BizTimes MKE: Milwaukee Business Insights

Brian Baker, president and CEO of Oconomowoc-based Sentry Equipment Corporation, joins BizTimes Media managing editor Arthur Thomas on the podcast. They discuss his journey from finance expert to company leader, how Sentry has expanded from a manufacturer to also a service provider, the benefits and challenges of employee ownership and how the current economy is shaping business for Sentry Equipment. Whether you're a manufacturer or not, this episode has a number of interesting insights to help your business grow.

Ellen Gilligan, the president and CEO of the Greater Milwaukee Foundation, joins Marquette University president Michael Lovell and BizTimes Media managing editor Arthur Thomas on the latest episode of Leadership Lens. Gilligan discusses what she's learned about taking on big projects, her own leadership style and how she knew it was the right time to announce her upcoming retirement. Lovell and Gilligan also both share insights from leading their own organizations' $700 million-plus fundraising campaigns. 

Milwaukee Bucks president Peter Feigin joins Marquette University president Michael Lovell and BizTimes Media managing editor Arthur Thomas on Leadership Lens, a monthly podcast that features southeastern Wisconsin business leaders discussing how they approach their work. On this episode, Feigin discusses his career journey, from working with Arthur Ashe to Madison Square Garden to the circumstances that brought him to Milwaukee. He also touches on the power of sports as a common language, the Bucks recent coaching changes, how he makes decisions and the untapped potential for Milwaukee. 

Gus Ramirez and the Ramirez Family Foundation made big news in 2023, buying the former campus of Cardinal Stritch University in Glendale and Fox Point for $24 million not long after the school shut down at the end of the spring semester. The chairman of Waukesha-based manufacturer Husco International, Ramirez and his family were behind the launch of St. Augustine Preparatory Academy on Milwaukee's south side and now plan to open another Christian education K-12 school on the Cardinal Stritch campus by 2025. In September, Ramirez joined BizTimes Media managing editor Arthur Thomas and Marquette University president Michael Lovell for a recording of Leadership Lens, a podcast in which area business leaders discuss their leadership styles and making important decisions.

Menasha-based health insurer Network Health has a new ownership structure after Froedtert Health completed its acquisition of Ascension Wisconsin's 50% stake in the health insurer, taking full ownership of the company. Network Health CEO Coreen Dicus-Johnson recently joined BizTimes managing editor Arthur Thomas to discuss what the change means and how the company competes in an industry dominated by giants

Andrew Weiland and Arthur Thomas from BizTimes Media discuss the news of the week, including the announcement that UWM's Washington County campus will close by July 2024. It is another example of the challenges facing higher education amid declining enrollment, financial challenges and the changing value of higher education. Insider Story SpotlightWages in Wisconsin continue to grow more than 5% year-over-yearQ&A: Dale Kooyenga discusses priorities as MMAC's incoming presidentBig StoryUWM-Washington County campus to close by JuneSurvival 101: Colleges adapt amid shrinking pool of high school grads

Andrew 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 slide in Q3Big StoryEvers, Johnson back new Brewers stadium bill unveiled by Republicans Thursday

Andrew 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 Bucks' sausage sponsor

Andrew 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 for Milwaukee in 2024Big StoryGOP lawmakers unveil $700 million American Family Field funding proposalEvers pitching $290 million plan for American Family Field upgradesHere are the American Family Field upgrades that more than $400 million would cover

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

Andrew Weiland and Arthur Thomas from BizTimes Media get together to discuss the news of the week, including IAM Local 1947 and Mercury Marine reaching a new 5-year contract. The fact the deal came with little fanfare is a sign of how far things have come since 2009 when the company was considering a move to Oklahoma. Register for the Next Generation Manufacturing SummitInsider Story SpotlightIndustrial redevelopment planned for former Kohl's office spaceJohnson Financial Group CEO discusses branch strategy with one set to open and another in the worksBig StoryMercury Marine, labor union announce new five-year collective bargaining agreement

