Milwaukee Magazine | Faces of MKE Part 1

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PART I

PHOTOS BY LINDA SMALLPAGE, BOUTIQUE PHOTOGRAPHER

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(left to right) ARTURO HERNANDEZ BOB ST. LOUIS CHRIS WIKEN JOAN DUBIS PAUL ROBINSON

The Packing House Face of Supper Clubs ON ITS SECOND GENERATION OF OWNERSHIP, The Packing House is a pillar of Milwaukee’s restaurant community.

“My mom and dad opened the restaurant in 1974, when I was 4 years old, and I’ve pretty much been here ever since,” says General Manager Chris Wiken. “We try to keep that 1970s feel but with an updated look.”

Wiken has done little to change the classic supper club – by design.

Many customers have remained regulars for decades. That goes for the wait- and kitchen staff, too. “Bob St. Louis, our chef, has been here for 42 years, since he was 15,” says Wiken. “People see the same faces every time they come here.”

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As for the food, the menu is a hit parade of classics. Prime rib, Friday fish fry and specialty steaks are Packing House staples, with vegetarian options available as well. The recipe for slow-cooked, bone-tender BBQ ribs has never been altered, because it’s just that good. “We’ve always been a scratch kitchen – everything is made in-house,” Wiken says. “There’s a lot of history here. That really speaks to our quality.”

The Packing House 900 E. Layton Ave., 414-483-5054, packinghousemke.com

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(left to right) RASHIDAH BUTLER-JACKSON CHRISTAL SHIPP DR. STACIA THOMPSON LATRECE NELSON

Sherman Phoenix Face of Community Economic Impact WHEN SHERMAN PHOENIX OPENED IN 2018 as an entrepreneurial hub for Black-owned businesses, one goal was to reclaim the Sherman Park neighborhood after the 2016 civil unrest. Built on the former site of a bank that had been burned down, Sherman Phoenix now hosts over 27 businesses, from food vendors and beauty services to retail collectives and mental health services.

“There needs to be a place of healing somewhere in the neighborhood,” says Dr. Stacia Thompson, executive director of Sherman Phoenix Foundation. The foundation formed in 2020 to lead value-added programming that brings cultural and economic vibrancy to the hub. It focuses on four areas: entrepreneurship and small-business success; strategic corporate investment and training;

economic equity and empowerment; and cultural and economic vibrancy.

Recent Phoenix events include a community baby shower for mothersto-be, which sent each of them home with gift bags stuffed with Pampers diapers and wipes; a financial-literacy class for high schoolers; and a group therapy session for people of color and their families. Thompson plans to host more community impact programs in the year to come, as Sherman Phoenix continues to grow.

Sherman Phoenix 3536 W. Fond du Lac Ave., 262-228-6021, shermanphoenix.com

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(left to right) MARY SWEET RICK BARTELT JESSICA BOLL MATT RETZAK HEATHER SCOTT

Bartelt. The Remodeling Resource Face of Home Remodeling RICK BARTELT STARTED working as a carpenter when he was 12 years old, learning the trade from his father on job sites during weekends, holidays and summer vacations. The passion for that work passed from father to son, and in 1984, Rick and his wife Chris started Bartelt Remodeling.

“It started off as a small operation,” says Amanda Coakley, Rick’s daughter who has been a member of the Bartelt team since 2012. “Over the past 38 years, Bartelt has grown into the premier high-end remodeling company that we are today.”

Bartelt primarily does residential remodeling but also builds custom homes. Rick and his team have developed long-lasting relationships with reliable industry partners who help to ensure that projects run smoothly and are always high-quality for their clients. The team’s design philosophy

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is timelessness, creating spaces that transcend passing fads and have staying power.

“The majority of the projects we do every year are for repeat and referral customers,” says Coakley. “We’ve worked with homeowners for decades, and they refer their children, their neighbors, their friends. I think that’s unique and is a testament to Bartelt’s ability to not only deliver quality craftsmanship but to also build a trusting relationship with our clients.”

Bartelt. The Remodeling Resource 528 Wells St., Delafield, 262-646-8020 barteltremodel.com

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Locker’s Florist Face of Floral Design LOCKER’S FLORIST was founded in Wauwatosa in 1911. Over a century later, it remains a premier floral design shop, specializing in fresh flowers to celebrate any occasion. Kimberlee Grob, a floral designer for 28 years, bought Locker’s in 2018 after working there for 11 years.

“We want to provide that consistent, reliable, professional, personal service that people expect from a company that’s over 100 years old,” she says. “But we’ve also updated things – shopping online, focusing on fresh flowers, offering customized, made-to-order arrangements for every customer.”

Customers choose from a wide variety of floral options. Every day, Grob chooses a new fresh flower as the “designer’s choice” of the day. “Think of it like a chef’s special at your favorite restaurant.

You have your favorites – maybe a dozen roses or a succulent – and then you have a signature, high-quality item that’s in season to make your selection really wonderful and unique.”

Locker’s Florist 1640 S. 83rd St., 414-276-7673 lockersflorist.com

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(left to right) JOHN LEVINE LOUIS BLACKWELL DELL MERCADO MANDY MURPHY JESSE WENDEL ADAM MILLER CHRIS PAULOS STEVE JOHNSON

F Street Hospitality Face of Restaurant Hospitality AS THE CORPORATE EXECUTIVE CHEF at F Street Hospitality, Adam Miller oversees the modern brewhouse fare at Bottle House 42, the delicious pies at Pizza Man, the catering at West Bend’s Timmer’s Resort and F Street’s

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newest taproom, Public House 55 in Brown Deer.

