Milwaukee Magazine | FACES 2023 Part 2 by Milwaukee Magazine

PART 2

PHOTOS BY LINDA SMALLPAGE, BOUTIQUE PHOTOGRAPHER

Scout Mustard

FACE of MUSTARD

EVERY EASTER when Luke Eshleman was a kid, his mom would make the most delicious mustard he’d ever tasted. “As a family, we were just so pumped for this mustard every year,” Eshleman says. “When I got a bit older, I thought, ‘Why are we only getting this once a year?’”

He asked his mom for the old family recipe, which she gave him enthusiastically. In the years afterward, he made the mustard for family and friends, who often said that he should bottle it. Eventually, after enough people told him the same thing – and he saw the mustard’s potential – he did just that. He started Scout Mustard Co., bottling the unbeatable recipe his family had passed down to him, one jar at a time.

The company started just prior to the pandemic, with Eshleman renting out kitchen space on nights and weekends at From Scratch Catering and selling his wares out of Frannie’s Market, both in Cedarburg. After a yearlong rebranding effort with local designer Jim Kennelly, Scout Mustard has just relaunched into specialty stores and grocery stores across Wisconsin and the Midwest.

“It’s not your typical mustard; it’s a provision of sorts,” Eshleman says. “It could be on a charcuterie board or a sandwich, at a house party or on a boat up north. Wherever you may be, you’re going to want a jar handy.” It’s a product made for meat, beer and cheese lovers, but it also feels right at home with oysters, wine and champagne. “Scout’s value lies not only in its taste and versatility, but in its ability to create loyalists – folks buy it because it’s delicious and it goes with everything, and what’s more Midwestern than that?”

Eshleman adds, “Pair Scout with a homemade ham sandwich, a High Life and a Packers win on a crisp fall Sunday – and you have reached darn near perfection.” You can always buy Scout online and at its home store, Frannie’s Market, in Cedarburg.

Scout Mustard

sales@scoutmustard.com; scoutmustard.com

Rite-Hite, C.D. Smith, EUA

Rite-Hite: 414-355-2600

ritehite.com

C.D. Smith: 920-924-2900

EUA: 414-271-5350

Warped Studios FACE of AERIAL DANCE

“WHEN YOU BECOME AN ADULT, you don’t often get the chance to hang upside down and swing,” says Maria Hackbarth, the f7ounder and owner of Warped Studios in Walker’s Point.

The aerial dance studio offers folks just that opportunity. Warped Studio’s aerial dance classes – available for both adults and children – are unlike any other fitness activity around. Participants are hoisted up with bungees and cables for an intense dance workout. The aerial twirls and stretches strengthen your core, improve flexibility, better your circulation and more –and they can be fun as well.

“Sometimes people will say, ‘Oh, I can’t do that,’” says Hackbarth. “I tell them that my oldest client is 88 years old – and she has so much fun and gets a great workout.”

Hackbarth, who has decades of dance experience, founded Warped Studios as Warped Dance Company in 2007. The company toured locally and around the world, performing in Switzerland, Chile and more. In 2015, Hackbarth opened a studio in Sheboygan and started hosting dance classes. She brought Warped’s unique aerial dance classes southward in November of 2021, opening her new Milwaukee location in the former home of the Milwaukee Ballet. Catherine Hughes is Warped Studios’ assistant director

at the Milwaukee location, and she produced the studios’ first student aerial showcase in June. “I’m honored to be in a position where I can help Milwaukee students grow and learn,” Hughes says.

On top of offering aerial fitness and dance classes, Hackbarth also continues to run Warped’s professional and pre-professional dance company, putting on shows throughout the year. This December, Warped will perform How the Grinch Stole Cirquemas! The dance company is also available to hire for corporate events, birthday parties, outdoor festivals and other occasions.

“It’s been very exciting to grow our Milwaukee location,” Hackbarth says. “In the future we’re planning to offer more youth classes, as well as ballet, contemporary dance and other options. We’re looking forward to continuing to expand.”

Warped Studios

504 W. National Ave. 919 N. 14th St., Sheboygan 414-573-0964 warped-studios.com

Humane Animal Welfare Society

FACE of LIVING HUMANE

THE HUMANE ANIMAL WELFARE SOCIETY is the only animal shelter in the metro Milwaukee area that is both open admission and no-kill. HAWS welcomes any animal regardless of breed or behavioral issues, and thousands of animals are adopted from HAWS every year.

HAWS also puts on dozens of educational programs each year, teaching children about animal welfare and encouraging adoptions. In 2021, HAWS opened the Schallock Center for Animals in Delafield, an expansive new location where it hosts camps, field trips and classes.

Sara Plautz spends her days working a demanding job as a senior account manager, but in her spare time, she devotes herself to her passion – caring for animals. As one of HAWS’ 13 Emerging Leaders, she is a brand ambassador for the shelter and volunteers at dozens of events. Every December, she hosts a “Pictures with Santa” fundraiser to help raise money for the shelter.

HAWS’ Emerging Leaders help plan events, host the shelter’s mobile

adoption team, work with the organization as a whole to fundraise, create volunteering opportunities, and of course, spend plenty of time caring for animals. They also receive professional development from HAWS’ staff to grow their careers as well.