Andrew Weiland and Arthur Thomas from BizTimes Media get together to discuss the news of the week, including the first Republican presidential debate of the 2024 campaign coming to Milwaukee. While on a much smaller scale than next summer's Republican National Convention, the debate does offer a preview of what to expect next year. If the city's performance on the national stage can scale up to the size of a political convention, will Milwaukee leaders be happy with the results?Nominations for Innovation + Entrepreneurship Awards due by Sept. 29 Insider Story SpotlightKunes acquires Greenfield auto dealershipFroedtert CEO Cathy Jacobson: Leadership is a continuous journeyBig StorySee photos from GOP primary debate in Milwaukee

Andrew Weiland and Arthur Thomas from BizTimes Media get together to discuss the news of the week, including FPC Live again revising plans for a music venue in Milwaukee. The project, which was originally planned in the Third Ward and has since moved to the former Bradley Center site in the Deer District, will now have just one 4,500-person capacity venue instead of the two venue plan that originally received city approvals. Submit nominations for Rising Stars in Manufacturing by Sept. 1Insider Story SpotlightMayville Engineering Co. to move its HQ to MilwaukeeSprecher continues national expansion, now available in 49 states, has nearly tripled sales since 2020Big StoryFPC Live's Deer District project to move forward with one venue instead of two

Andrew Weiland and Arthur Thomas from BizTimes Media get together to discuss the news of the week, including continuing financial challenges for hotels in or near downtown Milwaukee. The Iron Horse Hotel in Walker's Point is set to go up for auction next month and the downtown Hampton Inn & Suites, which closed suddenly earlier this year, has been handed over to its bank.Submit nominations for Nonprofit Excellence AwardsInsider Story SpotlightMandel Group planning mixed-use development next to Walmart store in New BerlinMilwaukee Tool's sales growth continued in first half, even as its parent company's revenue droppedBig StoryBankrupt Iron Horse Hotel to be auctioned next monthDowntown Milwaukee Hampton Inn & Suites acquired by its lender

Andrew Weiland and Arthur Thomas from BizTimes Media get together to discuss the news of the week, including Nokia's plans to manufacture broadband components at the Pleasant Prairie facility of San Jose-based Sanmina. They discuss whether the BEAN program that's led to the investment is a wise use of government spending and whether provisions encouraging U.S. manufacturing make sense. Insider Story SpotlightChildren's Wisconsin plans new clinic, with urgent care, on Milwaukee's far northwest sideHaribo already approved for $8.6 million in tax credits for Pleasant Prairie factoryBig StoryNokia will manufacture broadband network electronics at Sanmina's Pleasant Prairie facilityVice President Kamala Harris visits Sanmina's Pleasant Prairie plant to tout company's new partnership with NokiaRegister for the Women In Business Symposium on Aug. 23

To get a better sense of the day-to-day work of DEI leaders, BizTimes worked with Beth Ridley of Ridley Consulting Group to record a podcast with members of an inclusive leaders roundtable group she leads. Along with Ridley, the conversation included Sri Kadasinghanahalli, vice president of enterprise data and analytics at Milwaukee-based MGIC Investment Corp.; Michelle Naples, chief integration officer at West Allis-based Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan; and DeAnna Osteen, vice president of human resources at Glendale-based Weyco Group.

Andrew Weiland and Arthur Thomas from BizTimes Media get together to discuss the news of the week, including Summerfest seeing a 40% increase in attendance but still falling short of pre-pandemic levels. They also discuss the impact of Harley-Davidson's 120th anniversary celebrations this weekend. Insider Story SpotlightReport examines ideas to improve housing affordability in Waukesha CountyReport: Wauwatosa needs affordable, multifamily housing to meet growing demandGolden Pet Manufacturing planning expansion of Germantown facilityBig StorySummerfest attendance up 40% this year, but still below pre-pandemic levelsHarley-Davidson Homecoming Festival kicks off ThursdaySee photos from Harley-Davidson Homecoming Festival kickoffNonprofit Excellence Award NominationsDeadline is August 25 

Andrew Weiland and Arthur Thomas from BizTimes Media get together to discuss the news of the week, including financial services firm Baird making another commitment to downtown Milwaukee. Earlier this year, the firm bought the naming rights for the downtown convention center and this week the company extended its lease at the U.S. Bank building through 2033. Insider Story SpotlightReport: Milwaukee ranked as 7th hottest apartment market in U.S.Developer purchases former We Energies power plant site in Pleasant PrairieBig StoryBaird extends its lease at U.S. Bank Center, will add signageNotable Alumni NominationsDeadline for nominations is July 14