“Hospitality, to me, is not solely about service or food; it’s an experience from the moment you walk in the door,” Miller says. “I like to remind our

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(left to right) JOSH PETERSON KAELYN CERVERO TRACY BREDL CHASE ANDERSON BECKY MACHI (not pictured) HOLLI BEHRENS JAY CULP JODY GALEWSKI AUDRA GRUENEBERG ANNIE NOLAN MARK ROSSETTI CATEY SEITZ SANDRA WEINZ

staff we are not feeding people. We are building memories.”

Miller brings that level of care to the food served at each of F Street’s restaurants, as does the entire staff, who make each meal memorable.

“To me, hospitality means being the backdrop to long-lasting memories,” says Becky Machi, F Street’s director of sales. “Whether it is offering an amazing menu, signature service or a beautiful, unique venue that is talked about for years to come, we get to be a part of so many important life events, ranging from personal milestones to celebrations of professional accomplishments. That is something pretty special.”

Bottle House 42 | 1130 N. Ninth St. Public House 55 | 8725 N. Deerwood Dr., Brown Deer Pizza Man | 2597 Downer Ave. Pizza Man | 11500 W. Burleigh St., Wauwatosa Pizza Man Pronto | 6300 W. Mequon Rd., Mequon Timmer’s Resort | 5151 Timmer Bay Rd., West Bend 414-988-1554 • fstreethospitality.com

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(left to right) LEO, KATIE, GRANT AND TOMMY GRABOWSKI

Vita Fitness & Physical Therapy Face of Physical Therapy TOMMY GRABOWSKI WAS AN ALL-AMERICAN track and field athlete at Concordia University-Nebraska when he was sidelined by a knee injury. Being a runner his whole life, the injury felt like a disaster. After a physical therapy regimen, his knee healed, and he developed an interest in the rehabilitation process.

Deciding to pursue a doctorate in physical therapy from Concordia’s Wisconsin campus, Grabowski graduated in 2004. That same year, he founded Vita Fitness & Physical Therapy. In the 18 years since, both his family and the practice have expanded. Grabowski and his wife Katie had two children, Leo and Grant, and Vita now have clinics in both the Third Ward and Wauwatosa.

Grabowski’s individualized approach to physical therapy makes everyone feel like family. His practice differs from others in that he combines specialized

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therapeutic techniques such as dry needling, massage and assisted stretching with targeted fitness strategies. “Most businesses are either on the fitness side or the medical side,” he says. “We’re like a medically-based gym. We really want to help people who don’t exercise or have never exercised. Many of our clients transition into a fitness program. Long-term, that’s the best thing.”

Vita Fitness & Physical Therapy 451 E. Erie St., 414-272-8482 10460 W. Innovation Dr., Wauwatosa, 414-563-1230 vitamke.com

(left to right) LUCIANA GONZALEZ JENNIFER ZARWELL CHYNNA MARTINS CHRISTIAN SCHNELL

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Newport Healthcare Face of Teen Mental Health Counseling IN 2021, DURING THE COVID PANDEMIC, 37% OF HIGH SCHOOL students reported poor mental health according to the CDC. That number has been on the rise since the early 2000s, with a 60% increase in reports of major depressive episodes between 2007 and 2019.

“Often, parents are struggling to understand what’s going on with their kids,” says Luciana Gonzalez, a director of outpatient services with Newport Healthcare. “Kids are trying to navigate their emotions, the pressures of social media, and they’re trying to find a place to fit in.”

Gonzalez works at Newport Healthcare’s new outpatient program in Pewaukee, treating clients between ages 12 and 17. Newport uses attachment-based family therapy, which involves the young person’s family in

therapy to help build a strong emotional support system that will last after their treatment ends. Concerned parents can bring their child to Newport for a consultation, and if they believe their child would benefit, Newport offers a full-day therapy program or a three-hour-per-day option.

“We tailor it to the individual – it’s not a cookie-cutter approach,” says Gonzalez.

“Our goal is to give them the tools they need to be the best that they can be.”

Newport Healthcare N19 W24101 Riverwood Dr., Suite 200, Waukesha, 414-895-5083 newporthealthcare.com

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(left to right) JAKIM JONES, Co-Owner, Golden Path Trucking Inc. NICOSIA KING, Owner, Golden Path MIYA ROBERTSON, House Manager, Golden Path Senior Living SHONTOEVIA TAYLOR, Case Manager, Golden Path Home Care

Nicosia King Face of Milwaukee Entrepreneurs NICOSIA KING HAS A KEEN EYE for spotting gaps in Milwaukee’s business market – and stepping in to fill them. She is a wife, mother and serial entrepreneur who established more than 15 companies over the last 12 years. The Milwaukee native’s third job was at a payday loan company. “I wanted more,” King says.

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“I wrote down some goals, and one day I just woke up and put in my two-week notice and never looked back.”