“Our Emerging Leaders are an energetic crew that truly live humane,” says Jennifer Smieja, HAWS’ communications specialist. “‘Live humane’ is HAWS’ rallying cry: Animals continually show compassion and empathy – and we follow their lead!”

Humane Animal Welfare Society 701 Northview Rd., Waukesha 262-542-8851 hawspets.org

(left to right) HAWS Emerging Leaders ROYCE HIX SUBURBAN DRYWALL SARA PLAUTZ CJ & ASSOCIATES MARK HACKETT U.S. BANK

Greenfield Veterinary Clinic

FACE of HEALTHY PETS

DANA

PARVIN

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(left to right) KATIE

NATALIE

BROOKE (front and center)

BILLY CLINIC CAT

GREENFIELD VETERINARY CLINIC HAS BEEN A STAPLE in animal care in the metro Milwaukee area for 47 years. The small business has been owned and operated by husband-and-wife team Dr. James Work and Parvin Work since the late ’90s. Parvin is the clinic’s business manager, while Dr. Work is a veterinarian with over four decades of experience in the field.

“We’re a family-owned practice,” Dr. Work says. “We’re not a corporate practice – when you come here you feel like you’re part of our family. And with all the years of experience our team has, people are comfortable and confident bringing their animals to us.”

Earlier this year, the clinic finished a major expansion which added nearly 1,000 square feet, including a new exam room, surgery room, dental room and more. Greenfield Veterinary Clinic regularly upgrades its equipment and has a state-of-the-art digital x-ray machine, surgical laser, a therapy laser, endoscope, human-grade ultrasound, thermographic camera and a full in-house laboratory.

Dr. Work has extensive experience in surgeries, and the clinic also has a team of four other veterinarians – Dr. Christian Taylor, who just celebrated 20 years at the clinic; Dr. Amanda Schellinger; Dr. Kimberlyn Warkoczewski; and Dr. Brad Wahlgren, the most recent addition to the team, who joined the practice this year. The entire staff prides itself on providing exceptional service and quality, affordable care for the many animals it helps.

“We have a culture of caring here, in addition to our medical excellence,” Parvin says. “Our strength is in our team and our first obligation is always to our clients and their animals.”

Greenfield Veterinary Clinic 5981 S. 27th St., Greenfield, 414-282-5230, greenfieldpetvet.com (left to right) DR. AMANDA SCHELLINGER DR. BRAD WAHLGREN DR. KIMBERLYN WARKOCZEWSKI DR. CHRISTIAN TAYLOR

The Florentine Opera FACE of OPERA

Step into a new artistic era as the leadership team at the Florentine Opera, a 90-year-old institution, breathes fresh life into classic works, reimagining them through translation, reinvention and relevant settings. Maggey Oplinger and Francesco Milioto, with their global connections, form the driving force behind the Florentine Opera’s new face in Milwaukee. Their visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to curating opera that Milwaukee will love infuse every aspect of the Florentine’s performances with fun.

“The joy of revisiting favorites and infusing them with a bit of Milwaukee and a bit of the world comes from creating something classic and new at the same time,” says Oplinger, the Florentine’s General Director and CEO. “Opera newbies and veterans should both experience surprise and delight at our performances. We build them that way.”

The 2023-24 season is fittingly titled “With a Twist.” Oplinger, along with the Florentine’s newly appointed Music Director, Milioto, are bringing top talent from around the world to Milwaukee to put on an exciting series of innovative productions. This season’s most anticipated performance is the culmination of a three-year partnership with the Bronzeville Community. Working with Bronzeville expert Sheri Williams Pannell, Milioto is conducting Bronzeville Bohème, the classic Puccini opera set in Milwaukee’s 1940s-era

Bronzeville neighborhood, featuring the thriving African American “city within our city,” over the rich musicality of Puccini’s score.

Oplinger and Milioto have known each other for over 20 years, having studied around the world together, before finally joining forces at the Florentine. That breadth of experience and global perspective are clear influences on the Florentine’s upcoming season. For just one example: in May, they’re bringing María de Buenos Aires to Turner Hall. The sensual Spanish tango opera, set in the Argentinian capital, brings a new musical style to the Florentine’s stage.

“I am very excited to continue collaborating with world- class talent at the Florentine Opera and to keep pushing to surpass our loyal audience’s expectations and captivate new audiences alike,” says Milioto.

The Florentine Opera

205 W. Highland Ave., Suite 201 414-291-5700

florentineopera.org

(left to right)

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MAGGEY OPLINGER GENERAL DIRECTOR AND CEO FRANCESCO MILIOTO MUSIC DIRECTOR

Two Men and a Truck FACE of MOVING

LISA PALEY BEGAN WORKING AT TWO MEN AND A TRUCK

23 years ago as a part-time bookkeeper for the Madison-area franchise. What began as a paycheck quickly sparked a passion – Lisa took on more responsibility and was promoted to general manager. In 2021, she became president and part owner of the seven-location franchise group, including Milwaukee.