Andrew Weiland and Arthur Thomas from BizTimes Media get together to discuss the news of the week, including the Wisconsin DOT releasing concept plans for the future of I-794 in downtown Milwaukee. The plans include a range of options from rebuilding the highway to modifying to tearing it down. Insider Story SpotlightConstruction begins for train station expansion at airportAI has arrived, is Wisconsin ready?Big StoryWisDOT releases redesign, removal concepts for I-794

Restaurateur and developer Omar Shaikh joined Marquette president Michael Lovell and BizTimes Media managing editor Arthur Thomas for a live recording of Leadership Lens at BizExpo in early May. Shaikh, a partner in Carnevor and 3rd Street Market Hall and member of various boards, discussed how he decides what to get involved in, becoming an increasingly vocal community leader, leading his businesses and more. 

Andrew Weiland and Arthur Thomas from BizTimes Media get together to discuss the news of the week, including the announcement of the King Tut immersive experience coming to the Baird Center, formerly known as the Wisconsin Center, this fall. It is the fourth immersive exhibit to come to the downtown convention  center, offering a unique way to bring additional visitors to the downtown area. Insider Story Spotlight:VISIT Milwaukee launches rebrand effort ahead of 2024 RNCBroadwind shareholders re-elect company's board, say ‘no' to activist investor's candidatesBig StoryKing Tut immersive experience to be presented at downtown Milwaukee convention centerUpcoming Events:Women in Business Symposium - Aug. 23 (early bird pricing until June 30)

Andrew Weiland and Arthur Thomas from BizTimes Media get together to discuss the news of the week, including the launch of the East-West Bus Rapid Transit route in Milwaukee. The route connects the Milwaukee Regional Medical Center with downtown in around 30 minutes by using a dedicated bus lane, fewer stops and technological improvements. Andrew and Arthur discuss the stakes for the $55 million BRT route, including implications for a planned North-South route with a $148 million price tag.Insider Story SpotlightUline to add 200 jobs in Kenosha CountyWisconsin bank CEO recession fears are easing, but remain highBig StoryEast-West Bus Rapid Transit line launches

Andrew Weiland and Arthur Thomas from BizTimes Media discuss the news of the week, including the city of Milwaukee issuing a new request for proposals for a vacant site at 401 W. Wisconsin Ave., just south of the convention center in downtown Milwaukee. Andrew shares his thoughts on what kind of development makes the most sense, what the city should avoid for the site and the prospects for a viable development to be proposed. Insider Story Spotlight:Q&A: Toppers new CEO talks leadership, growth strategyInpro plans expansion to Muskego HQBig StoryCity again seeks development proposals for long-vacant Wisconsin Avenue site

Longtime Outpost Natural Foods general manager Pam Mehnert joins BizTimes Media's Maredithe Meyer and Arthur Thomas to discuss her career and retirement plans, the growth of the co-op grocer from one store to four and now nearly $50 million in sales, her approach to leadership and the advice she is passing to her successor. 

Andrew Weiland and Arthur Thomas from BizTimes Media get together to discuss the news of the week, including Master Lock's decision to close its Milwaukee plant, eliminating around 330 jobs. The closure represents another piece of bad news for the northwest side of Milwaukee, which has lost Leonardo DRS, Astronautics and others in recent years. Insider Story Spotlight:Future unclear for Hampton Inn & Suites in downtown Milwaukee after sudden closureATC seeking to buy, renovate Pewaukee HQ for $91 millionBig Story:Master Lock parent company ‘footprint improvements,' including planned shutdown of Milwaukee plant, aim to boost profits up to $75 million

Andrew Weiland and Arthur Thomas from BizTimes Media discuss news of the week, including the opening of The Trade hotel in the Deer District and the number of remaining development opportunities in the area around the Fiserv Forum. Insider Story Spotlight:Waukesha County Center for Growth executive director named president of KABAWe Energies returns to PSC for 2024 rate increasesBig Story:See photos: The Trade hotel opens in downtown Milwaukee's Deer District