Her career in entrepreneurship began in 2009 with Golden Path Senior Living, followed by Golden Path Home Care in 2013. The two companies have

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(left to right) SHAWNTEL JONES-HENDERSON, Director, Golden Path Organizations BETTY BRACEY, Member, Golden Path Senior Living TILIENE MCGHEE, Scheduler, Golden Path Organizations JAMATHY KING, Asst Director, Golden Path Organizations and Dispatch Manager, GP Lift Rides DEBBIE ALLEN, President, Golden Path Organizations COURTNEY AL’SABKIE, RN Supervisor,Golden Path Organizations

provided seniors with at-home care and assisted living for the decade since. And each Thanksgiving, Golden Path hosts a turkey drive, providing turkeys to the community and families struggling to afford them. “That will never stop unless they stop selling turkeys,” she says. In 2016, King and her husband, Jakim Jones, started GP Trucking Inc., with the first fleet of trucks removing debris, gravel, crushed concrete and more at construction sites, such as Fiserv Forum and Highway 45. That same year, the couple bought foreclosed homes from the city, fixed them up for new residents, and created Golden Path Home Improvement.

King’s latest venture is building an aquaponic farm from scratch on part of the 17 acres of land she bought in Oklahoma – where she has family connections.

“We can really build that area up with a lot of business and jobs,” she says.

This all comes back to one of King’s core missions: to coach people to open their own businesses. By sharing her story – and through training, consulting and mentoring – she hopes to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs.

“Under the Golden Path umbrella, I’ve established many businesses and organizations,” King says. “What makes it all possible is the people that work with me and the clients we serve.”

Golden Path 7577 N. Teutonia Ave., 414-236-5208 goldenpathhomecare.com

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of MKE (left to right) CHARLIE MAY, Drake University REYA BABU, Cornell University JOEY SCUMACI, University of Wisconsin-Madison CAMDEN PERRY, Howard University

The Prairie School Face of College Prep CAMDEN PERRY TRANSFERRED TO THE PRAIRIE SCHOOL as a fourth-grader in 2014 after a family friend recommended the pre-K through grade 12 school for its excellent academics, welcoming atmosphere and supportive student experience.

“Teachers here really push you to be your best self,” says Perry, who graduated from The Prairie School this year. During high school, she served as captain of the track team for two years and a student government representative all four years. She plans to attend Howard University next year to study to be an orthodontist. “I feel like I’m absolutely prepared to go to Washington, D.C., in the fall,” she says.

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With 600 total students, The Prairie School’s class sizes average between 15 and 18 students.

“The teachers are incredibly supportive,” Perry says. “They aren’t just teachers. They’re mentors. They want to see you succeed. No student is left behind.”

The Prairie School 4050 Lighthouse Dr., Wind Point, 262-752-2500 prairieschool.com

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(left to right) BRETT RHODE, MD MICHAEL RACITI, MD DAVID SCHEIDT, OD DANIEL FERGUSON, MD DANIEL PASKOWITZ, MD, PhD

Eye Care Specialists Face of Ophthalmology EYE CARE SPECIALISTS IS AN ESTEEMED LEADER in medical, surgical and laser eye care. Since 1985, more than 200,000 doctors and patients have trusted the Eye Care Specialists team for world-class treatment of virtually every eye concern.

They are front-runners in OCT laser scanning to detect and treat glaucoma and retinal disorders and pacesetters in ultrasonic, no-stitch cataract removal with advanced technology lens implants. Their doctors are also skilled masters in medication injection therapy for macular degeneration and diabetic eye disease.

Eye Care Specialists is nationally renowned for its commitment to increasing public and professional awareness and understanding of eye care concerns – conducting accredited medical conferences and publishing over 1 million free booklets and handouts.

Eye Care Specialists’ practice philosophy reflects the belief that few things are as precious as eyesight. Through teamwork and individual dedication, the team strives to provide every patient with compassionate, quality care using the most advanced technology available.

Eye Care Specialists 633 W. Wisconsin Ave., 414-298-0099 10150 W. National Ave., West Allis, 414-321-7520 2323 N. Mayfair Rd., Wauwatosa, 414-258-4550 eyecarespecialists.net

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(floor, left to right) KATIE RINKA HOLLY GAMBLIN (seated, left to right) ANGELA WANTA SARAH HUGHES JACI RUBEN MARY WRIGHT JORDAN LUKACH BLAKE MCKINNEY MOLLY TRIGGS SASHA NICHOLSON (standing, left to right) SARA JO DEDERICH DJ FRIESCH KRIS MCKINNEY JAY SCHMIDT JANINE WERNER DAVID CRUM ANDREA NELSON

Jay Schmidt Group Face of Real Estate Excellence LAST YEAR, THE JAY SCHMIDT GROUP helped 440 families buy or sell a home in metro Milwaukee.

“I don’t talk about that number to brag,” says Jay Schimdt, a real estate agent and the group’s founder. “It’s to point out that 440 families trusted

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our team. Every one of those transactions is reviewed as a team, which means we’re working together and gaining experience and exposure that no individual agent can get on their own.”

JSG specializes in a concierge real estate experience. Every sales agent at JSG

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of MKE (floor, left to right) SARA CHRISTIAN SOPHIE MILLER (seated, left to right) ANGELA FUNK NICOLE WHEELER MARK FONDOW CELIA DA SILVA KATIE RYAN PLUER LORA CATON DANIELLE FORREST SARAH DUCHOW RACHEL ZACH MAGGIE MEIER (standing, left to right) ELIZABETH RICE ROSS TREFFERT ELLERY MCADAMS ANDREW KLVANA BEV DRUMMAND CARRIE G NICHOLS STEFANI MILLER (not pictured) GAIL GREEN HELEN SAMPSON JACKIE EATON JANICE POWELL JULIA JANSKY NANCY MEEKS TOM BARRETT BILL WERNER

works with a licensed agent partner, who helps with completing contracts, scheduling inspections, scheduling estimates and other crucial details, freeing the agent to focus on the client. Then, JSG uses an on-staff stager, photographer and marketing department to present the home in the best possible light.

