Shows
BizTimes MKE: Milwaukee Business InsightsWeekly Debrief: The Brewers finally get a postseason winAndrew Weiland and Arthur Thomas from BizTimes Media get together to discuss the news of the week, including the first legislative victory for plans to fund improvements to American Family Field. The deal, which passed a state Assembly committee this week, would keep the Milwaukee Brewers in town through 2050. While the Republicans introduced the plans, they are also gaining support from Democrats.Register for BizTimes eventsInsider Story SpotlightStrauss Brands to lay off 127 workers in Franklin as production line is eliminatedWisconsin VC funding continued to...
2023-10-1420 minBizTimes MKE: Milwaukee Business InsightsWeekly Debrief: Johnsonville replaces Klement's again, that's how the sausage is marketedAndrew Weiland and Arthur Thomas from BizTimes Media get together to discuss the news off the week, including Johnsonville taking over as the sausage sponsor at Fiserv Forum. The deal marks the third time in recent years that Johnsonville has taken over a sponsorship from Klement's. Register for upcoming BizTimes events. Insider Story SpotlightSprecher acquires Ooh La Lemin lemonade brand from Kona Gold BeverageBaird to pay $15 million penalty for communication, recordkeeping issuesBig StoryJohnsonville replaces Klement’s as Bu...
2023-10-0621 minBizTimes MKE: Milwaukee Business InsightsWeekly Debrief: A new plan to fund American Family Field upgradesAndrew Weiland and Arthur Thomas from BizTimes Media discuss the news of the week, including Republican lawmakers unveiling a new $700 million plan to fund upgrades at American Family Field and keep the Milwaukee Brewers in Milwaukee. Democratic Gov. Tony Evers had previously pitched a $290 million plan that didn't include specific contributions from the team or local governments. The GOP plan includes both and gets state money from a different source. Register for upcoming BizTimes eventsInsider Story SpotlightSweet potato chip manufacturer expanding Muskego plantCrazy busy summer planned...
2023-09-2327 minBizTimes MKE: Milwaukee Business InsightsWeekly Debrief: Wait, Barrett Lo is planning to do what in Wauwatosa?Andrew Weiland and Arthur Thomas from BizTimes Media discuss the news from the week, including Barrett Lo Visionary Development planning a $400 million, 918-unit, multi-building apartment development, including 15- to 19-story buildings, on the Mayfair Mall property. Register for upcoming BizTimes events. Insider Story SpotlightGenerac plans to build plant in Beaver Dam that could employ up to 400 workers Wisconsin banks saw improving loan and deposit growth in Q2Big StoryBarrett Lo unveils plans for $400 million apartment development at Mayfair Mall
2023-09-1619 minBizTimes MKE: Milwaukee Business InsightsWeekly Debrief: Milwaukee's tech ambitions are tied to its traditional industriesAndrew Weiland and Arthur Thomas from BizTimes Media get together to discuss the news of the week and breakdown the latest BizTimes Milwaukee cover story. The piece, written by reporter Ashley Smart, takes a closer look at Milwaukee's ambitions to be a tech hub in light of a growing number of layoffs at tech firms around the country. It also dives into how the city's tech sector is less a single industry and more something that permeates throughout the region's economy. Insider Story Spotlight: Port Milwaukee’s 2022 tonnage levels decreased as demand for mat...
2023-04-2220 minBizTimes MKE: Milwaukee Business InsightsWeekly Debrief: The long decline of Briggs & Stratton in metro Milwaukee continuesAndrew Weiland and Arthur Thomas from BizTimes Media get together to discuss the news of the week, including Briggs & Stratton laying off 160 people as it shuts down two production lines and moves work to other facilities out-of-state. Andrew and Arthur also discuss their takeaways from the annual BizTimes Economic Trends event which was held this week.Briggs & Stratton laying off 160 workers at Wauwatosa plant as production lines are relocatedIndustry leaders share predictions for 2023 at Economic Trends EventInsider Story SpotlightQuad/Graphics names new general counsel ahead of exec’s departureFormer Quad/Graphics exec named chief le...
2023-01-2817 minBizTimes MKE: Milwaukee Business InsightsGeoffrey Kasselman, keynote speaker at BizTimes CRE conference, answers your questionsGeoffrey Kasselman, the keynote speaker at the 2022 BizTimes Commercial Real Estate and Development Conference, joins BizTimes editor Andrew Weiland to answer audience questions from the event. Whether you attended or not, the episode is full of insights into how technology will shape commercial real estate going forward.Kasselman and Weiland discuss how AI, new forms of transportation and microgrids could alter both buildings and consumer expectations. They discuss how blockchain could impact offices like the Register of Deeds and title companies. And they address how the Upper Midwest is positioned to navigate climate change.To...
2022-11-2242 minBizTimes MKE: Milwaukee Business InsightsWeekly Debrief: The Milwaukee Rep's $75 million planAndrew Weiland and Arthur Thomas from BizTimes Media get together to discuss the news of the week, including The Milwaukee Rep's plans for a $75 million "new" theater complex. The plans came to light with the announcement of a $10 million, 20-year sponsorship by Associated Bank, which has its primary Milwaukee presence just north of The Rep's current theater. The Rep plans to stay at the same location, but will completely remake its three theaters. Andrew and Arthur discuss how the plan marks another major project remaking Milwaukee's cultural assets, following the Bradley Symphony Center and the planned move of the...
2022-09-2422 minBizTimes MKE: Milwaukee Business InsightsWeekly Debrief: 5 things to watch with the newly pitched sports and entertainment district in MilwaukeeAndrew Weiland and Arthur Thomas of BizTimes Media get together to discuss the week's news, including five key things to watch as the newly announced mixed-use sports and entertainment district planned just to the northeast of the Marquette Interchange. The project includes an 8,000-seat soccer stadium, indoor concert venue, a hotel, retail and multi-family housing. Insider Spotlight Stories:Perlick plans $11.5 million in upgrades to Milwaukee plant, will add 35 jobsCedarburg-based PartsBadger adding jobs after landing $13.8 million contract with Yeti CyclesOther Stories in this Episode:Soccer stadium would anchor mixed-use sports and entertainment district planned i...
2022-05-2128 minBizTimes MKE: Milwaukee Business InsightsWeekly Debrief: Milwaukee Tool, Advocate Aurora and Kohl's headline a busy news weekAndrew Weiland, Maredithe Meyer, Ashely Smart, Cara Spoto and Arthur Thomas from BizTimes Media get together to discuss the news of the week, including a planned $100 million renovation at Potawatomi Hotel & Casino, Advocate Aurora merging with North Carolina-based Atrium, state funding kickstarting a community center on the near west side of Milwaukee, the current Kohl's board winning out over activist investors, Milwaukee Tool expanding, again, and FPC Live dropping plans for a live music venue in the Third Ward. Stories in this episode:Potawatomi unveils plans for $100 million renovation to casino’s third fl...
2022-05-1434 minBizTimes MKE: Milwaukee Business InsightsNicholas Fallucca shares Palermo's lessons learned on innovation and meeting market demand|Ep.132Palermo’s Pizza has seen a lot of change over the years, from serving hungry customers at the bar to making and distributing pizzas around the country. Nicholas Fallucca, chief product and innovation officer at Palermo’s, shared insights on those changes along with lessons learned from trying to match innovative ideas with market and customer demands during a recent presentation to the Rotary Club of Milwaukee, a podcast partner of BizTimes Media. In partnership with the Rotary Club of Milwaukee.
2022-05-1148 minBizTimes MKE: Milwaukee Business InsightsLeadership Lens: Marquette president Michael Lovell on leading amid disruption, being vulnerable and following a strategic visionMarquette University president Michael Lovell joins BizTimes Media managing editor Arthur Thomas on the first episode of Leadership Lens, a new monthly podcast featuring Milwaukee and southeastern Wisconsin business leaders discussing how they lead their organization and offering insights to help listeners improve their own businesses. In this episode, Lovell discusses leading Marquette amid the uncertainty of the pandemic, how he's approached communicating about his own cancer fight, what drew him to leadership roles, evolving as a leader, making decisions, and top priorities for Marquette and the region. Mentioned in the episode:Milwaukee...