Andrew Weiland and Arthur Thomas from BizTimes Media discuss the news of the week in southeastern Wisconsin, including a $450 million plan from Cobalt Development and C.D. Smith to redevelop nine blocks in downtown Kenosha, including adding more than 1,000 apartments and condos, retail and other uses. Insider Story SpotlightWells Fargo will move downtown Milwaukee commercial lending office from 100 East to 833 East Michigan buildingMGS Manufacturing adding innovation center at Germantown HQBig StoryNine-block, $450 million development planned in downtown Kenosha

Visit Milwaukee president and CEO Peggy Williams-Smith joined Marquette University president Michael Lovell and BizTimes managing editor Arthur Thomas on Leadership Lens, a monthly podcast that dives into the leadership styles of Milwaukee-area business leaders. The conversation, recorded in mid-April, touches on how Williams-Smith navigated the pandemic, which hit just after she started in her role, landing the Republican National Convention, selling Milwaukee and addressing its challenges, leading as an optimist who doesn't want to say no to things, and much more. 

Andrew Weiland and Arthur Thomas from BizTimes Media get together to discuss the news of the week, including the start of the 2023 cruise ship season in Milwaukee. City and Port Milwaukee officials expect 31 port calls and 12,000 passengers to visit this year, a slight dip from 2022, but a big increase from just a few years ago when Milwaukee barely had any cruise traffic. Insider Story Spotlight:Regal Ware plans to move HQ to office building on Milwaukee's far northwest sideGenerac will pay $15.8 million penalty after portable generators caused finger amputationsGenerac sees sharp decline in sale of residential products at start of 2023Big StoryCruise season kicks off in Milwaukee with return of Viking OctantisLake Express Ferry begins 20th season of service

Eve Hall, president and CEO of the Greater Milwaukee Urban League, joins BizTimes managing editor Arthur Thomas and Marquette University president Michael Lovell on Leadership Lens to discuss GMUL's work, progress on diversity in Milwaukee, keys to developing innovative thinking, making decisions that are best for the whole organization and much more. 

Andrew 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 materials normalized‘Medtail' tenants becoming more common at shopping centersBig StoryEmbedded technologies power Milwaukee: City's ambition in becoming a tech hub lies in its traditional industries

Andrew Weiland and Arthur Thomas from BizTimes Media get together to discuss the news of the week, including the decision by Cardinal Stritch University to shutdown at the end of the semester. While the news came as a surprise, Andrew and Arthur discuss the mounting challenges for higher education and whether more colleges and universities will go down a similar path. Insider Story Spotlight:Froedtert Health, ThedaCare announce plans to mergeDesire to transform health care in Wisconsin behind Froedtert, ThedaCare mergerQ&A: Froedtert Health's Cathy Jacobson shares next steps for merger with ThedaCareHarley-Davidson CEO in line for big payday if he can triple company value by December 2025Big Story:Cardinal Stritch to shut down at end of spring semester

Andrew Weiland and Arthur Thomas from BizTimes Media discuss the news of the week, including Phoenix Investors emerging as a potential buyer for Northridge Mall, a property that's been tied up in court as the city of Milwaukee seeks to raze the building. Andrew and Arthur discuss whether a potential buyer for the problem property is a good thing or not. Insider Story Spotlight:Danish shipping company plans office at Michels' R1VER developmentHow do Milwaukee-area banks compare to Silicon Valley Bank?Big StoryPhoenix Investors seeks to purchase former Northridge Mall property

Andrew Weiland and Arthur Thomas from BizTimes Media get together to discuss the news of the week, including the Wisconsin Center District striking a deal with Baird for naming rights on the downtown Milwaukee convention center. The center, which has a long history of different name tied to airlines, has been with out a name since 2013. Starting in 2024, it will be known as the Baird Center.Insider Story SpotlightLondon-based insurance services company plans downtown Milwaukee officeRegal Ware to sell its headquarters to Village of Kewaskum for new civic centerBig StoryBaird to be naming rights sponsor for downtown Milwaukee's convention center

