Milwaukee Business Journal Podcast

It's the final episode of the Milwaukee Business Journal podcast. Reporter Teddy Nykiel talks with Mike Ansay, CEO and chairman of Ansay & Associates in Port Washington and the Honorary Consulate of Luxembourg for the State of Wisconsin about the recent local connections with the small European country and how that relationship can benefit both business communities. Later, Teddy talks with Milwaukee Business Journal editor-in-chief Mark Kass about why the podcast is ending. They also reflect on the last two years of the show and discuss the Business Journal's annual Power Brokers list. For more information on some of the stories featured in today's episode, visit https://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/.

Cruise ship traffic will rebound in a big way in 2022 for the city of Milwaukee, and the port is seeking a developer to build a welcome center for them at the lakefront. Covid-19 quashed cruise traffic over the past two years, but that is to change going forward. MBJ Reporter Sean Ryan interviews Port director Adam Tindall-Schlicht on how many visitors that could bring to the city, and the planned welcome center development on port land near Bay View.  Later on, Ryan interviews reporter Teddy Nykiel about American Family Insurance's substantial new financial commitment to innovation and startup groups focused on Milwaukee's minority neighborhoods. For more information on some of the stories featured in today's episode, visit https://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/

MBJ's Margaret Naczek features Marcus Corp. CEO Greg Marcus and executive vice president and CFO Doug Neis about the Milwaukee's company's efforts to recover from the huge impact of the pandemic on its hotels, restaurants and movie theaters. Later on, Margaret interviews reporter Teddy Nykiel on her cover story in this week's paper that takes an in-depth look at four startup founders, their experiences in Milwaukee and why they left the city. She explores what can be done to keep talented startups, such as these, from skipping town in the future. For more information on some of the stories featured in today's episode, visit https://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/

MBJ's Teddy Nykiel spoke with Chad Johnson, the founder of Tip a Scrxipt, a Milwaukee-based startup building a platform to help people crowdfund out-of-pocket medication costs. Tip a ScRxipt's announced this week that it raised $500,000 in seed financing led by the new Milwaukee venture capital firm, Gateway Capital Partners.  Later on, Lori Richards and James Madlom of Mueller Communications share tips for being a “Best Place to Work.” Lori and James spoke at the Business Journal's Best Places to Work Awards this week and we're sharing their entertaining and informative remarks. For more information on some of the stories featured in today's episode, visit https://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/  

Southeast Wisconsin manufacturers are continuing to cope with higher labor costs – trying everything including bonuses – to lure workers. MBJ's Rich Kirchen talks with two executives who are on the front lines of the search process.  The labor shortage in manufacturing and warehousing is giving a chill to real estate developers who say they won't build if workers aren't available to staff new facilities. Rich discusses the trend with the MBJ's real estate reporter, Sean Ryan.  For more information on some of the stories featured in today's episode, visit https://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/

One of the region's biggest local restaurant chains is making news for their real estate development plans.  Cousin's Subs of Menomonee Falls is looking to add more locations in Wisconsin and out-state, and it's adopting a higher-investment approach to building those future restaurants. Milwaukee Business Journal's Sean Ryan talks with Joe Ferguson, Cousins' Vice President of Development, about their plans.  There is a new MBJ feature this week on People to Know in the local Commercial Real Estate and Construction industries.  Sean chats with one of the local leaders profiled in that feature - Tricia Braun with JP Cullen.  Braun was previously with the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, so she has a solid perspective on the local industrial real estate market and workforce development efforts. They also dug into the ongoing push to bring more women into the construction industry. For more information on some of the stories featured in today's episode, visit https://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/

For decades, commercial real estate development in metro Milwaukee was the domain of white men – with a couple exceptions. That's changed in recent years as more minority developers are emerging.  Milwaukee Business Journal's Rich Kirchen talked with fellow reporter Sean Ryan about his story on leading minority developers overcoming challenges to gain a foothold.  Later, the western section of Wisconsin Avenue in downtown Milwaukee has languished for years with vacancies and the collapse of the Grand Avenue mall. The mall is being redeveloped as The Avenue opening this fall and the Wisconsin Center convention facility is undergoing a major expansion. Rich chats with leaders of both projects.  For more information on some of the stories featured in today's episode, visit https://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/

October is Wisconsin Tech Month, as declared by Gov. Tony Evers.  MBJ's Teddy Nykiel talks with Milky Way Tech Hub Founder, Nadiyah Johnson about that designation and how her organization is focused on building Milwaukee's diverse tech ecosystem.  They also discuss what the group plans to lobby for this month, as well as other upcoming tech events.  Later, Teddy chats with fellow MBJ reporter Sari Lesk about this week's cover story, which looks at how the various federal government grant and loan programs have impacted Wisconsin small businesses.  For more information on some of the stories featured in today's episode, visit https://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/