2022-05-0934 minBizTimes MKE: Milwaukee Business InsightsWeekly Debrief: First Viking ship cruises into MilwaukeeAndrew Weiland and Arthur Thomas from BizTimes Media discuss the news of the week, including the arrival of the first Viking cruise ship in Milwaukee. Great Lakes cruises were growing in popularity prior to the pandemic and are now rebounding with 33 ships expected to call on the city's port this year, up from 10 in 2019. Insider Story Spotlight:Sargento to acquire one of the nation’s top string cheese companiesRockwell Automation still sees strong demand even as supply chain issues cut outlookOther Stories in this Episode:Viking cruise shi...
2022-05-0609 minBizTimes MKE: Milwaukee Business InsightsWeekly Debrief: Oak Creek Starbucks union vote could be sign of more to comeAndrew Weiland, Maredithe Meyer and Arthur Thomas of BizTimes Media get together to discuss the news of the week, including a vote by Starbucks workers in Oak Creek to unionize. The vote is the latest in a series of victories for the labor movement in southeastern Wisconsin, which has particularly seen success in the hospitality sector. The group discusses if the trend is a sign of life for labor, which suffered major defeats with Act 10 and right-to-work legislation. Insider Spotlight Stories:Milwaukee-based startup Advanced Ionics closes $4.2 million funding roundRegion’s manufacturing growth con...
2022-04-3027 minBizTimes MKE: Milwaukee Business InsightsWeekly Debrief: Milwaukee Tool's Chicago office is a warning sign for the regionAndrew Weiland and Arthur Thomas from BizTimes Media get together to discuss the news of the week, including Milwaukee Tool opening a new office in Chicago. While it is hard to fault one of southeastern Wisconsin's fastest growing companies for doing what it needs to to keep growing, Andrew says it should serve as a warning sign for the region that attracting more people will be important for the future healthy of the local economy. Insider Spotlight Stories:Standard Process building 10,000-square-foot expansionRecent real estate transaction announcements – 4/20/22Other stories in this episodeMil...
2022-04-2320 minBizTimes MKE: Milwaukee Business InsightsWeekly Debrief: What's ahead for Milwaukee's new mayor?Andrew Weiland and Arthur Thomas of BizTimes Media discuss the news of the week, including a closer look at the inaugural address from Cavalier Johnson, the new mayor of Milwaukee. Johnson's address touched on public safety, the need for more development in Milwaukee's neighborhoods, fostering more cooperation on important issues and much more. Arthur and Andrew share their thoughts on the address and the path forward for Milwaukee and Johnson. Insider Spotlight Stories:Uline to lease large spec building in Kenosha for distribution operationsYear-over-year wage growth in Wisconsin tops 6% for third straight monthBig Story o...
2022-04-1622 minBizTimes MKE: Milwaukee Business InsightsWeekly Debrief: Significant progress on homelessness in MilwaukeeLauren Anderson, Andrew Weiland and Arthur Thomas from BizTimes Media get together to discuss the news of the week, including Milwaukee's designation as having the lowest per capita unsheltered homeless population in the country. City and county leaders highlight the milestone, the result of collaborative by a number of stakeholders over the better part of a decade, during a press conference this week. Arthur and Andrew also say goodbye to Lauren as she leaves BizTimes to move to Texas.Insider Story Spotlight:Madison-based Fetch Rewards raises $240 million, grows valuation to over $2.5 billionMSOE to build softball stadium...
2022-04-0922 minBizTimes MKE: Milwaukee Business InsightsDavid Reeves on returning to Milwaukee and helping to build a tech ecosystem | Ep. 125This week’s episode features a recent presentation at the Rotary Club of Milwaukee, a BizTimes Media podcast partner, by David Reeves. Reeves is a Milwaukee-native, the former president of OpenGov and now an executive in residence at Marquette. In this episode, he discusses the decision to open an OpenGov office in the city and why his criteria for any future operational leadership role includes a company adding a Milwaukee presence. He also addresses the need to understand where technology is going and some of the challenges Milwaukee faces in becoming a destination for top tech talent. In...
2022-04-0627 minBizTimes MKE: Milwaukee Business InsightsSTUFF: What does a construction project manager do?This episode is a little different from many of our others. We’re sharing a recent conversation with Andre Ghelfi Thomas from The Boldt Company, an Appleton-based construction firm. Andre, a project manager at Boldt, spoke with BizTimes for our annual STUFF publications, which highlight career opportunities in manufacturing, construction and the trades. In the interview, Andre discusses what interested him in construction, how he got started, the differences between a project engineer and a project manager, the planning that goes into his current project at the Marquette dental school and much more. As a publication, STUFF is intended fo...
2022-03-2922 minBizTimes MKE: Milwaukee Business InsightsWeekly Debrief: One strong month of job growth won't solve Wisconsin's population challengesAndrew Weiland and Arthur Thomas from BizTimes Media discuss the news of the week, including a strong jobs report for the state of Wisconsin in February and the continuation of slow to no population growth in the state. Insider Spotlight Stories:A ‘classic entrepreneur’: How James Kyle grew Delavan-based Millennium into one of America’s fastest-growing companiesHaribo hiring 100 employees to work at Pleasant Prairie factoryOther stories in this episode:Wisconsin added 20,700 private sector jobs in FebruaryWisconsin’s job growth was in the top 10 in February, but longer term, state still lags nationallyMilwaukee County’s populatio...
2022-03-2526 minBizTimes MKE: Milwaukee Business InsightsMichael Cudahy's 10 rules for business offer lessons for today's business leaders | Ep. 122This week's episode features former BizTimes executive editor Steve Jagler's 2013 interview with businessman and philanthropist Michael Cudahy. Recorded when Cudahy received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the BizTimes Bravo/IQ Awards, the interview features stories of how Marquette Electronics was started and negotiating with Jack Welch and GE. It also features a long discussion on Cudahy's rules for business.
2022-03-2321 minBizTimes MKE: Milwaukee Business InsightsWeekly Debrief: Milwaukee could use more people like Michael CudahyAndrew Weiland and Arthur Thomas from BizTimes Media discuss the news of the week, including the passing of entrepreneur and philanthropist Michael Cudahy, who died March 11 at the age of 97. A 2013 BizTimes Lifetime Achievement Award winner, Cudahy started Marquette Electronics and grew it to a business with nearly $600 million in revenue before selling it to GE in the late 1990s. He also was a major philanthropist in Milwaukee, donating $165 million over his life and spearheading projects like Discovery World and the Pabst Theatre. Insider story spotlight:Racine-based Twin Disc to sell its HQ to Milwaukee developerReopening n...
2022-03-1819 minBizTimes MKE: Milwaukee Business InsightsHow Donald Driver is partnering with the Marcus Performing Arts Center | Ep. 120This week's episode of the BizTimes MKE Podcast features a conversation between Kendra Whitlock Ingram, the president and CEO of the Marcus Performing Arts Center, and former Green Bay Packer Donald Driver, the Marcus Center’s first cultural ambassador. Their conversation took place at the Rotary Club of Milwaukee, a BizTimes podcast partner. Kendra and Donald discuss how their partnership came about, efforts to help more people feel welcome at the Marcus Center, plans for performances adapted from Driver’s series of children's books and much more. In partnership with the Rotary Club of Milwaukee.
2022-03-1647 minBizTimes MKE: Milwaukee Business InsightsWeekly Debrief: What did we learn about the future of Kohl's this week?Maredithe Meyer, Andrew Weiland and Arthur Thomas from BizTimes Media get together to discuss the news of the week, including an investor presentation from Kohl's Corp. that outlined the company's growth plans and securities filings that detailed executive pay and talks about a potential sale. All this comes as an activist investor group continues to push for the election of a new board of directors and significant changes to the company's path forward.