“I always like to use the analogy of buying a Cadillac,” Schmidt says.

“You don’t expect the Cadillac salesperson to also change the oil and do the paperwork for the loan. You have a specialist for everything. We’ve built a team with specialists for everything so that it’s a really phenomenal experience for the client.”

With the experience and support of a team behind them, JSG’s agents

are more aware of the state of the market than individual agents and use that expertise to make winning offers.

“We believe that our service should be across all price points,” Schmidt says. “Whether you’re buying a $100,000 house or $10 million house, you have expectations that are going to be met and exceeded when you work with our team.”

Jay Schmidt Group 414-517-7716 jsgmke.com

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Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin Face of Feeding Our Community IN 1982, A 600-POUND DONATION OF APPLES launched Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin. Forty years later, the largest local hunger relief organization in the state distributes close to 53 million pounds of food annually. Those donations reach 35 counties in eastern Wisconsin through a network of nearly 400 pantry partners and meal programs. About 30,000 volunteer hours per year fuel the effort, working out of a 45,000-square-foot campus in Appleton and an 80,000-square-foot campus in Milwaukee.

Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin’s summer fundraising campaign targets children, a segment of the population particularly vulnerable to food insecurity.

One in five children in Wisconsin face hunger, with that number rising during the pandemic. Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin’s goal is to raise enough to provide 1 million meals to children over three months. Green Bay Packers running back AJ Dillon has been a champion for the cause. He is partnering with the organization to promote the campaign to fight childhood hunger.

Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin 1700 W. Fond du Lac Ave., 414-931-7400 feedingamericawi.org

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(left to right) PATTI HABECK, President and CEO SCOTT MARSHALL, Vice President of Development and Communication KORY BIAMI, Warehouse Assistant BRIAN O’NEIL, Volunteer ALYSSA CABREZA, Donor Database Administrator

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(left to right) JOE CHA, third-year student DR. TRACY TERRILL, President HOPE HIXSON, first-year student EULA FERRELL, first-year student

Shepherds College Face of Inclusion FOR PEOPLE WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES in Wisconsin, post-secondary education often wasn’t feasible – until this Union Grove campus opened in 2008.

“We have created this unique learning environment for them with the belief that they will thrive,” says president Dr. Tracy Terrill. “There’s nothing like this anywhere in our country or beyond.” Shepherds College offers job, social and living skills training for students with intellectual and development disabilities, including training in culinary arts, horticulture and technology. Class sizes are between 10 and 15 people on the college’s residential campus, with supervised evening activities offered as well.

During the pandemic, the college pivoted to also offer online programming, like courses in employment skills and personal growth, which it plans to continue in an effort to recruit students from around the country.

“We’re really trying to equip our students, when they leave this campus, to go impact society,” says Terrill.

Shepherds College 1805 15th Ave., Union Grove, 262-878-5620 shepherdscollege.edu

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IAG Wealth Partners Face of Wealth Management LORI WATT FOUNDED IAG WEALTH PARTNERS IN 1985 in Waukesha. In the decades since, it’s grown into a premier wealth management firm in Southeastern Wisconsin, with 30 employees. “The key to growth has been that we focus on hiring really good people who share our values and ethics,” says Watt. “We find out what their strengths are and build around that.”

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Jayme Heineck, a financial advisor, first met Watt at a country club where she was a part-time waitress, taking investment classes on the side. Watt became her mentor, and Heineck joined IAG soon after. Financial advisor and partner Anne Sapienza first became interested in finances after watching her parents plan their financial future when her father had a major health event. For financial advisor

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and chief investment officer Scott Heins, the biggest joy is “coaching clients through life,” he says. “It’s not all financials.” And Debra Melvin, another financial advisor, focuses on helping women through divorce.

“After building this company from scratch, my greatest joy is watching it expand beyond me to this team,” Watt says. “My focus now is on assuring that IAG will continue to serve our clients for generations to come.”

IAG Wealth Partners N19 W24200 Riverwood Dr., Suite 150, Waukesha, 262-446-8150, iagwealthpartners.com Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advice offered through IAG Wealth Partners, LLC, a registered investment advisor and separate entity from LPL Financial.

Jason Ganiere is solely an investment advisor representative of IAG Wealth Partners, LLC, and not affiliated with LPL Financial.

(left to right) SCOTT HEINS JAYME HEINECK RUSTY PETERSON MIKE KOERNER LORI WATT SUSAN KUHLENBECK TOM PETERSON JESSE SINDORF CHRIS MITCHELL JASON GANIERE DEBRA MELVIN MIKE KUTZ ANNE SAPIENZA

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(left to right) NATHAN FIETZ PEG CUMBIE JEFF RATHSACK KELLY KUEHN JIM RATKOWSKI

FLOOR360 Face of Designer Flooring “FLOORING IS THE DESIGN FOUNDATION of any residential or commercial project,” says Kelly Kuehn, the Kashou Design Studio manager at FLOOR360. The design and installation firm offers flooring for new and existing homes and commercial spaces like 3rd Street Market Hall, including luxury vinyl, carpet, tile and hardwood.

In addition to the stellar selection, “the real point of difference is the level of knowledge, skill and craftsmanship we offer that delivers the highest-quality results and satisfaction from our clients,” says Kuehn. “Our beautiful work on stair runners earns us the most praise and keeps our talented team busy traveling all over the state to work on projects.”