Paley is just one example of the TWO MEN AND A TRUCK mission to “move people forward.” The company prides itself on creating a strong, supportive culture for team members and offering opportunities for them to move forward in their careers. In fact, 75% of TWO MEN AND A TRUCK managers start out working in frontline jobs with the company. The most recent franchise owner, Cody Napoli, joined Paley’s Milwaukee franchise as an assistant operations manager at age 24. Two years later, at the urging of Paley, Napoli applied for and won a national company scholarship, allowing him to open his own franchise this year in Fond du Lac.

“When someone joins our workforce, we take the time to learn about them, find out who they are, where they want to be, what their skills are, and how we can help them move in the direction they want to go,” Paley says.

“People come to us looking for a job and find a career.”

When it comes to working with clients, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK follows their “Grandma Rule” – treating every customer as they would their own grandmother. “We try to live up to our reputation as the ‘Movers Who Care®,’” Paley says. “We know that moving can be a stressful time, and we’re here to empathize with our customers, help them and make their transitions easier.”

The company seeks to innovatively create the best possible move experience for its customers. Sometimes that means adding new services. This month, Paley’s Milwaukee franchise group joins an elite national pilot program to roll out junk removal as its own brand – TWO MEN AND A JUNK TRUCK®. Keep your eyes open for new trucks on the streets!

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK 11800 W. Burleigh St., Wauwatosa 414-209-3256 twomenmilwaukee.com

European Wax Center FACE of WAXING

EUROPEAN WAX CENTER IS THE LARGEST and fastest-growing waxing franchise in the United States. The center performs over 22 million services every year and has two locations in the metro Milwaukee area.

“Whoever you are, you deserve to feel confident. You deserve to feel smooth. You deserve to feel yourself,” says Alexandria Mowbray, the director of operations for European Wax Center in Wisconsin. “My favorite part about working for European Wax Center is our incredible culture and community. At each location, you can feel the passion radiating from each wax specialist.”

European Waxing Center uses a specially formulated Comfort Wax that makes the process efficient and relatively painless, and it also offers a line of products to extend the results for longer. It offers Brazilian, brow, body and facial hair waxing services, along with waxing for men, brow tints and more. The team of wax specialists provides personalized wax treatments tailored to the needs of each person.

The company was also certified by Great Place to Work, a firm that surveys workplace culture and certifies value-driven workplaces that support their employees. European Wax Center adheres to four core values: “We care about each other, we do the right thing, we delight our guests and we have fun while being awesome.”

“Our waxers prioritize every guest by providing an incomparable experience for anyone who wants to walk in and strut out,” says Mowbray. “What are you waiting for? Give yourself the gift of revealing your beautiful skin.”

(left to right) SARAH MALEC REGIONAL WAX TRAINER ALEXANDRIA MOWBRAY DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS EWC WI NINOSHKA DESARDEN-TORRES PEER TRAINER

European Wax Center N92 W16131 Falls Parkway, Menomonee Falls | 262-295-7700 10994 N. Port Washington Rd., Mequon | 262-404-7100 waxcenter.com

Krause Funeral Home & Cremation Services

FACE of END-OF-LIFE PLANNING & SERVICES

MARK KRAUSE IS THE THIRD GENERATION of Krauses to lead the family business. With four Milwaukeearea locations, Krause Funeral Homes is Wisconsin’s largest funeral service provider. In recent years, Krause is most proud of how his business has embraced diverse cultures in funeral celebrations.

“Our staff is very diversified. We’ve broken through many barriers a lot of funeral homes struggle with,” Krause says. “Funeral homes tend to be very entrenched in how they’ve always done things. Businesses that don’t evolve and change become dinosaurs.”

Krause Funeral Home offers both religious and non-religious funerals. To host more celebratory events honoring one’s life, Krause began offering drinks and food at services, while also including touches like personalized music and photo slideshows. Krause also now offers a therapy dog (a Portuguese water dog named Bennie), and livestreaming for all services.

“My goal is to get rid of the grim, old funeral,” Krause says. “Our job is to make the difficult time a little bit easier.”

Krause Funeral Home & Cremation Services

W. Brown Deer Rd., 414-377-4121 9000 W. Capitol Dr., 414-326-9781 21600 W. Capitol Dr., Brookfield, 262-395-7476 12401 W. National Ave., New Berlin, 262-395-7468 krausefuneralhome.com SPONSORED CONTENT AUGUST 2023 | 105

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Wilke Wealth & Investment Planning

FACE of FINANCIAL PLANNING

WILKE WEALTH’S REPUTATION IS ITS GREATEST ASSET. The firm attributes its growth over the last few years to referrals from clients based on their experiences with the team.

Specializing in financial planning for medical professionals, high-level executives and business owners, Wilke Wealth understands the importance of having a detailed plan – customizing the planning experience for their clients.

“We take the time to get to truly know our clients,” says Melinda Wilke, the firm’s founder. “We have an extremely capable team who helps our clients

create and protect what they want for the future. We partner with them and their families to learn what their goals are, and what they want out of life. Our team asks thoughtful questions, challenges and digs deeper to ensure we’re able to show our clients their dreams coming to life through a detailed plan. We show them where their financial plan is, and what is possible, with a roadmap to obtain the goals and dreams they have told us about.”