2022-03-1130 minBizTimes MKE: Milwaukee Business InsightsWeekly Debrief: The importance of Versiti's growth, GMF's $700M campaign and Marquette's next new buildingLauren Anderson, Andrew Weiland and Arthur Thomas from BizTimes Media get together to discuss the news, including why Versiti's plans to grow its research of blood is important for the region, the substantial potential impact of the Greater Milwaukee Foundation's $700 million fundraising campaign and the continued reinvention of the Marquette University campus. Insider Spotlight Stories:Octane Coffee's first location could open this summer in PewaukeeYMCA of Greater Waukesha County rebounding after pandemic hitMilwaukee Tool's growth continued in 2021 with nearly 41% increase in salesOther stories in this episode:Versiti plans new building, to add m...
2022-03-0523 minBizTimes MKE: Milwaukee Business InsightsMixing realistic and bold thinking for downtown Milwaukee's future|Ep. 116On this week’s BizTimes MKE Podcast, Beth Weirick, CEO of Milwaukee Downtown BID 21, and Tanya Fonseca, long range planning manager at Milwaukee’s Department of City Development, discuss the process for updating the downtown area plan during a recent Rotary Club of Milwaukee presentation. In addition to taking questions, they involved their audience in providing feedback about the current and future state of downtown.In partnership with the Rotary Club of Milwaukee
2022-03-0237 minBizTimes MKE: Milwaukee Business InsightsWhy and how we're covering K-12 education as a business publication|Ep.115This episode features two conversations. First, BizTimes Media co-owners Dan and Kate Meyer discuss our Business Cares sections and why it was important to put an emphasis on education in Milwaukee in the latest issue of our magazine. Second, BizTimes associate editor Lauren Anderson discusses her approach to covering education for a business audience and goes deeper on some of her magazine coverage. For more on BizTimes Media's education coverage, visit biztimes.com/highqualityseats
2022-02-2331 minBizTimes MKE: Milwaukee Business InsightsWeekly Debrief: Sports betting in Milwaukee, Strauss selling in Franklin and RNC newsLauren Anderson, Arthur Thomas and Andrew Weiland of BizTimes Media get together to discuss the news of the week, including the possibility of sports betting coming to Potawatomi Hotel & Casino later this year, Strauss Brands opting to sell land in Franklin where it had planned to build a new meat processing facility, and the possibility that Milwaukee has jumped to the top of the list for potential Republican National Convention locations in 2024. Insider Spotlight Stories:Pleasant Prairie closes TID, adds $1 billion to property tax baseSummit Packaging Systems seeking to expand Racine facility a...
2022-02-1926 minBizTimes MKE: Milwaukee Business InsightsKimberly Kane shares employee retention research and recommendations|Ep. 113This week’s episode of the BizTimes MKE Podcast features remarks from Kimberly Kane, president and CEO of Kane Communications. Kimberly spoke recently at the Rotary Club of Milwaukee, a podcast partner of BizTimes. Her presentation focused on research by her firm that found half of working women in Wisconsin are considering quitting their jobs. In this episode, she talks about why Kane Communications did the research, how she decided to release it and share more findings. Kimberly also offers some suggestions for employers, including to starting their efforts at improved retention with research, having open conversations with direct re...
2022-02-1643 minBizTimes MKE: Milwaukee Business InsightsWeekly Debrief: Kohl's fight with activist investor continues to ramp upBizTimes Media reporter Maredithe Meyer joins Andrew Weiland and Arthur Thomas to talk about the steady stream of new coming from Menomonee Falls-based Kohl's Corp. and the activist investor pushing for the company to shake things up. Maredithe breaks down how we got here, the new slate of board members nominated by the investor and how things could play out in the coming months. Insider Spotlight Stories:Employees at Oak Creek Starbucks want to unionizeBrewery, beer garden, dog park, food truck park planned at former Pereles Bros. propertyWhat will Frontier-Spirit deal mean for Mitchell...
2022-02-1230 minBizTimes MKE: Milwaukee Business InsightsTim Gokhman: Mass timber should be the dominant construction technology for 8 to 25 story multi-family buildings|Ep. 111This episode features remarks by Tim Gokhman of New Land Enterprises to the Rotary Club of Milwaukee, a podcast partner of BizTimes Media. Tim’s presentation focused on his firm’s development of Ascent, a 25-story mass timber apartment project in downtown Milwaukee. He describes some of the inspirations for the project, why he thinks mass timber should be the dominant construction technology for 8 to 25 or even 30 story multi-family buildings, and some of the environmental and safety benefits of the project. Tim offers both a high level view of this method of building and some detailed numbers on what make...
2022-02-0947 minBizTimes MKE: Milwaukee Business InsightsWeekly Debrief: Arts center planned as momentum is growing in BronzevilleLauren Anderson, Andrew Weiland and Arthur Thomas from BizTimes Media get together to discuss the week's news, including a plan to develop a center for for African American art and culture at the corner of King Drive and North Avenue in Milwaukee. The site was previously the southeast region headquarters for the state Department of Natural Resources. The state listed the property for sale in October. Insider Spotlight Stories:Good Karma Brands looks to 'chart its own course' with new studios, offices at The AvenueTwin Disc faces labor challenges to meet demand as oil...
2022-02-0512 minBizTimes MKE: Milwaukee Business InsightsManpowerGroup CEO Jonas Prising on why workforce challenges aren't about to get easier and what employers can do|Ep. 109This week's episode of the BizTimes MKE Podcast features conversation with Jonas Prising, chairman and CEO of ManpowerGroup, during the annual BizTimes Economic Trends Event. Jonas' job gives him insight into the trends shaping the labor force and job markets at a time when many companies are finding it increasingly difficult to find the talent they need to grow. The conversation touches on how to help employees upskill, the outlook for wages, viewing the Great Resignation as more of a reshuffle and how the inequal distribution of skills and opportunities contributes to polarization. Jonas discussed the need to invest...
2022-02-0229 minBizTimes MKE: Milwaukee Business InsightsWeekly Debrief: Kohl's offers and Economic Trends takeawaysLauren Anderson, Andrew Weiland and Arthur Thomas of BizTimes Media get together to discuss the news of the week, including the latest offers from those interested in buying Menomonee Falls-based Kohl's Corp. The group also discusses their takeaways from the annual BizTimes Economic Trends event, which was held Thursday. Insider Spotlight Stories:What's next for FPC's Third Ward venue proposalCommentary: FPC Live indoor venue complex will be great addition to Third WardFormer head of Milwaukee DPW named leader of Michael Baker International's Wisconsin operationsRockwell Automation CEO think 'we are still early' in multi-year economic expansionT...
2022-01-2924 minBizTimes MKE: Milwaukee Business InsightsWeekly Debrief: How Wisconsin came up short in bid for $20 billion Intel chip factoryLauren Anderson, Andrew Weiland and Arthur Thomas of BizTimes Media get together to discuss how economic development officials in southeastern Wisconsin came up short in their bid to attract an Intel semiconductor factory to Mount Pleasant. Pitched to be on land just north of the Foxconn project, the factory would have included a $20 billion initial investment and 3,000 jobs. Instead, the factory is going to an area just east of Columbus, Ohio. Andrew wrote an extensive story detailing how Wisconsin bid came up short and talked to many people directly involved in the chase for the project. Stories i...
2022-01-2230 minBizTimes MKE: Milwaukee Business InsightsThe business problems 3D printing can solve with Matthew Wolak of GSC Engineering|Ep. 106In this episode from the Rotary Club of Milwaukee, a podcast partner of BizTimes Media, Matthew Wolak of GSC Engineering discusses some of the business challenges 3D printing can solve, including supply chain issues, waste, lost time, fixtures and tooling, and reduced risk. Wolak also describes some of the different 3D printing systems and covers price ranges as well. In partnership with the Rotary Club of Milwaukee.