This year, FLOOR360 provided a free interior makeover to the Grand Avenue

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Club, a nonprofit that assists people with disabilities, through its partnership with Design for a Difference. The company was also recently named one of the top 50 specialty floor retailers in the nation by Floor Covering Weekly and a top workplace for 2022 by the Wisconsin State Journal. FLOOR360 now installs more floors in new homes than any other flooring company in the state. “Design is our difference,” Kuehn says.

FLOOR360 12500 W. Silver Spring Dr., Butler, 262-646-7811 floor360.com

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(left to right) RICHARD POIRIER, JD, President, Chief Executive Officer PAMELA STAMPEN, Senior Vice President, Chief People Officer

Church Mutual Insurance Company, S.I. Face of Insurance Powered by Purpose 125 YEARS AGO, Church Mutual® began by insuring churches against fire losses.

As the years have passed, its breadth of offerings has expanded to cover other losses and beyond church walls to nonprofits, senior centers, food pantries, housing shelters, schools, camps and more.

“It’s about so much more than insuring the physical spaces,” says Church Mutual Chief People Officer Pam Stampen. “I feel inspired every day, because our goal is to protect our customers so they can continue the important work they do in their communities.”

Founded in Merrill, Wisconsin, the company recently opened a new office in Milwaukee. “Bringing 60-plus jobs to Milwaukee will help us create a more diverse workforce that better reflects the diversity of our customers,” says

Richard Poirier, the president and CEO. Church Mutual’s mission is to protect those who serve and inspire others.

As the company continues expanding, this brings different challenges and opportunities. “One day we’re responding to a wildfire in California, and the next day we’re helping a Latino ministry respond to COVID,” says Poirier. “Ultimately, people matter. That’s the north star we follow.”

Church Mutual Insurance Company, S.I. 3000 Schuster Ln., Merrill, 715-536-5577 churchmutual.com

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Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design Face of Art & Design Education MILWAUKEE INSTITUTE OF ART & DESIGN’S student population has grown 50% over the past five years. The graduating class of 2022 is the largest in the school’s history. “That’s not a typical story in higher education,” says the college’s president, Jeff Morin. “On the horizon, there’s more and more

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interest in careers in art and design.”

This growth is due, in part, to MIAD’s ongoing expansion beyond traditional fine arts to include product design, interior architecture, communication design, illustration, animation and other evolving fields.

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People are most familiar with our robust fine arts program,” says Morin. “Whenever I give a tour of the college, people are surprised to learn that three-fourths of our students major in a design field.” One such field is MIAD’s new animation track, in which students learn to create 2D and 3D animation, as well as virtual reality and video game animation. The college is also exploring the launch of a fashion and apparel-design program, with a textile lab already built.

“Milwaukee has always had a community of folks interested in this type of work,” says Morin. “While 50% of our students come from out of state, four out of five MIAD students stay local for their first job. We’re bringing people into Milwaukee’s creative pipeline.”

(left to right) JEFF MORIN, President JENNA SLABE, Interior Architecture and Design ISABELLE KERN, Communication Design JOSH HORTH, Product Design LOGAN SMITH, Product Design MICHAEL GARCIA-KRAPFL, Illustration MAYBELIN GARCIA ROMERO, Communication Design BEN HERBERT, NSP: Fine Arts TAJ POLLARD, NSP: Fine Arts

Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design 273 E. Erie St., 888-749-6423, miad.edu

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(left to right) ANYA REPPA WILLIAM BAKER GRACE WALTERS LIAM METZEN

Milwaukee Montessori School Face of Montessori Education IN APRIL OF THIS YEAR, Milwaukee Montessori School hosted an international drone racing competition that brought over 60 drone pilots to the city. MMS’ middle-school Drone Lab students helped put the event together using experience they gained from years of learning to code, program and most recently, fly drones themselves. For fourth to eighth graders at MMS, drone racing is just one of the recent additions to their school’s cutting-edge curriculum.

“Programming is the new liberal arts,” says Monica Van Aken, MMS’ Head of School. MMS is the only school in the metro area that offers extensive programming, drone racing and similar technology-based classes to elementary and middle school students. “Our students learn to animate in 3D, they design their own video games, create animated films, and code using many programs including Python. Rather than just being consumers of technology, our mission is for MMS students to become creators of new technologies. MMS is the only school in the nation to win the National STEM Challenge in Game Design three times.”

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But it’s not all tech all the time at MMS. Students engage in competence-based learning in all subjects. That means they don’t move to the next level in a subject until they’ve mastered the previous one. The approach has yielded results, with 20% of MMS eighth-graders finishing pre-calculus before graduating to high school, and the other 80% completing Algebra 1 by the end of seventh grade. “If you’re constantly making sure that kids have an understanding of what they’re working on, they learn faster,” Van Aken says. “Once they’ve mastered the content, they move quickly into advanced classes. Ultimately, that’s the gateway into the highly competitive colleges and universities.”

Milwaukee Montessori School 345 N. 95th St., 414-259-0370, milwaukee-montessori.org

(left to right) MARIA STEINGART KRISTEN BENTRUP JESSICA FORSTON EMILY CLINARD

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Fringe Interior Design & Home Furnishings Face of Your Favorite Furniture Store THE BEST FURNITURE OFFERS MORE than just style or quality; it’s an extension of how our time is spent and the things we appreciate most.