In April, Wilke Wealth moved to a new location in Franklin. Wilke notes the larger, open and newly remodeled office helps contribute to the firm’s unique culture and how they work with their clients. “We truly care about

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The Flannel Fox FACE of LIFESTYLE STORES

MARK AND MELYSSA BAUER HAD A BIG YEAR IN 2020 – they were engaged in February, married in October, and in between, they opened The Flannel Fox together. Mark had managed No Boundaries, a boutique in Boulder Junction, for over a decade, and when he and Melyssa got engaged, they decided that they wanted to run a new store together in Wauwatosa, their new home.

Inspired by Wisconsin’s up north aesthetic, they opened The Flannel Fox, the only lifestyle boutique in Wauwatosa Village with men’s clothing. The store also sells women’s clothing, accessories, rustic home decor and gifts – all united around a Northwoods theme, with an urban twist.

“The store is very cozy,” Melyssa says. “When you walk in, it feels like what you might see and feel in a cabin up north, but with a contemporary look.”

You’ll find durable, high-quality apparel, fashionable looks, and special pieces for hiking and fishing. The Bauers work with about a dozen vendors from around the state to provide unique items, such as jewelry from Maebel, a small, Milwaukee-area handmade jewelry and accessories brand; and See You on the Trail, a Waukesha-based artisan brand making handcrafted wooden maps of state and national parks.

“There’s no other store like us in Wauwatosa,” Mark says. “People love what we offer, but it’s also about the feel of the store, that up north vibe.”

The Flannel Fox

7602 Harwood Ave., Wauwatosa, 414-810-1984

flannelfoxtosa.com; Facebook and Instagram: @flannelfoxtosa

Toppers Pizza

FACE of PIZZA

HEADQUARTERED IN WHITEWATER, this pizza company strives to be different – in both its toppings and culture. Targeting college towns and late-night pizza lovers by staying open until the wee hours of midnight to 3 a.m., Toppers prides itself on its selection of toppings, including buffalo chicken, mac ’n’ cheese, tater tots, bacon, Wisconsin cheese curds and the gluten-free cauliflower crust. The company has over 70 locations, 14 of which are in the Milwaukee area.

“Milwaukee is our largest market,” says marketing manager Simona Ebner, “and we’re Wisconsin’s largest pizza company.” The company is invested in building a strong culture for its team members here. Many corporate-office

employees began their careers as delivery drivers and took advantage of Toppers’ leadership and training programs.

“Scott Gittrich, our founder, set up Toppers Pizza to be an alternative to the big-box places,” Ebner says. “We’re just a little more fun.”

Toppers Pizza

262-473-6666 toppers.com

(left to right)

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BEN BONCHER GM, BAY VIEW ERIK PALZEWICZ GM, MILWAUKEE EAST SIDE TINA SZEJNA GM, FOX POINT

Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin FACE of FEEDING OUR COMMUNITY

IN THE SPRING OF 2022, Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin launched its Food Leaders Lab. The hunger relief organization’s program recruits ambassadors from communities around the state for seven-month stretches during which the ambassadors learn about advocacy, networking, food policy and more. The ambassadors meet each month and spend their time outside of those meetings working on projects related to food insecurity, such as developing equitable access to nutritious foods, promoting sustainable salmon harvesting with the Department of Natural Resources, researching food deserts and more.

The first Milwaukee cohort, pictured here, graduated from the Food Leaders Lab in November. The ambassadors have the opportunity to pursue projects related to their individual interests, whether that’s food

deserts, sustainable farming or other topics related to food insecurity. One ambassador, Anita Garrett, attended the White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition and Health in March to discuss ways to address food insecurity. Another ambassador, Maurice Wince, runs the Sherman Park Grocery Store and is now teaching others about food retail and access in food deserts.

“What’s most exciting about the program is seeing our ambassadors’ ideas come to life,” says Maureen Fitzgerald, the organization’s vice president of government relations. “We’re connecting our ambassadors with our wide network so they can come together and make these innovative ideas a reality.”

Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin is the largest local food bank in Wisconsin and serves 35 counties. Last year it provided 33.3 million pounds of food to folks in need, with 36,000 volunteer hours contributing to the

Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin

1700 W. Fond du Lac Ave., 414-931-7400, feedingamericawi.org

(left to right)

Amish Craftsmen Guild FACE

of OUTDOOR

THE AMISH CRAFTSMEN GUILD’S PIONEERING WORK in sustainable, environmentally friendly furniture started with one chair. In the late ’90s, store founders Laura Armstrong-Goss and Del Armstrong were working with an Amish crafter who developed a sensitivity to varnish and could no longer craft wood furniture. So they decided to try using a new material, HDPE – recycled No. 2 plastics. The plastic, made from repurposed jugs, bottles, etc., is known as PolyLumber, and at the time wasn’t used for furniture.

“We weren’t sure where it was going to lead,” Armstrong-Goss says. “It was an experiment with this totally new material. We were bringing the Amish crafting tradition to a modern material that has amazing, environmentally friendly benefits.”