2022-01-1936 minBizTimes MKE: Milwaukee Business InsightsNew Catholic Financial Life CEO John Borgen on preparing for the top job and making decisions|Ep. 105John Borgen took over as CEO of Milwaukee-based Catholic Financial Life at the start of the year. It was a planned transition announced a little more than a year ago as he was promoted to president of the company. On the latest BizTimes MKE Podcast, Borgen talks with associate editor Arthur Thomas about how he used the time to prepare for the top job. They also discuss Catholic Financial Life's recent decision to market its 18-story office and apartment tower near the Marquette campus for sale. Borgen describes the decision making process for that action along with how he...
2022-01-1228 minBizTimes MKE: Milwaukee Business InsightsWeekly Debrief: 5+ stories we're watching in 2022Lauren Anderson, Andrew Weiland and Arthur Thomas of BizTimes Media get together to discuss the stories they will be following in 2022. In late December, Andrew wrote his annual list ranking the biggest local business stories of the year. The group looked to the list for stories that will continue to shape the southeastern Wisconsin economy in the coming year, including the continued challenges of COVID-19, growth of companies like Milwaukee Tool and Generac, ongoing workforce challenges, chances for Milwaukee to again land a national political convention and notable real estate projects to keep an eye on. Insider S...
2022-01-0830 minBizTimes MKE: Milwaukee Business InsightsThere's risk in doing nothing: Entrepreneurship lessons from Hammes, Frontdesk, PartsBadger and Accelity|Ep. 103This week's BizTimes MKE Podcast features part of the 2021 Innovation + Entrepreneurship Forum, including remarks from Lifetime Achievement Award winner Jon Hammes, founder and managing partner of Hammes Company, and a panel discussion with Kyle Weatherly, co-founder and CEO of Frontdesk, Roy Dietsch, co-founder and CEO of PartsBadger, and Jackie Hermes, founder and CEO of Accelity. BizTimes editor Andrew Weiland introduced Hammes and moderated the panel discussion. The event was made possible by sponsorship from Meissner, Tierney, Fisher & Nichols and supporting sponsor Vistage.
2022-01-0555 minBizTimes MKE: Milwaukee Business InsightsWeekly Debrief: Going deeper on the 2021 BizTimes Best in BusinessBizTimes Media reporter Maredithe Meyer joins associate editor Arthur Thomas and editor Andrew Weiland to discuss BizTimes Media's 2021 Best in Business recognition. This annual magazine feature, published Dec. 13 this year, highlights the biggest newsmakers of the year. Honorees this year included the Milwaukee Bucks, Kohler Co. Generac CEO Aaron Jagdfeld, Dana Guthrie and New Land Enterprises. Insider Spotlight Stories:Perlick begins facility remodel, adding 100 new employeesBayside residents group suing village over incentives deal on $84 million real estate projectBRP to hire 175 at former Evinrude plant in SturtevantOther stories in this episode:Their year: T...
2021-12-1836 minBizTimes MKE: Milwaukee Business InsightsJulie Tolan: Inspiring nonprofits to think creatively about the future | Ep. 101Julie Tolan, co-owner of Lauber Business Partners, joins BizTimes associate editors Lauren Anderson and Arthur Thomas to discuss her work in the nonprofit sector. Tolan discusses the challenges nonprofits have in honestly evaluating their programs, the ways in which nonprofits should or shouldn't be more like a business, and the need for having a communication plan that cuts through all of the things vying for the attention of donors. She also addresses the prospects for the Milwaukee community to meet many existing and future fundraising needs, pointing out that nonprofits need inspire people differently and think creatively about the...
2021-12-1534 minBizTimes MKE: Milwaukee Business InsightsWeekly Debrief: 'A wake-up call for Wisconsin employers' as half of women are considering quittingLauren Anderson, Andrew Weiland and Arthur Thomas from BizTimes Media get together to discuss the news of the week, including a survey from Kane Communications that found half of working women in Wisconsin are considering leaving their job. The group discusses why women are considering leaving, how it matters for the business community and how employers might turn it into a competitive advantage if they take the right steps. Insider Spotlight Stories:Anticipated impact of FPC's Third Ward venue project on existing venues is up for debateInside Cobalt Partners' multi-faceted plan for pocket neighborhood in Fox P...
2021-12-1115 minBizTimes MKE: Milwaukee Business InsightsWeekly Debrief: Progress and work to do on MMAC's Region of Choice initiativeLauren Anderson, Andrew Weiland and Arthur Thomas from BizTimes Media get together to talk about the news of the week, including an update on MMAC's Region of Choice initiative. The chamber's effort aims to close gaps in prosperity and employment between white, Black and Hispanic residents in metro Milwaukee. In connection with its all-member meeting, MMAC released survey data that showed big gaps in how managers from each group feel about their company and the region. Insider Spotlight Stories:A care crisis: Demand surges for child mental health services, but providers are in short supplyHarley-Davidson CEO t...
2021-12-0423 minBizTimes MKE: Milwaukee Business InsightsWeekly Debrief: Boston Store, Chase Tower and Johnny V's Tosa plans, unpacking a busy week in commercial real estateAndrew Weiland and Alex Zank join Arthur Thomas to discuss a busy news in metro Milwaukee commercial real estate. There was John “Johnny V” Vassallo’s proposed mixed-use tower in Wauwatosa, the third iteration of a project that has drawn the ire of some local residents. Alex also broke the news that the Chase Tower in downtown Milwaukee is being sold to a New York investment firm that made another large purchase in the region recently. Mark Irgens also broke news at the BizTimes Commercial Real Estate and Development Conference that his firm is under contract to buy the former...
2021-11-2024 minBizTimes MKE: Milwaukee Business InsightsGeorge Cullen of JP Cullen on rising costs, material delays and getting creative in construction| Ep. 97George Cullen, co-president of general contracting firm JP Cullen, joins BizTimes associate editor Arthur Thomas to discuss inflation and supply chain challenges in the construction industry. In addition to sharing examples of specific items that are rising in cost or hard to get, Cullen also described how the company is working with owners considering projects. "There's a reason why you're doing the building and there's a value that doing that building will accomplish for you and it will, in many cases, deliver revenue back to you, profitability back to you," Cullen said.
2021-11-1721 minBizTimes MKE: Milwaukee Business InsightsWeekly Debrief: Harley-Davidson gets good tariff news, for a changeAndrew Weiland and Arthur Thomas of BizTimes Media discuss the news of the week, including tariff relief for Harley-Davidson, which will avoid a 56% tariff on motorcycles headed to Europe following a deal between the U.S. and EU.
2021-11-0514 minBizTimes MKE: Milwaukee Business InsightsThe differing concerns of small and large manufacturers with Buckley Brinkman | Ep. 95Buckley Brinkman of the Wisconsin Center for Manufacturing & Productivity joins Arthur Thomas of BizTimes Media to discuss WCMP's recent survey of Wisconsin manufacturers. The report revealed differing priorities amongst small and larger manufacturers, mixed views on the state's economy, relative confidence in cybersecurity measures and concerns about what vaccine mandates will mean for the workforce.
2021-11-0332 minBizTimes MKE: Milwaukee Business InsightsWeekly Debrief: How are Wisconsin companies dealing with supply chain and logistics issuesAndrew Weiland and Arthur Thomas from BizTimes Media discuss how southeastern Wisconsin manufacturers have been navigating supply chain issues, including comments from leaders at companies like Snap-on, Harley-Davidson, Zurn, Badger Meter, Strattec and Milwaukee Tool. Check out upcoming BizTimes events:Nonprofit Excellence Awards on Nov. 5Commercial Real Estate and Development Conference on Nov. 18Insider Spotlight Stories:Kenosha County’s booming job growth hasn’t translated to population growthMajor Milwaukee-area affordable housing projects awarded Federal Home Loan Bank fundingSt...
2021-10-3025 minBizTimes MKE: Milwaukee Business InsightsWeekly Debrief: USPS building redevelopment plans sink with sale and Milwaukee Tool opening Chicago officeAndrew Weiland, Alex Zank and Arthur Thomas from BizTimes Media get together to discuss the big stories of the week, including the sale of the USPS building on St. Paul Ave., sinking plans for a massive mixed-use redevelopment of the property, and Milwaukee Tool's plans to open an office in Chicago. Plus Johnson Bank's former building at 333 E. Wisconsin Ave. has a new owner and Toppers Pizza takes on new investor to fuel its growth.