Quality craftsmanship and smart design are at the center of our favorite spaces. Fringe’s showroom allows clients to experience the character and comfort of each piece for themselves, while inspiring the creative process of selection and design.

You will always find an array of beautiful furniture in the showroom, but Fringe also offers a variety of benefits to those considering using an interior design service. Simply put, the team at Fringe has the experience to know what

to do and how to do it. They believe great design is achieved by pushing people out of their comfort zone and seeing things from a new perspective. Their expert guidance will allow you to get the look you want, with functionality that works with your lifestyle and budget.

Fringe Interior Design & Home Furnishings 133 E. Silver Spring Dr., Whitefish Bay, 414-332-0400 fringeinteriordesign.com

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(left to right) JON EAST BRIAN SAMMONS

Twisted Path Distillery Face of Distilling BRIAN SAMMONS STARTED HIS CAREER IN WASHINGTON D.C., working in counterterrorism for the CIA and Department of Defense. After attending UW-Madison law school while on leave from his job, his life took a sudden turn. He met his future wife and decided that he wanted to settle down and start a family here in Wisconsin. Knowing there wouldn’t be many CIA-type jobs available in the Dairy State, he found work as a prosecutor in the Milwaukee County District Attorney’s office. Meanwhile, he spent his nights and weekends developing a new interest – distilling liquor.

“I’m very much a do-it-yourself type,” says Sammons. Growing more serious about the hobby, he built his own equipment and patented a distilling process. As he started to see success in his new effort, he decided to go all out and open his own distillery in 2013. When it came time to choose

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a name, he thought about how he had gotten here.

“Follow your own twisted path,” he says, became his mantra and business name.

Twisted Path products now include Chai Liqueur, white and dark rum, vodka, Twisted Bloody Vodka, and a limited-edition whiskey only available in Sammons’ Lincoln Warehouse tasting room. You can also find Twisted Path drinks at retailers and bars in and around Wisconsin.

Twisted Path Distillery 2018 S. First St., 414-405-8900 twistedpathdistillery.com

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Pat Bolger Realty Group Face of Lake Country Living PAT BOLGER SOLD $43 million in real estate in 2020 – including 46 homes in Lake Country, one of the most in-demand markets in Southeastern Wisconsin – roughly 10 times that of an average real estate agent in Wisconsin.

Bolger is a Lake Country native, growing up in Oconomowoc. After attending UW-Milwaukee, he took a job with a firm in Wauwatosa and quickly became one of its top selling agents. In 2008, he started the Pat Bolger Realty Group, with a focus on real estate in his home region. In 2021, Bolger was approached by Berkshire Hathaway and opened the first Berkshire office in Lake Country. With a team of agents and associates, the firm has grown into a top producing realty group in Lake Country.

“Our customers’ happiness is the key to our success,” Bolger says. He also attributes his success, in part, to his firm’s marketing ability. He uses professional photography, videography and staging to position his homes for sale. “My clients are my partners,” he says. “After all, it’s their home and their money. We get the job done together. Their success is my success.”

Pat Bolger Realty Group 2574 Sun Valley Dr., Delafield 262-313-8797 patbolger.com

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(left to right) KEVIN APEL LAUREN THICKE JENNIFER ZUERN JOEL NELSON JEFF VAN DE HEY

Zuern Building Products & Design Center Face of Windows and Doors WHEN YOU WALK INTO a Zuern Building Products and Design Center showroom, you won’t see freestanding windows and door displays – you’ll see real walls, designed in full like you’d see in a home.

“I call them vignettes,” says Jeff Van De Hey from Zuern. “We use real siding, interior and exterior finishes, furniture and so on. They have the look and feel of a real home.” And when it comes time to make a purchase, the homeowner or builder meets with one of Zuern’s design consultants, who reviews their plans and makes recommendations both for design and function.

“It’s important that the home looks good and captures the design intent, but it’s also important that the home functions,” Van De Hey says. “We talk about air circulation, about the views you want to capture from inside as well.”

Zuern has five showrooms – in Allenton, Cedarburg, Delafield, Franklin and

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Watertown – and supplies a full line of building materials to homeowners and remodelers. “Our attention to detail sets us apart,” Van De Hey says. “We put a lot of effort into creating a welcoming showroom with the latest products. But above all, we’re focused on getting our customers the right product for their homes.”

Zuern Building Products & Design Center 426 Railroad St., Allenton, 262-629-5551 N144 W5800 Pioneer Rd., Cedarburg, 262-375-9400 3700 Hillside Dr., Delafield; 608-271-8002 9545 S. 80th St., Franklin, 414-529-9770 1800 S. Church St., Watertown, 920-261-5676 zuerns.com

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(left to right) CANNON GRABER WILL ROSE LUKE REPETTI AARON HOPGOOD LISA CAESAR

Nō Studios Face of Activist Art AFTER JOHN RIDLEY WON the best adapted screenplay Oscar in 2014 for writing 12 Years a Slave, he wanted to give back to his hometown of Milwaukee. He spoke with his sister, Lisa Caesar, about how to do that. Caesar had worked on Wall Street for years, and her finance background complemented her brother’s in the arts. Together they landed on the idea for Nō Studios, a collaborative space that centers artists and fosters the creative community.

They partnered with Chris Abele to acquire a former Pabst Brewing building on McKinley Avenue. They added a first-floor gallery, a performance stage, a screening room and theater, co-working spaces and a rooftop bar with a phenomenal view.