That first chair model turned out to be an outdoor furniture success, and over the next few years, the Amish Craftsmen Guild started to specialize in making versatile, all weather, environmentally friendly plastic furniture.

FURNITURE

Now, the store sells it exclusively. Armstrong-Goss works with artisan Amish craftsmen to build a stock of over 1,500 items from sustainable PolyLumber. The inventory ranges from adirondacks and rocking chairs to patio tables, benches and much more. Plus, they make dining acessories and yard art, like tulips, fish, butterflies and even lawn game equipment like bags – all with that innovative recycled plastic. “It’s been 24 years of learning and creating and perfecting our work,” Armstrong-Goss says.

The store has had several Cedarburg locations before opening its current showroom on Cardinal Avenue in 2019, where it displays dozens of pieces, including kids’ furniture. In 2019, it was named the Most Innovative Company in North America by the Business Excellence Forum, and placed in the top five for Best Retailer in North America in both 2019 and 2020.

In 2020, during the COVID-sparked supply chain crisis, many of the crafters Amish Craftsmen Guild works with didn’t have enough supply of

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particular colors in PolyLumber to create the usual inventory pieces. So in a pivot, using what limited materials were available, the “Surprise Chair” was created, a rainbow chair, with each board a different color. The store still sells this fun, bright, whimsical chair as a symbolic reminder of “finding beauty in what you have.”

Amish Craftsmen Guild offers over 400 color options for its furniture and will customize each furnishing to a client’s need. That means, if desired, they can add different colors for each board on a chair, including smooth or textured rustic colors, adjust heights and many more options. “We create signature, special looks,” Armstrong-Goss says.

Amish Craftsmen Guild

W60 N119 Cardinal Ave., Cedarburg 262-618-2105, amishcraftsmenguild.com, facebook.com/CedarburgACG2

(standing, left to right)

TINA KYZER DESIGN CONSULTANT

AMANDA GOSS DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS-SHOWROOM

CHRISTINE FOLEY DESIGN CONSULTANT

JASON COLLINS DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS-WAREHOUSE

BARBARA ANNE DESIGN CONSULTANT

MIKE MACEJKOVIC DELIVERY AND WAREHOUSE

(seated, left to right)

BUD GOSS VP

LAURA GOSS PRESIDENT/FOUNDER

STACIE NOWAK GOSS OUTSIDE SALES

SUE BLIZZARD ACCOUNTING & HR

JERRE PIETRIE ASSISTANT DESIGN CONSULTANT

STEPHAN KORTEN SHOWROOM/TRADESHOW MANAGER

(front and center)

JACK STORE MASCOT

Marcus Performing Arts Center FACE

FOR OVER FIVE DECADES, the Marcus Performing Arts Center (MPAC) has been at the pinnacle of Milwaukee’s performing arts scene. Now the venue is expanding its programming to become a gathering place for our city.

“Marcus Performing Arts Center is not just about what happens on stage,” says Jared Duymovic, the vice president of programming and engagement. “It’s about programming that everyone in our community can experience. That means having more content that appeals to different people, and it means finding new opportunities to offer workshops, educational experiences, and really activating our amazing spaces.”

For just one recent example, MPAC hosted Rainbow Summer this past July. The center’s outdoor grounds were home to an eye-catching art installation, Evanescent by Atelier Sisu along with vendors, food and a lineup of free live performances spanning all sorts of genres and styles, from a Latin roots band to a punk rock marching band. “Someone could come to each of the five nights and find something completely different to enjoy each time,” Duymovic says.

One crucial part of the effort to expand programming is MPAC’s Racial Equity, Diversity and Inclusion initiative (REDI). The initiative’s goal is to create a more inclusive, representative and equitable community at the performing

arts center. MPAC is aiming to achieve 50% BIPOC representation among its leadership, board, staff and volunteers, as well as making financial investments in REDI initiatives and programming compositionally diverse shows. One such instance was April’s Nrityagram Dance Ensemble residency. In addition to the public performance, the world-renowned Indian dance ensemble also held workshops, private discussions, a student matinee and more.

This season, MPAC is co-producing First Stage’s Dream, Quickie! Dream, based on the children’s book by MPAC Cultural Ambassador (and Packers legend) Donald Driver. Among many shows, it’s also putting on impressive dance and jazz performances throughout the year, including performances by Hubbard Street Dance and Dance Theater of Harlem, as well as Pat Metheny, Delfeayo Marsalis and Cécile McLorin Salvant.

“I love talking about our upcoming shows and events,” Duymovic says. “Because there will always be something to get hyped about; there will always be something exciting happening at Marcus Center.”

OLKER

OF VENUE RENTALS

DUYMOVIC

OF PROGRAMMING & ENGAGEMENT MIA VILANOVA PROGRAMMING AND RENTAL SPECIALIST JOHN HASSIG DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMMING & EDUCATION

(left to right)

ANTHONY SMITH DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS NADIA

DIRECTOR

JARED

VICE PRESIDENT

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

Carroll University FACE of NURSING EDUCATION

CARROLL UNIVERSITY offers some of the top ranked nursing programs in Wisconsin. For the past two years, the Bachelor of Science Nursing (BSN) program has achieved a 98% NCLEX pass rate, which is one of the highest rates in Wisconsin. The top-ranked nursing department offers a four-year traditional bachelor’s degree in nursing, as well as a two-year associate degree in nursing program, which graduates its first class in August.