2021-10-2320 minBizTimes MKE: Milwaukee Business InsightsMilwaukee Tool's Steve Richman on helping supply chain teams avoid burnout and much more |Ep. 92Steve Richman, group president of Milwaukee Tool, joined BizTimes associate editor Arthur Thomas on stage at the Next Generation Manufacturing Summit earlier this month to discuss the company’s growth, managing supply chain challenges and recruiting people to southeastern Wisconsin.
2021-10-2029 minBizTimes MKE: Milwaukee Business InsightsWeekly Debrief: Former DNR headquarters on King Drive is for sale, what could it become?Andrew Weiland, Alex Zank and Arthur Thomas from BizTimes Media get together to discuss the news of the week, including the state of Wisconsin looking to sell the former Department of Natural Resource headquarters building at the northeast corner of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive and West North Avenue. Alex discusses what some real estate analysts see for the property and Andrew points out the property has "tremendous potential."Insider Spotlight Stories:- Ball Metalpack to add 50 jobs at Milwaukee plant to support new production line- ...
2021-10-0917 minBizTimes MKE: Milwaukee Business InsightsWhy UWM's mounting challenges matter for businesses in southeastern Wisconsin | Ep. 89BizTimes associate editor Lauren Anderson joins Arthur Thomas to discuss her recent BizTimes Milwaukee cover story exploring the financial challenges facing the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Read the story here.
2021-09-2919 minBizTimes MKE: Milwaukee Business InsightsWeekly Debrief: Wisconsin on the world stage with Ryder CupBizTimes Media reporter Maredithe Meyer joins editor Andrew Weiland and associate editor to spotlight BizTimes Insider stories from the week and discuss her coverage of the Ryder Cup at Whistling Straits in Sheboygan County. Insider Spotlight Stories:- Health benefits consulting firm mueller QAAS sold- Metro Milwaukee export rebound lags Midwest and still down from 2018- Generac buys former American Family Insurance Office building in Pewaukee for $6.75 millionOther stories in the episode: - Milwaukee-area...
2021-09-2419 minBizTimes MKE: Milwaukee Business InsightsWhy Allen Edmonds is hiring, making sneakers and partnering with the Ryder Cup | Ep.87Keith Duplain, president of St. Louis branded portfolio at Caleres, and Bob Steffes, vice president of manufacturing at Allen Edmonds, joined BizTimes associate editor Arthur Thomas on the BizTimes MKE Podcast to discuss the company’s journey since Caleres acquired Allen Edmonds and over the course of the pandemic. They also discussed Allen Edmonds’ partnership with the PGA of America to make the company’s shoes the official dress shoe of the U.S. Ryder Cup team.
2021-09-2024 minBizTimes MKE: Milwaukee Business InsightsBrian Dranzik on MKE's international travel future and new carriers, flights | Ep. 86Milwaukee Mitchell Airport director Brian Dranzik joins BizTimes editor Andrew Weiland to discuss the airport's rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic, the addition of new flights and carriers, the potential for more international travel, and the latest on efforts to relaunch Midwest Express.
2021-09-1730 minBizTimes MKE: Milwaukee Business InsightsWeekly Debrief: Vaccine mandates and digging deep on Milwaukee's population changesLauren Anderson, Andrew Weiland and Arthur Thomas of BizTimes Media get together to discuss the news of the week. After highlighting some of this week's BizTimes Insider Only stories, the group discusses President Joe Biden's decision to mandate vaccines for employees at companies with more than 100 employees. The group then discusses Arthur's story looking at which parts of Milwaukee County grew over the past decade and which parts lost residents. Insider Story Spotlight:- Church taking over vacant office building in Park Place office park in Milwaukee- Which banks...
2021-09-1120 minBizTimes MKE: Milwaukee Business InsightsWeekly Debrief: The best thing about Summerfest this year is that it's happeningLauren Anderson and Andrew Weiland join Arthur Thomas on the BizTimes MKE Podcast Weekly Debrief. After highlighting some of the top Insider Only stories from the week, the group dives into discussing the long-awaited return of Summerfest to Milwaukee's Lakefront. After taking a year off from the pandemic, Summerfest shifted to a September timeslot this year. Unfortunately, it seems its traditional timing around the Fourth of July would have been better as the Delta variant continues to spread. Lauren shares some of her impressions from attending opening day and Andrew points out that just having the festival is a...
2021-09-0313 minBizTimes MKE: Milwaukee Business InsightsWeekly Debrief: 100 East's uncertain future and the next mayor of MilwaukeeEditor Andrew Weiland and real estate reporter Alex Zank join BizTimes associate editor Arthur Thomas to talk about the week's news. First up is the news that the 100 East office building is in foreclosure. Alex describes what office brokers and industry experts expect to see as the building, once one of the premier office properties in the city, emerges from the process. Then the group discusses news that Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett will be leaving office, at some point in the near future, to become ambassador to Luxembourg. Alex talked with leaders in the business community for their take...
2021-08-2820 minBizTimes MKE: Milwaukee Business InsightsWeekly Debrief: 10 important companies for southeastern Wisconsin's futureBizTimes' Lauren Anderson, Brandon Anderegg and Andrew Weiland join Arthur Thomas to discuss the week's news, including the announcement of 53 Wisconsin companies on this year's Inc. 5000 list. The group takes a closer look at Frontdesk and Parts Badger, two of the southeastern Wisconsin companies on the list. Then they participate in a brief mock draft to select another eight companies that are significant for the future of southeastern Wisconsin. 53 Wisconsin companies make 2021 Inc. 5000 listFrontdesk raises $7 million, aims for profitability in 2022A cut above: Despite challenges, PartsBadger posts impressive growth
2021-08-2026 minBizTimes MKE: Milwaukee Business InsightsWeekly Debrief: Generac expanding to Pewaukee, Milwaukee bans scooters in downtown, nearby areasBizTimes Milwaukee editor Andrew Weiland and reporter Brandon Anderegg talk about two of the biggest local business stories of the week: Generac's purchase of the former American Family Insurance office building in Pewaukee to expand its operations and the city of Milwaukee's move to ban dockless scooter operations downtown and in nearly neighborhoods because too many people were riding them on the sidewalks.
2021-08-0615 minBizTimes MKE: Milwaukee Business InsightsWhy Hartland-based Fathom is going public via SPAC│Ep. 80In mid-July, Hartland-based Fathom Digital Manufacturing Corp. announced plans to go public via a special purpose acquisition corporation or SPAC. On the latest BizTimes MKE Podcast, Fathom CEO Ryan Martin talks about why the company is going public and why a SPAC was the right vehicle to do it. SPACs have received a lot of attention over the past year as a vehicle to take companies public without the same level of scrutiny involved in a traditional IPO, but Martin said Fathom is different from many of those businesses. “I personally believe a lot...
2021-08-0228 minBizTimes MKE: Milwaukee Business InsightsWeekly Debrief: COVID numbers heading in the wrong directionArthur Thomas, Lauren Anderson and Andrew Weiland from BizTimes Media discuss worrying trends in the COVID-19 pandemic. With the CDC changing its recommendations on wearing masks, Lauren and Andrew highlight numbers for southeastern Wisconsin. They also discuss how local health systems have begun mandating vaccinations and whether more employers will move in that direction going forward. Ascension Wisconsin requiring all employees to get COVID vaccineChildren's Wisconsin, Medical College of Wisconsin mandate COVID-19 vaccine for all employeesProHealth Care mandates COVID-19 vaccine for its employees
2021-07-3011 minBizTimes MKE: Milwaukee Business InsightsHaving tough conversations and tracking D&I progress in metro Milwaukee│Ep. 78Beth Ridley and Lauren Anderson join Arthur Thomas to talk about diversity and inclusion coverage from the July 19 issue of BizTimes Milwaukee. Beth works as a consultant helping companies with D&I issues. For the issue, she wrote a column highlighting how she is focusing on having tough conversations when the opportunity arises. She also discussed how these conversations can help companies foster a more inclusive culture. Lauren, an associate editor at BizTimes, discussed some of her coverage from the issue, including a story that takes stock of how well companies are doing on their D&I commitments made...