This week again, all eyes are on southeastern Wisconsin, particularly in the sports world. Just a few months after the Milwaukee Bucks won the NBA championship, Whistling Straits in Kohler hosts the Ryder Cup. MBJ's Margaret Naczekspoke with Visit Milwaukee's Peggy Williams-Smith on the economic impact.  They talked about the significance of southeastern Wisconsin hosting an event of such a high caliber in the golf industry and what it may mean for future tourism success in the region.  Later Margaret talked with fellow MBJ reporter Teddy Nykiel on her most recent cover story- Wisconin Inno Under 25  Teddy's story looks at the 2021 rising tech leaders to watch and shares some insights into some of these young professionals and trends throughout the tech industry. For more information on some of the stories featured in today's episode, visit https://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/

MBJ's Sean Ryan talks to one of the region's most prominent voices in the fight against Covid-19.  Dr. Ben Weston has emerged as one of the lead communicators of clear and accurate Covid info over the past year and a half. He's working with both Milwaukee County and the Medical College of Wisconsin, and is an experienced emergency room doctor. The Milwaukee Business Journal also recognized Weston as a public health leader in this year's Health Care Champions  program. Later, Sean is joined by two of Marquette University's leaders in real estate education. There was the big announcement this week that a new Marquette program will let real estate undergrads participate in a $1 million investment fund to buy and manage properties. We'll hear more about that and other real estate talent pipeline efforts from Vito Taphorn, who will direct the new program, and Andy Hunt, director of Marquette University's Center for Real Estate.  For more information on some of the stories featured in today's episode, visit https://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/

Global Brigades is the largest student-funded humanitarian organization, and was started by Marquette University students in 2003. Most recently, it launched a for-profit spinoff, Eskala, which is a microfinance company focused on breaking the cycle of poverty through banking. MBJ's Margaret Naczek spoke with some of the founders on this new endeavor.  Later, Margaret talked with Greg Hanis, president of New Berlin-based Hospitality Marketers International, about all things hotels.  They discussed some of the biggest trends the hospitality industry is watching right now including when there will be a return to corporate travel, the high demand for leisure travel this summer and what hotels are succeeding. For more information on some of the stories featured in today's episode, visit https://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/

It's the first weekend of Summerfest with their new format, so that's what we're talking about this week. But we're not talking about the music today — we're talking about Summerfest Tech, the one-day technology event on September 8. MBJ's Teddy Nykiel talked with organizer Lena DeLaet who has all the details. They also talked about who will be there, from Google Cloud executives to local startup founders.  Later on, you'll hear from Kevin Conroy, CEO of Exact Sciences, a cancer diagnostics company based in Madison. Conroy spoke at the Milwaukee Business Journal's Power Breakfast last week, and we're actually sharing a clip of the conversation in case you missed the event.  He'll share the story about why his company decided to mandate vaccines for employees as well as the fascinating history of the company's quest to develop screenings for early cancer detection.  For more information on some of the stories featured in today's episode, visit https://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/

Julia Taylor will retire at the end of this year after a remarkable 19 years leading the Greater Milwaukee Committee. MBJ's Rich Kirchen recently interviewed Julia for her perspectives on the GMC's accomplishments during her tenure – and the challenges Milwaukee still faces.  Milwaukee Business Journal reporter Sari Lesk was selected as one of four journalists for this year's O'Brien Fellowship in Public Service journalism at Marquette University. She joins Rich to discuss the fellowship and what she'll focus on over the next nine months.  For more information on some of the stories featured in today's episode, visit https://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/

This week, developer Josh Jeffers celebrated the completion of new apartments for Milwaukee Area Technical College students in a former Journal Sentinel office building. He's got control of that whole city block around it, and he talks with MBJ's Sean Ryan about how work has already begun for the next phase of construction to bring market-rate apartments to the 1924 former newspaper office next door.  Later on, MBJ's Margaret Naczek joins Sean to discuss Wisconsin's next big sports event: The Ryder Cup golf tournament. Last month it was the NBA Championship, and next month it'll be the Ryder Cup in Kohler. Margaret addresses what that means for our local businesses in the hospitality industry and beyond. For more information on some of the stories featured in today's episode, visithttps://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/

After a long wait, activity returns to Henry Maier Festival Park. Irish Fest is the first full weekend festival to return to Milwaukee's lakefront in over a year!  MBJ's Margaret Naczek talked with Mike Mitchell who is Executive Director of Celtic MKE, which operates Milwaukee's Irish Fest.  They discuss what to expect from this year's festivities.  Later, Sarah Maio, Vice President of marketing and communications at theWisconsin Center District joins the podcast.  Margaret and Sarah not only discuss Sarah's C-Suite awards, but also plans for the Wisconsin Center District expansion. For more information on some of the stories featured in today's episode, visit https://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/

MBJ's Teddy Nykiel interviews Stephanie and Houston Hoskins, the founders of Debtle, a Sheboygan-based startup creating a platform for organizations to negotiate and settle invoices directly with customers. Later on, Teddy talks with fellow MBJ reporter Rich Kirchen about this week's cover story, “Rexnord reimagined”.  They discuss why and how one of Milwaukee's old-line and still prominent manufacturers is transforming into a water-management company. For more information on some of the stories featured in today's episode, visit https://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/