“We provide interactive classroom experiences, including high tech simulation, that prepares the nurse for the future health care setting,” says Dr. Teresa Kaul, the chairperson of Carroll’s Nursing Department. “They work in an interdisciplinary approach that extends outside the classroom. Our students are exposed to a wide variety of perspectives and disciplines so that when they graduate, they will not only be great nurses, but they will also be able to work together as a team to achieve superior patient outcomes.”

Last year, the university launched a direct entry master’s program in nursing targeted at folks looking for a career change. This program is for someone who has a bachelor’s degree in a different field and has decided they want to be a nurse. It allows them to achieve their master’s degree

in nursing in 21 months. And in June, the university announced its newest nursing degree program, a RN-to-MSN program, offering a master’s degree for people who already have their nursing license.

Every Carroll nursing program integrates classroom, lab, simulation and hands-on experiential clinical opportunities to ensure students are practice-ready when they graduate. The experiential opportunities are made possible through partnerships with several southeastern Wisconsin health care agencies. Carroll nursing faculty bring a great deal of knowledge and expertise to the classrooms and work closely with students throughout the program. “Our goal is that when you encounter a Carroll University nurse, you can tell the difference,” Kaul says. Carroll

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(left to right) ELIZABETH GAESSLER CLASS OF ‘23 BRENDA ULMEN PH.D., RN, CLINICAL ASSISTANT, PROFESSOR OF NURSING PAYTON SEVERSON CLASS OF ‘23 HANNAH MARTIN CLASS OF ‘23

University

H2O Health FACE of IV THERAPY

H2O HEALTH is Milwaukee’s first specialty outpatient physician office providing custom IV therapy. Dr. Alia Fox, a board-certified anesthesiologist, opened the business in 2017 as an “elevated space that provides excellent patient care without the hassle of the hospital.”

Since its founding, H2O has expanded to three metro area locations – one in Brookfield, one in Franklin and one in the Third Ward. As the CEO and medical director, Fox is now shifting the business toward a new phase she calls “H2O Health.” She’ll still be offering a wide selection of IV cocktails used to treat colds, boost immune systems, help pregnant mothers, and many, many more options – but H2O will also be adding new IV treatments aimed at improving longevity and age management.

“We’re focusing on key indicators to help people live not only longer, but with a higher quality of life,” Fox says.

IV treatments at H2O last about 45 minutes, with the IV drip delivering the vitamins directly into the person’s bloodstream. One of Fox’s newest IV cocktails is The Goat (Greatest Optimization of Antioxidant/Autoimmune Therapy), an immune-strengthening and cell-repairing boost. Another is IV NAD Therapy, an anti-aging drip that also helps with anxiety, depression, chronic fatigue and more. H2O’s most popular offering remains Peak Performance, an athletic recovery blend. She offers customized cocktails to meet the needs of every patient.

“We’re creating bespoke, hand-tailored infusions for our patients to truly address individual needs,” Fox says. “These treatments can really do remarkable things to improve overall health, boost your immune system, manage aging and help with your day-to-day function.”

Health

N. Jefferson St. | 17110 W. Greenfield Ave., Brookfield 7095 S. Ballpark Dr., Franklin 262-277-1018, h2oMKE.com SPONSORED CONTENT 116 milwaukeemag.com

H2O

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Shully’s Cuisine & Events FACE of EVENT CATERING

WHEN SCOTT AND BETH SHULLY FIRST MET, they were both working in restaurants, Beth as an event planner and artist, and Europeantrained Scott as a chef for Northwestern Mutual’s executive dining room. They hit it off and were soon engaged. And while they were planning their marriage, they started planning something else as well – their own business.

In 1983, they founded Shully’s Cuisine and Events, combining their culinary and artistic event experiences into the new catering business. “It really just took off,” Beth says.

The couple married and had three children, who’ve all now found their way to the family business. Their son, Jacob Shully, is the general manager. Their daughter Nina Shully-Darling is an event planner. And their youngest daughter, Hadley Shully, who trained at the International Culinary Center in New York among many other restaurants, is now Shully’s head chef.

Shully’s is a featured catering and event planning company for galas, weddings, corporate events and fundraisers at venues across the Milwaukee area. The company also owns and operates event spaces in Thiensville. Shully’s catered the Rolex team at the 2021 Ryder Cup in Sheboygan, cooked for several U.S. presidents, and last year, the company was chosen by

the Milwaukee Art Museum to cater the 20th anniversary celebration of Santiago Calatrava’s Quadracci Pavilion in addition to many special galas for museums and nonprofit organizations.