Andrew Weiland and Arthur Thomas from BizTimes Media get together to discuss the news of the week, including Gov. Tony Evers' capital budget. The proposal includes more than $9 million to support the Iron District soccer stadium in downtown Milwaukee. Andrew and Arthur also discuss other projects in the budget and the potential for the Milwaukee state office building to finally be sold, someday. Insider Story Spotlight:MSOE buys U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services building adjacent to its campusDetails revealed for Wisconsin's new $50 million investment fundBig StoryEvers wants to provide $9.3 million in state funds for downtown Milwaukee soccer stadiumMillions for Bronzeville Center for the Arts and a dozen other southeastern Wisconsin projects in Evers' capital budgetEvers administration again pushing plans to replace downtown Milwaukee state office building with new building on Near West Side

Andrew Weiland and Arthur Thomas from BizTimes Media discuss the news of the week, including Northwestern Mutual reporting record revenue for the year of almost $35 billion. The results follow earlier news that the company is planning to pay out a record $6.8 billion in dividends. Andrew and Arthur discuss what it means for Milwaukee and the region to have a company like NML  call the city home. Insider Story Spotlight:Uline's next distribution center in Kenosha will be first of four future buildingsAppleton-based manufacturer opens technology center near downtown MilwaukeeBig StoryNorthwestern Mutual's revenue nearly reached $35 billion in 2022

Andrew Weiland and Arthur Thomas from BizTimes Media get together to discuss the news of the week, including a proposal from Gov. Tony Evers to provide $290 million in state money to fund more than $400 million in upgrades and repairs to American Family Field, home of the Milwaukee Brewers. They discuss why this proposal is coming forward, what the money would go toward and how the political process may play out. Insider Story Spotlight:Air cargo facility planned at former 440th Airlift Wing base site at Mitchell InternationalDevelopers want to raze historic Miller Tavern building in the Third WardTwo-story, non-residential building planned to replace historic Third Ward buildingBig StoryEvers pitching $290 million plan for American Family Field upgradesHere are the American Family Field upgrades that more than $400 million would coverSome Republican legislators balk at Evers' American Family Field funding proposal

Andrew Weiland and Arthur Thomas from BizTimes Media get together to discuss news of the week, including the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. announcing up to $7 million in tax credit incentives available for Fiserv to move its headquarters from Brookfield to downtown Milwaukee. Insider Story SpotlightMercury Marine president will become president and CEO of Menasha Corp.Wisconsin 275: Meet the state's most influential business leadersSix former Bucyrus employees seek to take control of Illinois company's boardBig StoryWisconsin offering Fiserv $7 million in tax credits, including millions to retain HQ in statePlaying the tax incentive game

Andrew Weiland and Arthur Thomas from BizTimes Media discuss the news of the week, including Northwestern Mutual announcing plans to invest $500 million into its downtown campus, rehabbing a 19-story office tower to turn it into a "mini-me" of the company's glassy tower. Andrew and Arthur discuss what the move means as vote of confidence in downtown Milwaukee, the challenges of finding a new owner and user for NML's Franklin campus, and what the plans say about the office market in the region and the role of the office for businesses going forward. EventsLearn more about the Milwaukee Education SpotlightInsider Story SpotlightDrexel Building Supply planning 200,000-square-foot facility in KewaskumLiveWire exceeded its 2022 forecast with 597 motorcycles sold, but this year's plans have taken a hit Big StoryNorthwestern Mutual plans $500 million upgrade to its HQ, will bring 2,000 Franklin employees downtownCEO says Northwestern Mutual's rebuilt North Office Building will bolster company's cultureArchitect lays out vision for $500 million transformation of Northwestern Mutual office buildingNorthwestern Mutual's investment in its HQ bodes well for city's growth, real estate pros sayFranklin, Oak Creek, M7 officials have high hopes for Northwestern Mutual Franklin campus

Andrew 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 legal officer for Kohl'sSussex IM names new president and CEO, announces other leadership changesSpring Bank names new presidentNorth Shore Bank names new CEOFiduciary Management plans move to BMO Tower

Andrew Weiland and Arthur Thomas from BizTimes Media get together to discuss the news of the week, including Harley-Davidson announcing Foo Fighters and Green Day as its anniversary celebration headliners and a new report taking a closer look at metro Milwaukee's construction workforce. Insider Story Spotlight:CBRE to move Milwaukee office to BMO TowerKlement's and Milwaukee World Festival end sponsorship agreementBig StoriesFoo Fighters, Green Day will headline Harley-Davidson's 120th anniversary celebrationReport finds ‘mixed picture' for metro Milwaukee construction workforce

Baird's Mary Ellen Stanek joins Marquette University president Michael Lovell and BizTimes Media managing editor Arthur Thomas on the latest episode of Leadership Lens. Stanek discusses how she tries to use laser-like focus while holding many titles and roles, how being intentional helps her find work-life balance, and how she tries to make decisions with an eye towards having no regrets. 

