit workout, the men never went back to traditional weightlifting. Once they returned from their deployment, they decided to open a CrossFit gym and chose Oshkosh because it was one of the only cities in Wisconsin with more than 20,000 people that didn’t have one.
McMillan and Phillips opened CrossFit Oshkosh on June 12 and since then have seen a steady stream of people coming through the doors curious about CrossFit — and subsequently putting in the work to needed to change their bodies and become stronger and as a result, creating a community. “We wanted the chance to bring CrossFit to the Oshkosh community,” McMillan said. “We didn’t see there was one here and we wanted the chance to open people’s eyes.” Unlike traditional gyms where participants makes up their own workouts, CrossFit offers a “work out of the day” that all people follow. But it’s not a workout that just caters to those who are already physically fit. While there is one daily workout, there are modifications that can be made so that of those who come to the workout can benefit from it, whether they’re someone like Peters, who had a limited athletic
background, or a 25-year-old former college football player. “That’s the beauty of CrossFit,” Phillips said. “The scalability.” Since it opened, CrossFit Oshkosh has relied mostly on Facebook, word of mouth and a monthly free community workout to grow its membership, but Phillips said most people who sign up for CrossFit Oshkosh stick around and have begun to see results, either in body composition or in increases in strength and endurance. “We’ve been able to watch the results that people have had,” Phillips said. “And it’s been amazing.” Peters said she’s upping her time at CrossFit Oshkosh to three workouts a week. “The workouts are hard and there have been days that I say to myself, ‘What did I get myself into and why am I doing this?’” she said. “But it is building self-confidence and I like feeling stronger.” Jennifer K. Woldt: (920) 426-6676 or jwoldt@thenorthwestern.com
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schools on the east side. “It’s real important to interconnect everything, especially schools,” he said. Rennert said the changes need to be implemented at a sustainable rate. “There’s a definite desire to have an increase in lanes and cycling infrastructure in general,” he said. “As a bike shop owner, I’d say the more the merrier, but looking at it logically, we need to introduce the bike lanes at a rate that works for the community. We can’t go for a crazy hard push on numbers.” Another area the committee plans to examine is the Highway 41/21 interchange where the Tribal Heritage Crossing trail on the Butte des Morts causeway comes to an end near Two Brothers restaurant. “It’s on our radar, too,” Rennert said. Krumenauer said he also hopes to engage the community on the benefits of walking and cycling, including creating events in Oshkosh that tie into the Fox Valley Bike Challenge to get people riding more often. He’d also like to see improvements to pedestrian paths and sidewalks earn the city a “Walkable Community” designation from the organization of the same name. “I’m really excited to be a part of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan implementation,” Krumenauer said. “We’ve got some quality initiatives started already and we’re looking forward to taking it to the next level.” Rennert shares Krumenauer’s enthusiasm for digging in to the effort. “For the community to become more cycling friendly, more sustainable, we have to get more active,” Rennert said. Jeff Bollier: (920) 426-6688 or jbollier@thenorthwestern.com.
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OSHKOSH Economic Annual Report
Kitz and Pfeil
100 years and counting for Kitz and Pfeil
By Jennifer K. Woldt Oshkosh Northwestern Media
Walk through the doors of Kitz and Pfeil True Value on North Main Street and you’ll find an aisle full of bolts of every imaginable size, power tools and paint that comes in all colors of the rainbow. During the holiday season, you’ll also find a wide selection of lights, inflatables and other decorations needed to get a home in the holiday spirit. The changing inventory and wide variety of items is just part of the reason that Kitz and Pfeil this year is able to celebrate 100 years of meeting the needs of its customers in downtown Oshkosh. “A hardware store is a broad enough category that you can make it into whatever you want,”
Kitz and Pfeil owner Jim Stapel said. “You just keep morphing it along to what your interests are.” Joseph Kitz and Charles Pfeil opened Kitz and Pfeil in 1913 after they purchased a 2,000-squarefoot sporting goods store in the 400 block of North Main Street. The business was sold to Art and Marie Stapel and their son, Carl, Jim Stapel’s father, in 1949. The store expanded in 1957 when the Stapels bought the drug store next door and again in 1963 when they bought Stillman Hardware next door, which doubled the store’s size and made it the largest hardware store in Oshkosh. The store now has 24,000 square feet of retail space along with three other buildings that house a repair shop, a space that sells snow blowers, tractors and other
small machines and a warehouse. There are also Kitz and Pfeil locations in Appleton, Menasha, Fond du Lac and Berlin. Stapel said the company’s employees are a big part of the store’s long-term success. “I think (customers) come here because of the people we’ve got, people who can help you with your project and tell you about it. If they haven’t done it themselves, there’s probably someone here who has,” Stapel said. “We help you and we leave you alone if you just like to be left alone, because we have a surprising number of people who just like to come into hardware stores because they love exploring on their own. We try to make it the experience that you want.” Donn Lord, a landlord in Oshkosh and president of
the Winnebago Apartment Association, said the knowledgeable employees who have been employed at the store for many years are helpful when he needs advice on how to tackle a problem “They can come up with pretty good solutions,” Lord said. “They do things others don’t do.” The close proximity to downtown and wide selection of merchandise available combined with the friendly staff are what keeps customers coming back to Kitz and Pfeil. “They have a little bit of everything and they’re convenient being right downtown,” said Mike Draws, who stopped by the store to pick up a bolt he needed to finish a project. “And they’re helpful as all get out.” Jennifer K. Woldt: (920) 426-6676 or jwoldt@thenorthwestern.com
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