“Having 40 years of experience behind us, we excel at meeting the expectations of the customer,” Scott says. “We’ve always been fine dining food-centered. We also have event planning services to coordinate the entire event with all vendors. Everything else we provide – the tents, the floral, linens, the lighting, the bands, etc. – is important, but people walk away from our events talking about the food. Our passion has always been to provide the best cuisine and service for every single event. We have been so fortunate to be part of so many special events over these last 40 years and can’t wait to carry that tradition forward for the next 40 years with the second generation of Shully’s.”

Shully’s Cuisine & Events

146 Green Bay Rd., Thiensville, 262-242-6633 shullyscuisine.com

(left to right) NINA SHULLY-DARLING EVENT PLANNER BETH SHULLY OWNER SCOTT SHULLY OWNER JACOB SHULLY GENERAL MANAGER HADLEY SHULLY HEAD CHEF - CREATIVE

Smart Moves

FACE of SENIOR & SPECIALTY MOVE MANAGERS

IN THE SPRING OF 2022, Linda Ravelo was downsizing from a large house to a much smaller apartment, a task she calls “herculean.” One of her friends recommended that she hire Smart Moves.

“My friend said, ‘Linda, they are worth every penny,’” says Ravelo. “‘You will get all the help you need.’”

Ravelo called Smart Moves and let them know that she needed quite a bit of help. One of Smart Moves’ certified move managers met with her to discuss her situation and create a personalized plan to match her needs. Smart Moves and its contracting partners first inventoried her possessions before packing everything, moving her things to her apartment, and then helping her dispose of her unwanted possessions. Every request she had along the way was met – including a special request to split the move across two days.

“Kindness permeates everyone in their organization,” Ravelo says. “I think it’s the heart and soul of their company. They are resourceful, kind, dependable and fair.”

Smart Moves specializes in moves for seniors, but the company offers moving services for everybody. The boutique service is hands-on and customized, unlike larger moving companies. Founded 20 years ago, Smart Moves begins each moving process with a complimentary consultation before putting together a plan. The team even measures their clients’ furniture to create a customized floor plan to exactly match the furnishings.

“We always want to take the extra steps to make sure everyone’s comfortable and happy,” says Melinda Stuart, the owner of Smart Moves. “Moving can be frantic. Our motto is to ‘bring the calm.’ We treat our clients with compassion and care.”

(left to right) LEIGH ANNE SPEARS CERTIFIED MOVE MANAGER MELINDA STUART OWNER, CERTIFIED MOVE MANAGER JENNI LEWKOWSKI CERTIFIED MOVE MANAGER

Smart Moves 4305 S. 108th St., Greenfield, 414-526-5242 SmartMovesWI.com

Milwaukee Area Technical College

FACE of MILWAUKEE’S DIVERSE TALENT PIPELINE

IN 2020, JULIE LAURENCE BROWN FOUND OUT

she had a brain tumor. In December, doctors removed the tumor. The experience left her with a new determination and ambition, leading her to start her own small business. Brown launched Melanin Jewel, selling natural beauty products and services.

Planning to build Melanin Jewel, she enrolled in Milwaukee Area Technical College’s Aesthetician program. A wife and mother of three, she was paying out of pocket for her education until she learned about the Ellen and Joe Checota MATC Scholarship Program. She applied and was offered a full ride, with the scholarship covering her tuition, books, supplies and transportation. “Going to MATC was one of my best decisions,” Brown says. “We got hands-on, practical training that really prepared us for the real world.”

The Checota scholarship, which launched in August 2022, has already helped dozens of students, including Samantha Albert, who graduated from MATC’s Automotive Maintenance Technician program in May. Albert is a single mother whose son has special needs, so while she wanted to obtain her degree, she found it difficult to juggle working, studying and caring for her son. After enrolling at MATC, she was also diagnosed with lupus. Looking for help, she found the Checota scholarship – it covered her expenses, including childcare and food benefits, allowing her to complete her degree. “I’m truly grateful,” Albert says. “MATC did an amazing job supporting me and being there for me. I couldn’t have done it without everybody at MATC.”

Albert is planning to return to MATC to enroll in the Auto Collision Repair and Finish Technician program. And Brown graduated with a 4.0 GPA and is now a full-time entrepreneur with plans to open her own salon and continue growing Melanin Jewel. “MATC is a community school – they’re in the community, helping people,” Brown says. “They create jobs, and they encourage people, and they give people like me a chance to become something more.”

(left to right) SAMANTHA ALBERT MATC AUTOMOTIVE MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN PROGRAM GRADUATE (SPRING 2023) AND CHECOTA MATC SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT JULIE LAURENCE BROWN MATC AESTHETICIAN PROGRAM GRADUATE (SPRING 2023), MATC OUTSTANDING TECHNICAL DIPLOMA WINNER (SPRING 2023) AND CHECOTA MATC SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT

Milwaukee Area Technical College 700 W. State St. 414-297-6282 matc.edu

Fringe Interior Design & Home Furnishings

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. Personal preference and functional 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. There is always something new to see, and if you are looking for something specific, the team at Fringe will help you find it. From residential to commercial, they’ve got you covered! 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. There is an educational difference between a decorator and a designer; anyone can decorate, but only a few can design. The designers

at Fringe have the experience to know what to do and how to do it. They understand design goes beyond an attractive online presence or following influencers on social media. Individuality is lost in oversaturated trends, but for over a decade, the focus at Fringe has been making personal connections with people and creating projects unique to them. Fringe doesn’t follow trends; they set them. Fringe