2021-07-2630 minBizTimes MKE: Milwaukee Business InsightsWeekly Debrief: If the Bucks can do it, why not the Brewers?BizTimes editor Andrew Weiland joins associate editor Arthur Thomas to talk about the Milwaukee Bucks winning the NBA Finals. Andrew reflects on the cooperation and bipartisan work that made Fiserv Forum and the Deer District possible, a topic he addressed in his commentary for the July 19 issue of BizTimes Milwaukee. Andrew and Arthur also bring up reporter Alex Zank's Real Estate Spotlight from May, which explored possible development opportunities for the Milwaukee Brewers as Komatsu Mining moves to its new Harbor District in the coming years. Commentary: Bucks' rise shows benefits of teamwork
2021-07-2320 minBizTimes MKE: Milwaukee Business InsightsEnerpac Tool Group's business lessons from the pandemic│Ep. 76Enerpac Tool Group's Jeff Schmaling and Barb Bolens join BizTimes Media associate editor Arthur Thomas to discuss lessons learned from helping the Menomonee Falls-based company navigate through the COIVD-19 pandemic over the past year. Enerpac, previously known as Actuant, had just completed a series of moves, including a major divestiture and a name change, aimed at setting the company on a new strategic direction when the pandemic hit. In April 2020, Enerpac CEO Randy Baker talked with Arthur about how the sudden onset of the pandemic required the company to take quick actions to preserve the...
2021-07-1932 minBizTimes MKE: Milwaukee Business InsightsWeekly Debrief: Couture connections, downtown housing spree and office market rebound with real estate reporter Alex ZankBizTimes Media real estate reporter Alex Zank joins associate editor Arthur Thomas to talk about the cover story in the July 19 issue of BizTimes Milwaukee. Alex's story explores how The Couture, a long awaited residential, retail and transit development along Milwaukee's lakefront, serves as the missing piece for a number of other projects and site in downtown Milwaukee. Alex took a closer look at a recent run of downtown housing projects and whether the city can support the increased supply. His Real Estate Spotlight in the July 19 issue also explores how the office market in metro Milwaukee is performing.
2021-07-1614 minBizTimes MKE: Milwaukee Business InsightsThe family business practices that help Kwik Trip grow│Ep. 74The latest episode of the BizTimes MKE Podcast features editor Andrew Weiland's conversation with Carl Rick at the BizTimes Family & Closely Held Business Summit. Rick is a training manager and third generation family spokesperson for La Crosse-based Kwik Trip. Their conversation touches on the culture at Kwik Trip, the importance of profit sharing with employees, navigating the pandemic, handling family business topics at home and much more. The remainder of the Family Business Summit is available on demand at biztimes.com/family. The event, held in late June, was made possible by sponsorship f...
2021-07-1238 minBizTimes MKE: Milwaukee Business InsightsStrategies for solving your workforce challenges with Ryan Festerling of QPS Employment│Ep. 73As president of Brookfield-based QPS Employment Group, Ryan Festerling has a front row seat to how the labor force is reacting as the economy ramps up again. QPS provides staffing services to more than 1,000 companies across seven Midwestern states, many in light industrial, warehousing and manufacturing settings. Festerling said that while the enhanced benefit is likely keeping some people on the sidelines, QPS hasn’t seen a dramatic shift in applicants in states where the benefit has been ended. "I would love to tell you that it was this big light switch that all of the...
2021-06-2828 minBizTimes MKE: Milwaukee Business InsightsWeekly Debrief: South Carolina B'gosh, more Spirit, and climbing out of economic holeArthur Thomas, Brandon Anderegg and Andrew Weiland from BizTimes Media discuss the news of the week, starting with Oshkosh Corp.'s decision to build the next generation of postal delivery vehicles in South Carolina, not Wisconsin. Andrew says the decision is disappointing. The group also discusses the continued growth in flights out of Mitchell Airport with Spirit adding more flights this week. Finally, Arthur reviews the latest data on Wisconsin's GDP, which was up 6% in the first quarter but still isn't quite back to pre-pandemic levels.
2021-06-2514 minBizTimes MKE: Milwaukee Business InsightsWhat to expect at the Family Business Summit on June 29Arthur Thomas, Andrew Weiland and Maredithe Meyer from BizTimes Media preview the upcoming Family and Closely Held Business Summit. The event marks the return of live events for BizTimes Media and will take place June 29 at the Brookfield Conference Center. To register for the event, visit biztimes.com/family
2021-06-2317 minBizTimes MKE: Milwaukee Business InsightsWeekly Debrief: $100M VC fund cut from budget, understanding SHINE and North Star, and Brady's big dealBizTimes Media associate editor Arthur Thomas is joined by reporter Brandon Anderegg and editor Andrew Weiland to discuss the news of the week. Brandon describes the friction over the proposed $100 million state venture capital fund that was cut from the state budget and then previews a story he wrote in the latest issue of BizTimes Milwaukee highlighting the work of SHINE Medical Technologies and NorthStar Medical Radioisotopes. Both companies are making progress in developing a U.S. supply chain for the materials used in certain medical imaging procedures. Arthur discusses a big acquisition by Brady Corp. to fuel its...
2021-06-1815 minBizTimes MKE: Milwaukee Business InsightsMilwaukee 7’s Jim Paetsch on his new job, tax incentives and the tension in corporate and talent attraction │Ep. 68Starting July 1, Jim Paetsch will takeover as executive director of Milwaukee 7, the regional economic development entity that covers southeastern Wisconsin. Paetsch has been with M7 since it was started in 2005, but his work has primarily focused on corporate attraction and expansion. He doesn’t expect much of his job will change when it comes to trying to encourage companies to locate and expand in southeastern Wisconsin, but his new role will see him more involved in strategy and other aspects of the organization. One of the other areas M7 works in is talent attraction and deve...
2021-06-1426 minBizTimes MKE: Milwaukee Business InsightsWeekly Debrief: The feeling inside Fiserv Forum and mixed budget news for big Milwaukee projectsBizTimes associate editor Arthur Thomas is joined by reporter Maredithe Meyer and editor Andrew Weiland to discuss the news of the week. Maredithe was in the arena for the Milwaukee Bucks playoff victory on Thursday and posted a slideshow Friday with scenes from the game and the crowd. She discusses the feeling of a return to live sports with a full capacity crowd and the scene surrounding the arena. Andrew discusses actions by the Legislature's Joint Finance Committee involving two major projects in Milwaukee. The first is the Milwaukee Public Museum's plan to move to a new site in...
2021-06-1113 minBizTimes MKE: Milwaukee Business InsightsWeekly Debrief: Innovate Wisconsin and Deshea Agee leaving King Drive BIDLauren Anderson and Alex Zank join Arthur Thomas for the Weekly Debrief on the BizTimes MKE Podcast. They discuss Deshea Agree leaving the King Drive BID before previewing the Innovate Wisconsin issue of BizTimes Milwaukee. The annual Innovate issues publishes on June 7 with a cover story highlighting how Milwaukee Tool has used innovation to fuel a decade of remarkable growth. The entire issue delves into how the pandemic and events of the past year have altered the economy and created opportunities for companies to innovate and grow.
2021-06-0411 minBizTimes MKE: Milwaukee Business InsightsWeekly Debrief: 5 prime development sites in metro MilwaukeeBizTimes Media's Arthur Thomas and Andrew Weiland follow-up on a discussion from last week's episode where Andrew described the future site of a 32-story mixed-use tower in the Third Ward as one of those sites where it is hard to believe nothing significant has been developed. Andrew said there are a number of sites like that around the city, so Arthur asked him to put together a list of five with potential. Three of them are in or near downtown Milwaukee while the others are in Wauwatosa and Brookfield.