“We wanted to build a destination for creatives,” Caesar says. Nō Studios officially opened in 2018. The studio offers three tiers of memberships: a club membership that grants access to the rooftop, event and production services

discounts; a co-working membership that allows access to the co-working spaces and the rooftop; and a membership for organizations that grants unlimited access to all people in the organization. Nō Studios also puts on annual Social Justice Summit and Art Activated series, melding art and activism.

“I’ve never seen anything like Nō Studios before,” Caesar says. “We’re integrating all these components: membership, networking opportunities, production services. We’re creating this unique community, both physically and online, centered around artists and creativity.”

Nō Studios 1037 W. McKinley Ave., 414-226-6516 nostudios.com

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(left to right) JESSE DRAGE, Senior Vice President, Retirement Plan Consulting Team Leader; SCOTT HOENE, Senior Relationship Manager; BARB KOESTER, Senior Relationship Manager; TYLER SLAGHT, Retirement Plan Consultant; ROB BISHOP, Senior Vice President, Retirement Plan Services Manager

Associated Bank Face of Retirement Plan Solutions JESSE DRAGE KNOWS that the right advice on savings and investing can change a person’s life. Drage, a senior vice president at Associated Bank and retirement plan consulting team leader, helps companies design employer-sponsored retirement plans. He points out the problem of the “retirement savings gap” – many older employees don’t realize they’ve fallen short in saving enough to retire until it’s too late.

Drage and his team provide consulting, investment management, record keeping, compliance and administrative services to area companies so that their employees, with the right advice, won’t fall victim to that mistake.

“It’s a very rewarding feeling when you know those improvements

can lead to people having a more secure retirement,” says Drage, who works with companies of all sizes.“There is no magic bullet to solving the retirement savings gap. It’s best tackled through a combination of initiatives that range from raising awareness to providing resources to address other financial stressors that are preventing greater savings.

It’s about designing a plan that capitalizes on what we know about how people behave.”

Associated Bank 414-278-1815, AssociatedBank.com

Investment, Securities and Insurance Products: NOT FDIC INSURED | NOT BANK GUARANTEED | MAY LOSE VALUE | NOT INSURED BY ANY FEDERAL AGENCY | NOT A DEPOSIT Associated Bank and Associated Bank Private Wealth are marketing names AB-C uses for products and services offered by its affiliates. Securities and investment advisory services are offered by Associated Investment Services, Inc. (AIS), member FINRA/SIPC; insurance products are offered by licensed agents of AIS; deposit and loan products and services are offered through Associated Bank, N.A. (ABNA); investment management, fiduciary, administrative and planning services are offered through Associated Trust Company, N.A. (ATC); and Kellogg Asset Management, LLC® (KAM) provides investment management services to AB-C affiliates. AIS, ABNA, ATC, and KAM are all direct or indirect, wholly-owned subsidiaries of AB-C. AB-C and its affiliates do not provide tax, legal or accounting advice, please consult with your advisors regarding your individual situation. (6/22) P06733

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Carroll University Face of Nursing Education WHEN ASKED WHAT SETS Carroll University apart

(left to right) LORI MAGESTRO, Clinical Assistant Professor of Nursing and Program Director of ADN MEGAN HOLZ, Clinical Assistant Professor and Clinical Simulation Director JAMIE HANSEN, Clinical Associate Professor of Nursing

from other nursing programs, Teresa Kaul, the chair of the department of nursing, has a quick answer. “We’re ranked number one in Wisconsin,” she says. The university boasts a 96.3% pass rate for the NCLEX exam to become a registered nurse, the highest in the state.

“I think really it comes down to our dedicated faculty,” Kaul says. “They put a lot of time and investment in our students. That all goes into their success, not only on that test, but certainly as a nurse. And that’s really what’s most important – we’re graduating skilled, competent nurses.”

Carroll offers a two-year associate degree and a four-year bachelor’s in nursing. And most recently, the university added a master’s of science in nursing for people who already have a bachelor’s.

“Having this professional education instilled in a liberal arts curriculum really prepares students to not only be competent professionals, but great citizens of the world.” Kaul says.

Carroll University 100 N. East Ave., Waukesha, 262-547-1211 carrollu.edu

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Wisconsin State Fair Face of Festivals SHARI BLACK HAS SPENT HER WHOLE LIFE

working state and county fairs. As a kid, she raised and showed swine and heifers at the Waukesha County Fair, and then heifers at the Wisconsin State Fair. An internship at the Waukesha County Fair soon blossomed into being named executive director at only 23 years old. Now Black is starting a new role as the CEO of the Wisconsin State Fair.

“I wake up every day excited to go to work,” she says. “We’re really looking forward to getting back to a normal fair this year.”

This year – the fair’s 171st since it debuted in 1851 – the fair is introducing new vendors like Camp Bar and WurstBar. And on Aug. 9, the popular “Crazy Grazin’ Day” continues. “It’s a great way to sample many dishes in smaller portion sizes,” says Black, who also highlights the Discovery Barnyard and a Japanese garden in Exploratory Park as must-dos at this year’s event.

“We’re creating memories and making fun for people to enjoy,” she says. “We’re planning an 11-day party for nearly a million people.”

Wisconsin State Fair 640 S. 84th St., West Allis, 414-266-7000 wistatefair.com

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(left to right) COLIN PLANT BROOKE SHAWVER BELLA ENGLESON LAURA MORRO

Canni Hemp Co. Face of Hemp Wellness COLIN PLANT, ONCE A LOCAL MUSICIAN, opened Canni Hemp Co. in Walker’s Point in 2018. “I thought about my mom, my grandmother and members of my family, and didn’t want them to walk into a store with paraphernalia,” says Plant. As a result, Canni Hemp Co. bucks that stereotypical look and is instead designed like a contemporary luxury boutique.