Interior Design & Home Furnishings

E. Silver Spring Dr., Whitefish Bay 414-332-0400

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fringeinteriordesign.com

of HOME FURNISHINGS

EMILY CLINARD

CAITLIN ESPEN DESIGN

BRAD AMBELANG ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT KRISTEN BENTRUP EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT JESSICA FORSTON OWNER AND DESIGNER SPONSORED CONTENT 124 | milwaukeemag.com

FACE

(left to right)

SENIOR DESIGNER

CONSULTANT

Eye Care Specialists

FACE of OPHTHALMOLOGY

EYE CARE SPECIALISTS IS AN ESTEEMED LEADER in the art of medical, surgical and laser eye care. Since 1985, more than 200,000 doctors and patients have trusted Eye Care Specialists’ team for world-class treatment of virtually every eye concern. They are proven pacesetters in ultrasonic, no-stitch cataract removal with advanced technology lens implantation. They are skilled masters in medication injection therapy for macular degeneration and diabetic eye disease, as well as refractive and laser surgery for the correction of nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. And, they are front-runners in OCT laser scanning to detect and treat glaucoma and retinal disorders – often before vision loss occurs.

Consistently voted “Top Doctors” by their peers, Eye Care Specialists’ team members are renowned for their commitment to increasing public and professional awareness and understanding of ocular concerns. They

conduct accredited educational conferences and webinars for doctors from throughout southeastern Wisconsin, write columns in numerous local publications, and have published over 1 million free booklets and handouts. From comprehensive eye examinations to neuro-ophthalmology procedures, their team offers patients compassionate quality care utilizing the most advanced technology available.

Care Specialists

10150 W. National Ave, West Allis, 414-321-7520 735 W. Wisconsin Ave., 414-298-0099 2323 N. Mayfair Rd., Wauwatosa, 414-258-4550 eyecarespecialists.net

Eye

MICHAEL

DAVID

DANIEL

Clement Manor

FACE of SENIOR COMMUNITIES

WHENEVER THE RESIDENTS are asked about living at Clement Manor Senior Living Community, a resounding response is, “We love where we live. It’s home.” The senior living community in Greenfield, sponsored by the School Sisters of St. Francis, just celebrated its 40-year anniversary. The community offers independent living, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing and short-term rehabilitation.

Clement Manor is known for its wide array of amenities. It has a team dedicated to providing a variety of activities for all residents, including daily music with its in-house music therapist. The community’s Center for Enrichment offers year-round, lifelong learning classes covering dozens of subjects, like history, literature and wellness. And that’s not to mention Clement Manor’s salon and spa, fitness center, outdoor gardens, warm water pool and the Rainbow Room Café, where award-winning chefs cook gourmet meals for residents. As a faith-based community, it also offers daily church services and spiritual programs.

The retirement community has received a plethora of awards and recognition in recent years, including a five-star rating from U.S. News and World Report for senior care and the Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval for assisted living communities.

“Clement Manor is the greatest place for seniors in the Milwaukee area,” says Jeanne, who has been an independent living resident for 10 years. “My friends at Clement Manor are some of the happiest people I know, and their joy overflows onto me. The staff and neighbors here keep me busy every day. I am so grateful I chose Clement Manor to be my home!”

Clement Manor

3939 S. 92nd St., Greenfield 414-546-7984 clementmanor.com

(left to right) CAROL ANN JEANNE JIM

JLJ Travel FACE of TRAVEL PLANNING

JLJ TRAVEL ISN’T A TRADITIONAL TRAVEL AGENCY. Its founder, Jillian Gibas, doesn’t book package getaways or cookie-cutter, all-inclusive trips to Mexico. Her goal is personalization, a customized trip designed exactly for each client.

“In the same way an interior designer decorates your home, a travel designer helps to design your trip,” Gibas says. “When you look at how many hours and how much effort go into preparing a trip, it’s overwhelming. With a designer, you can just focus on enjoying yourself.”

Gibas does the legwork for every client, booking flights, finding hotels, planning schedules and more. Even more valuable, she provides travel expertise – whether that’s knowing the best season to visit a certain city or adding off-the-beaten path restaurants and shops to your itinerary. Members of the JLJ Travel team visit destinations frequently in search of the most up-to-date insider advice from locals.

Each JLJ Travel trip is built around a client’s needs and interests. If you don’t like crowds, Gibas plots out ways to avoid them. If you love the outdoors, she finds hiking spots and maps out great views. Many couples come to her to design bespoke honeymoons, and she also plans family trips, anniversaries and much more. Recently, she designed a Greek islands getaway for a family of seven, spanning a range of ages. With her experience, she was able to balance the right mix of things to do for young and older so everyone could enjoy the experience.

“I’m not just going to show you what a guidebook is telling you to see,” Gibas says. “You’re going to see hidden gems.”

JLJ Travel jlj-travel.com