2021-05-2920 minBizTimes MKE: Milwaukee Business InsightsDCD’s Lafayette Crump on the importance of proper planning in Milwaukee│Ep. 64Milwaukee Department of City Development commissioner Lafayette Crump spoke at the Rotary Club of Milwaukee recently, highlighting the city's comprehensive plan and development throughout the city. “We just have to find a way to implement the vision that exists in that plan and (I’m) really excited to see so many people trying to find ways to make everything we see on paper, to make those things a reality,” Crump said. He also touched on the need for community involvement in the planning and development process and praised Jim Barry III’s contribution to BizTimes’ “25 big ideas for Milwaukee’s future” feat...
2021-05-2445 minBizTimes MKE: Milwaukee Business InsightsWeekly Debrief: 32-story Third Ward tower, Kohl's cautious outlook and lessons from the LubarsBizTimes Media associate editor Arthur Thomas is joined by editor Andrew Weiland and real estate reporter Alex Zank to discuss the week's big stories, including a plan from Houston-based Hines to build a 32-story, $140 million luxury mixed-use residential tower at a key gateway site in Milwaukee's Third Ward. They also touch on the cautious guidance increase Menomonee Falls-based retailer Kohl's offered this week after sales exceeded 2019 levels in March and April. Finally, Arthur previews his upcoming cover story on the business philosophy of Sheldon Lubar and his family.
2021-05-2116 minBizTimes MKE: Milwaukee Business InsightsWeekly Debrief: NASCAR sponsors; Rexnord-Regal Beloit deal and the reopening of the economyBizTimes editors Andrew Weiland, Lauren Anderson and Arthur Thomas discuss the news of the week, including a title sponsor for the NASCAR race at Road America, background on how Rexnord and Regal Beloit's $3.69 billion merger came to be, and a whole lot of developments in the reopening of the economy.The Weekly Debrief is a chance to quickly catchup on news of the week in the Milwaukee business world. Get the news delivered straight to your inbox by subscribing to our newsletters and support our work by becoming an Insider.
2021-05-1415 minBizTimes MKE: Milwaukee Business InsightsCan industrial real estate keep up its hot streak? │Ep. 60Jeff Hoffman, principal at Cushman & Wakefield│Boerke joins Arthur Thomas and Alex Zank of BizTimes Media to discuss the industrial real estate market in southeastern Wisconsin. Jeff goes into great detail on what his firm is seeing (or not seeing) from national developers, factors driving companies to move from Illinois (it isn’t just taxes and politics), where the next waves of industrial development could take place and how workforce shortages could shape industrial development going forward.
2021-05-1044 minBizTimes MKE: Milwaukee Business InsightsWeekly Debrief: Couture construction; Summerfest lineup; Mitchell traffic takes off and moreAndrew Weiland, Lauren Anderson and Arthur Thomas of BizTimes Media discuss significant stories from the week, including The Couture finally moving forward, Summerfest announcing its lineup, Goodwill changing its headquarters, trade data showing economic activity picking up, more small businesses starting and passenger traffic taking off at Mitchell Airport. Read more on these stories at BizTimes.com:From Andrew:- Construction work for The Couture to begin Wednesday- The Couture had to overcome yet another financial hurdle, due to the COVID-19 pandemic- Developer...
2021-05-0712 minBizTimes MKE: Milwaukee Business InsightsBuilding momentum in Racine and Kenosha counties│Ep. 58This week's episode features BizTimes editor Andrew Weiland moderating a panel discussion during the recent Racine/Kenosha County 2035 event. The panel featured Wes Saber, executive vice president and chief financial officer of Haribo of America, John Batten, CEO of Racine-based Twin Disc, Chad Navis, director of industrial developments at Zilber Property Group and Ted Matkom, Wisconsin market president for Gorman & Company. If you're interested, additional panel discussions with education and economic development leaders are available on demand at biztimes.com/2035This event was made possible by our sponsor, Davis and Kuelthau, supporting sponsor the University of Wisconsin-Parkside, a...
2021-05-031h 03BizTimes MKE: Milwaukee Business InsightsGoing inside the new Bradley Symphony Center│Ep. 57The April 26 issue of BizTimes Milwaukee features two stories on the conversion of the Warner Grand Theatre into the Bradley Symphony Center. Associate editor Lauren Anderson wrote the cover story focusing on how the MSO pulled together funding for the $139 project, how plans to open the facility evolved because of COVID-19 and the impact of the project on the western side of Milwaukee's downtown. Reporter Alex Zank dove into the details of the construction project, from complicated land assembly to moving a wall to restoring historical details.Laurena and Alex joined associate editor Arthur Thomas to talk...
2021-04-2625 minBizTimes MKE: Milwaukee Business InsightsBiohealth's chance to attract talent to Wisconsin with Lisa Johnson│Ep. 53Few, if any, sectors in Wisconsin have been more at the center of the COVID-19 fight than the biohealth industry. Lisa Johnson, chief executive officer of BioForward Wisconsin, said the sector includes life sciences, medical devices, digital health and health systems. BioForward is a membership organization that represents more than 200 companies in the sector in Wisconsin. On the latest BizTimes MKE Podcast, Johnson discussed some of the industry’s lessons learned from the COVID-19 fight, but also highlighted its opportunity to attract new talent to Wisconsin. She said the state is uniquely positioned because its bioh...
2021-03-2920 minBizTimes MKE: Milwaukee Business InsightsUW business dean Vallabh Sambamurthy talks business education and navigating COVID-19│Ep. 52Vallabh Sambamurthy, the Albert O. Nicholas Dean of the Wisconsin School of Business at UW-Madison, joins BizTimes associate editor Arthur Thomas to talk about his first two years on the job. Dean Samba accepted the position in early 2019 and came to Madison in August of that year. Even before arriving, he had started laying the groundwork for a new strategic plan for the business school. A group of 20 professors and staff then worked to engage stakeholders and identify what the school needed to work on going forward. The result was Roadmap 2025, a new strategic plan for the school to...
2021-03-2237 minBizTimes MKE: Milwaukee Business InsightsWisconsin Center's Marty Brooks on managing naming rights, pandemic and expansion│Ep. 51Wisconsin Center District CEO Marty Brooks joins BizTimes associate editor Arthur Thomas and reporter Alex Zank to discuss the latest news coming from the downtown Milwaukee convention center. Brooks talks about how the work the WCD did on its culture after his arrival in 2018 paid off when the COVID-19 pandemic hit; what its like planning for an expansion amid a pandemic; and how he is approaching the search for a naming rights sponsor.
2021-03-151h 02BizTimes MKE: Milwaukee Business InsightsBitcoin basics and more with Baird's Michael Antonelli│Ep. 50This episode of the BizTimes MKE Podcast features Baird market strategist Michael Antonelli’s recent presentation to the Rotary Club of Milwaukee on Bitcoin. Antonelli offers a primer on the basics of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, a review of some of Bitcoin’s strengths and weaknesses, the challenges financial services firms have with it and his view on why Bitcoin will not end up as a currency. He also shares his own experience with Bitcoin, having spent $400 for two coins in 2012 only to have them stolen a year later. Those coins would have been worth more than $100,000 in Fe...
2021-03-0852 minBizTimes MKE: Milwaukee Business InsightsBill Berrien wants to build 'the world's most valuable manufacturing network'│Ep. 49Pindel Global Precision entered 2020 making no ventilator parts for its customers. The New Berlin-based precision machining manufacturer exited the year having made thousands of parts for five customers. Bill Berrien, chief executive officer of Pindel, and his team were among the companies that moved quickly as the COVID-19 pandemic hit to find a way to contribute. The experience led Berrien to start a new venture in addition to Pindel called PRODx, short for Production Expediting Technologies. The idea behind PRODx is fairly simply. Buyers at larger manufacturers will turn to PRODx when they run into is...