Andrew Weiland and Arthur Thomas from BizTimes Media get together to discuss the news of the week, including Harley-Davidson announcing plans for a park and events space to replace parking lots at its Milwaukee headquarters. Andrew and Arthur discuss whether the city and region should be excited about the park or still concerned about what will ultimately become of Harley's headquarters. Insider Story Spotlight:Luxury boat maker Grand Craft has grown since move to WisconsinMetro Milwaukee home sales were down 14.5% in 2022Big StoryHarley-Davidson unveils plans to build park at headquarters campus

Andrew Weiland and Arthur Thomas from BizTimes Media discuss some of the stories they are watching closely heading into 2023, including the ramifications of a new CEO at Kohl's, Harley-Davidson's plans for its Milwaukee headquarters, and the direction of the economy in an uncertain time. Insider Story Spotlight:Inter-Med sues former employee, alleges trade secrets were sharedSharp drop in new orders in December for region's manufacturing sector

This episode features remarks from the honorees at the 2022 BizTimes Innovation + Entrepreneurship Forum. Three honorees in innovation and three in entrepreneurship share lessons learned building some of the most exciting products and companies in southeastern Wisconsin. 

This episode features Theresa Nemetz, founder of Milwaukee Food & City Tours and the 2022 Regional Spirit award winner at the BizTimes Innovation + Entrepreneurship Forum. Theresa discusses how her business navigated the COVID-19 pandemic, the important role having a mentor has played in her journey and some of the challenges facing iconic Milwaukee restaurants. 

Andrew Weiland and Arthur Thomas of BizTimes Media get together to give listeners a preview of Andrew's annual list of the biggest stories of the year. While things could change, Andrew currently sees the selection of Milwaukee for the 2024 RNC as the biggest story of the year followed by all of the attention and changes at Kohl's. Andrew and Arthur also discuss some of the big stories that maybe flew under-the-radar in 2022.

Marquette University president Michael Lovell joins BizTimes Media managing editor Arthur Thomas to reflect on lessons learned during interviews with southeastern Wisconsin business leaders over the past six months. The lessons they touch on include:Frank Cumberbatch, Bader Philanthropies: Leaders have to show upPeggy Troy, Children's Wisconsin: Stay curiousBernie Sherry, Ascension Wisconsin: Mission matters and supporting teamsTim Sheehy, MMAC: Building consensus is importantJonas Prising, ManpowerGroup: Taking leadership lessons from sports

This episode features BizTimes Media publisher Dan Meyer interviewing Wayne Oldenburg, CEO of Oldenburg Group and the 2022 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient at our Innovation + Entrepreneurship Forum. After starting the company in 1981, Wayne grew his business into one of the fastest growing in the country, making the Inc. 500 in five-straight years in the late 1980s and early '90s. In the interview, he shares lessons learned and advice for other entrepreneurs finding their own way. 

Andrew Weiland and Arthur Thomas from BizTimes Media get together to discuss the news of the week, including American Family Insurance announcing it would not move forward with a planned office in downtown Milwaukee. The Madison-based firm had bought a building on North Martin Luther King Jr. Drive in 2019, paying almost $10 million, but the COVID-19 pandemic changed the company's office space needs and it has been clear in recent years the project was not moving forward. Insider Spotlight Stories:Generac facing securities lawsuit following alleged sale of defective solar productFranklin Plan Commission to review two developments planned by Mandel Group and ROC VenturesBig StoryAmerican Family to sell building where it once planned a downtown Milwaukee office with 400 employees

Geoffrey 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 see more from the event, visit biztimes.com/creconference