Under the Canni line, Plant partners with two Wisconsin-based processers to make CBD tinctures and topicals. He also carries CBD and cannabis products from other Wisconsin-based retailers. “It’s important that we’re looking to our community of growers, cultivators and processors to stock our shelves,” Plant says. As a local musician, cannabis “assisted with my focus, inspiration and clarity.

I want to be there for members of the community with a natural, holistic way to deal with some of these issues.”

Plant has many major changes in mind for Canni’s next year, including adding a rentable event space outside, which will host local markets and live music, along with Milwaukee’s first kava bar, brewing Hawaii-sourced kava as an alcohol alternative.

Canni Hemp Co. 810 S. Fifth St., 414-488-9319 cannihempco.com

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(left to right) CHRIS ZAJDEL, Owner ALEX COLQUE, MD, Owner

Skiin Anti-Aging Lounge Face of Body Sculpting SKIIN ANTI-AGING LOUNGE IS CELEBRATING 10 YEARS of serving Southeastern Wisconsin. Over the decade in business, co-owner and founder Chris Zajdel has seen guests returning time after time, trusting the team she has assembled for Skiin’s broad range of services.

“We have everything from advanced skin care to dermatology to plastic surgery. To have all three in-house is very rare,” Zajdel says.

She knows that people have many choices of providers and respond to specials and promotions, but she says “when it comes to your skin health, I’m not sure we want to be trusting low prices and specials.” Using one provider for multiple services allows guest to reliably track their results and trust in the quality and the outcome over time.

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Dr. Alex Colque, a board-certified plastic surgeon with Skiin, works with each patient to develop individualized surgical and non-surgical programs to address specific needs in all things plastic surgery from head to toe. Skiin also offers its national award-winning Skiinsider membership program with loyalty benefits, such as monthly oxygen treatments, invites to VIP events and special pricing on retail products and services, particularly Botox and fillers.

Skiin Anti-Aging Lounge 21675 E. Moreland Blvd., Waukesha, 262-657-5446 lovemyskiin.com

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(left to right) MEGAN HUSE, Vice President of Development LORY BOWMAN, Vice President of Marketing & Communications KENDRA WHITLOCK INGRAM, President & CEO KATIE DILLOW, Vice President of Finance & Administration

Marcus Performing Arts Center Face of Women in Performing Arts THE MARCUS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER has been a nexus for cultural events in Milwaukee since 1969, and now it’s looking to do even more.

“In addition to showcasing the work of our resident partners, we have greatly expanded our presented work and are focused on offering a diverse mix of programming and artists,” says Lory Bowman, Marcus Center’s vice president of marketing and communications. A few examples from this past season include Black Violin, Hiplet Ballerinas and Ballet Folklorico, as well as the return of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, for their first Milwaukee engagement in 20 years.

Under Marcus Center President and CEO Kendra Whitlock Ingram’s leadership, Marcus Center committed to having at least 30% of MPAC Presents annual programming dedicated to BIPOC artists and has exceeded that goal. That is

just one pillar of Marcus Center’s Racial Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (REDI) initiatives. The Center also launched a new student matinee program directed at young people. “Seeing kids experience live performances – some for the very first time - totally inspires us,” says Bowman. “As a non-profit arts organization, we have a duty not just to entertain, but to educate, inspire and expose our audiences to experiences they might not have anywhere else. We have an amazing team and much more ahead.”

Marcus Performing Arts Center 929 N. Water St., 414-273-7206, marcuscenter.org

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(left to right, from front row to back) JOHN HARMS, YVETTE MURGUIA, JUAN RODRIGUEZ, JACKIE PORTZ, TIM BROERMAN, DAVE POULSON, MELISSA BLOUNT, JIM LARCHEID, TERRENCE FITCH

Associated Bank Face of Residential Lending IF YOU’RE TAKING OUT A MORTGAGE on a house or condo, Associated Bank is ready to help.

“By far, the best part of our work is the delight of helping people purchase

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or build their new house, to hear how they felt walking over their new threshold for the first time,” says Ann Spencer, senior vice president and director of retail sales. “In addition to our talented loan officers, behind the

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(left to right, from front row to back) TAMARA CASTLE, ANGELA HAUSMANN, ANN SPENCER, NICHOLE STERN, SANDRA GONZALEZ, DOUG GRAY, CHRIS BLACKWOOD, EDUARDO HERRERA-MIER, SAM BREKKE

scenes there’s a customer-focused team devoted to fulfilling expectations and communicating statuses along the way. Orchestrating the right mix of people and technology helps with the end goal of making a complicated process look easy.”

Spencer works with a tight-knit team. They have decades of mortgage-lending experience and are armed with the skill set to explain loan options and guide customers through the process. Associated Bank offers a wide array of loans. “Many lenders have access to FNMA, government and portfolio niche programs, but not all under one roof,” says Spencer.

After a home purchase closes, the majority of our loans are serviced by

Associated Bank, so customers with questions can contact Associated Bank instead of another company. “From low-down-payment loans with down payment assistance options to high-net- worth and construction lending, Associated Bank offers solutions to meet our customers’ diverse needs,” says Spencer.

Associated Bank Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.

866-536-3222, associatedbank.com

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