2021-02-2244 minBizTimes MKE: Milwaukee Business InsightsRockwell CEO's 2021 predictions, a closer look at labor markets and more from BizTimes Economic Trends│Ep. 48In this episode, BizTimes associate editor Arthur Thomas takes listeners through some of the highlights from the 2021 BizTimes Economic Trends event, including economist Mike Knetter's thoughts on the need for political leadership to help the economy, consumer confidence and inflation; a closer look at labor markets with Ryan Festerling of QPS Employment Group; and a tour through the manufacturing sector with Rockwell Automation chairman and CEO Blake Moret. The Economic Trends event was made possible by sponsors Annex Wealth Management, BMO Harris Bank, Taureau Group and Vistage. If you're interested in hearing the full presentations or downloading...
2021-02-0223 minBizTimes MKE: Milwaukee Business InsightsBizTimes editor Andrew Weiland on the good and the bad of 2020│Ep. 47Every year, BizTimes editor Andrew Weiland puts together a list of the biggest stories for the year from the southeastern Wisconsin business community. It is always interesting to recall all of the things that transpired during the year, but 2020 took things to another level. On this episode, Weiland joins associate editor Arthur Thomas to discuss what made the list this year and dive deeper on some of the challenges and good things that came from a year unlike any other.
2020-12-311h 02BizTimes MKE: Milwaukee Business InsightsGenerac's Aaron Jagdfeld on 2020, Briggs & Stratton, climate change and more │Ep. 45Generac chairman and CEO Aaron Jagdfeld joined BizTimes Media associate editor Arthur Thomas for a one-on-one interview as part of the 2020 Next Generation Manufacturing Summit. The event was held virtually and is now available on demand here. In this interview, Jagdfeld discusses how demand for Generac's products has been shaped by the COVID-19 pandemic, business lessons from Briggs & Stratton's recent bankruptcy, opportunities and risks for the company from climate change and strategies for attracting and retaining employees in the manufacturing sector. The Next Generation Manufacturing Summit was made possible by presenting sponsor WMEP Manufacturing Solutions, sponsors B...
2020-10-1930 minBizTimes MKE: Milwaukee Business InsightsVISIT Milwaukee’s Peggy Williams-Smith on changing culture amid a pandemic│Ep.43When Peggy Williams-Smith started as chief executive officer of VISIT Milwaukee in November 2019, she knew the organization was going to need to change. She had seen VISIT lose some of its luster during her more the two decades of experience working in hospitality in downtown Milwaukee.“It was a pretty fractured culture, it was pretty siloed and there were people who, unfortunately, I think were just fighting to stay afloat and starting to stay alive which caused the organization to be really damaged when I got there,” she said. Williams-Smith joined Beth Ridley of The Brimf...
2020-10-0527 minBizTimes MKE: Milwaukee Business InsightsJerry Jendusa on sustaining results during and after a crisis│Ep. 41Entrepreneur and regular BizTimes columnist Jerry Jendusa joins associate editor Arthur Thomas to talk about sustaining results during and after a crisis. In his latest column, Jendusa advises businesses to avoid being paralyzed by a crisis but also to not let drastic times lead to drastic measures. On this podcast, he discusses how business leaders can go beyond looking at their financial results to see the whole picture of how their company is performing.
2020-07-1313 minBizTimes MKE: Milwaukee Business InsightsBeth Ridley on lessons learned from diversity series podcasts│Ep. 40BizTimes podcast partner Beth Ridley of The Brimful Life joins associate editor Arthur Thomas to discuss lessons learned from her diversity series podcasts. Ridley talked with four Milwaukee-area diversity and inclusion leaders to get their thoughts on how companies can see results from their own D&I efforts. On this episode, she reflects on some of the key lessons learned, draws from her own experience helping companies with D&I and offers some guidance for small and medium companies starting their own D&I journey.
2020-06-2925 minBizTimes MKE: Milwaukee Business InsightsGeorge Bureau of WMEP on the state of manufacturing│Ep. 35George Bureau, vice president of consulting at WMEP Manufacturing Solutions, joins BizTimes associate editor Arthur Thomas to talk about the state of manufacturing in Wisconsin. WMEP has conducted two rounds of surveys since COVID-19 hit the state to understand how manufacturers are responding. The surveys have found sharp declines in business activity for manufacturers, but also some signs of improvement among larger firms and a desire to hold onto workers if possible.
2020-06-1114 minBizTimes MKE: Milwaukee Business InsightsBizTimes Economic Trends 2.0 Webinar Q&A│Ep. 34At the start of every year, BizTimes Media hosts an annual economic trends breakfast. At this year's event, the coronavirus was barely on the radar of panelists and attendees. A few short months later, the virus has changed nearly everything about the economy. BizTimes invited this year's panelists -- American Family Insurance CEO Jack Salzwedel, Husco CEO Austin Ramirez, Graef CEO John Kissinger and UW Foundation president Michael Knetter -- back to take another look at where the economy stands. This week's podcast features the Q&A portion of the event. To hear the full webinar, visit biztimes.com...
2020-05-2728 minBizTimes MKE: Milwaukee Business Insights2020 BizTimes M&A Forum: Lessons in culture, trust and buying and selling businesses│Ep. 27The 2020 BizTimes M&A Forum featured a panel discussion with Andrea Bukacek, CEO of Bukacek Construction, Sharad Chadha, CEO of Sprecher Brewing, Paul Grunau, chief learning officer at APi Group, and Ryan Martin, CEO of Midwest Composite Technologies. Panelists shared lessons learned from their own M&A journeys, including the importance of trust in a deal and financing coming together, the role culture plays in success after a transaction, and some of the tough decisions buyers and sellers have to make as a deal comes together. The panel was moderated by Ann Hanna, managing director an...
2020-03-1944 minBizTimes MKE: Milwaukee Business InsightsBizTimes Economic Trends Panel Q&A│Ep. 19In addition to speaker presentations, the 2020 BizTimes Economic Trends Conference featured a panel discussion featuring Michael Knetter, economist and president of the University of Wisconsin Foundation, John Kissinger, president and CEO of GRAEF-USA Inc., Austin Ramirez, president and CEO of Husco International, and Jack Salzwedel, CEO of American Family Insurance. Event sponsors included Annex Wealth Management, BMO Harris Bank and SVA along with supporting sponsors Bridgewood Advisors and Vistage.
2020-01-3132 minBizTimes MKE: Milwaukee Business InsightsNonprofit Excellence Awards housing and homelessness panel discussion | Ep. #8During the 2019 Nonprofit Excellence Awards, BizTimes associate editor Lauren Anderson moderated a panel discussion on housing and homelessness in the Milwaukee area. The panel included Eric Collins-Dyke, homeless outreach services manager at the Milwaukee County Housing Division; Michael Gosman, executive director of Acts Housing; Beth Wierick, CEO of Milwaukee Downtown- BID #21; and Mike Flynn, president - Milwaukee region of First Business Bank. The event was sponsored by Potawatomi Hotel & Casino.
2019-11-2747 minBizTimes MKE: Milwaukee Business InsightsCommercial Real Estate & Development Conference panel discussion | Ep. #6Milwaukee has arrived. New development is reshaping downtown and the suburbs and the city is getting national and international attention for the upcoming 2020 Democratic National Convention and for its top sports stars. So, what’s next for Milwaukee? Can the city take advantage of this momentum to reach the next level and gain prosperity for all of its neighborhoods? BizTimes Milwaukee recently hosted its annual Commercial Real Estate and Development Conference to explore this topic, which included a panel discussion of successful, thoughtful and outspoken local real estate professionals. The Panel included: Kalan Haywood Sr. of Haywood Group, Juli Ka...
2019-11-2053 minBizTimes MKE: Milwaukee Business InsightsDennis Mistrioty - A consumer's guide to the CBD industry | Ep. #3Dennis Mistrioty is the CEO and Co-Owner of Wisconsin Hemp Scientific. In this episode of the BizTimes MKE Podcast, he shares a brief consumer's guide to CBD, focusing particularly on the current state of the CBD industry. With hemp and CBD being so new to Wisconsin, Dennis explains why CBD seems to be appearing everywhere, and the importance of researching your CBD supplier before making a purchase. Lastly, Dennis discusses how he hopes the CBD industry will evolve over the next few years. In Partnership with Rotary Club of Milwaukee
2019-11-1136 min