MKE Urban Stables is a nonprofit Milwaukee development that is using horse stables to offer treatment to vets and improve relations between the police department and community.  MBJ's Sean Ryan talks with Kent Lovern, chief deputy district attorney for Milwaukee County and president of the MKE Urban Stables board of directors.  Later, MBJ's Margaret Naczek talks with Sean about the possible long-term economic development boost created by the Bucks NBA championship. Theydiscuss those potential benefits, including how it affects plans by Bucks ownership to develop land around Fiserv Forum.  For more information on some of the stories featured in today's episode, visit https://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/

The Milwaukee Bucks run for the NBA championship raised Milwaukee's profile around the world. How can area businesses capitalize on all the attention? MBJ's Rich Kirchen discusses the possibilities with Peggy Williams Smith of Visit Milwaukee and Brian Bennett ofStir Advertising.  The housing market continues booming in metro Milwaukee and across the country. MBJ's Teddy Nykiel joins Rich to provide an update on how area homebuilders strive to address the demand.  For more information on some of the stories featured in today's episode, visit https://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/

MBJ just held the annual Women of Influence Awards.  This terrific celebration of professional women in our community recognizes leaders in business, non-profit, and public policy.  And this week for the podcast, MBJ's Sari Lesk and Beck Salgado talked to 2 of the honorees -  Aruna Lal and Tammy Belton-Davis. For more information on some of the stories featured in today's episode, visit https://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/

Milwaukee Pride cancelled its annual June PrideFest in both 2020 and 2021, but the organization now has some exciting news for an event in October.  MBJ's Margaret Naczek talks with the president of Milwaukee Pride, Wes Shaver on what the organization is planning to engage the community a little bit later this year.  Later, Margaret chats with Kendra Ingram, CEO of The Marcus Performing Arts Center.  They discuss the programming to expect at the performing arts center this summer and how the Marcus Center is also preparing to welcome back large crowds in fall. And finally, Inge Plautz, Senior Vice President and Executive Officer at Old National Bank joins the podcast to discuss the role of women on corporate boards.  For more information on some of the stories featured in today's episode, visithttps://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/

MBJ's Teddy Nykiel interviews Todd Asmuth, President and Chief Strategy Officer, with SHINE Medical.  The company just raised $150M for a total of $650 million raised so far. SHINE Medical is nuclear technology company in Janesville that started in the medical space but has plans to expand into clean energy.  Later, Teddy talks with fellow MBJ reporters Sari Lesk and Margaret Naczek about this week's cover story on the Bucks playoff run and how that's affecting the Bucks organization and downtown restaurants and bars.  For more information on some of the stories featured in today's episode, visit https://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/

MBJ's Sari Lesk talks with JoAnne Sabir about the reopening of the Sherman Phoenix. The complex, which houses 25 small businesses, was closed to the public for the last year due to Covid-19, but has recently re-opened.  Later, Sari chats with fellow MBJ reporter Margaret Naczek about her cover story on the return of business travel  - and specifically to Mitchell International Airport.  For more information on some of the stories featured in today's episode, visit https://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/

Milwaukee radio personality Gene Mueller announced his retirement from WTMJ Radio earlier this week.  MBJ's Rich Kirchen sat down with the host of “Wisconsin's Morning News” about his decision and his plans to remain active in the media across a few platforms. Later, MBJ reporter Sean Ryan has an update on three luxury high-rise apartments that are either planned or underway in downtown Milwaukee. Sean also discusses his cover story on Milwaukee real estate developer Blair Williams, who is progressing in his recovery from a stroke.  For more information on some of the stories featured in today's episode, visit https://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/  

  MBJ's Sean Ryan digs into some changes at Milwaukee 7, Southeast Wisconsin's biggest private organization that works nationwide to attract more jobs and companies. They have new leadership on the podcast to talk about what that means, and what kind of activity they're seeing this summer in the corporate attraction world.  We'll hear from long-time leader Pat O'Brien, business attraction ace and new executive director Jim Paetsch, and Lynn Olberding, who joins Milwaukee 7 as Vice President of Economic Development.  Later, Sean is joined by fellow MBJ reporter Rich Kirchen to talk about the “new” Briggs and Stratton.  Rich had an extended interview with the Milwaukee manufacturer's CEO, Steve Andrews. After emerging from a Chapter 11 reorganization in fall 2020, owners KPS Capital Partners of New York are looking for growth through acquisitions and new product development. Finally, Coreen Dicus-Johnson, President and CEO of Network Health joins the podcast to discuss health plan solutions for local businesses.  For more information on some of the stories featured in today's episode, visit https://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/

Throughout 2020, the Milwaukee airport saw its traffic numbers hit record lows. Now, in 2021, recovery has begun with increases in monthly traffic, more flights and even new airlines. MBJ's Margaret Naczek spoke with Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport's Director of Public Affairs and Marketing, Harold Mester about the successes in the first six months of 2021, as well as some of the new airlines that are coming to the airport this year and next.  Later, Margaret talked with fellow MBJ reporter Teddy Nykiel about her cover story on diversity and inclusion in the tech industry.  They discuss how events of 2020 prompted increased discussions about diversity and inclusion in the tech space. For more information on some of the stories featured in today's episode, visit https://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/

MBJ’s Teddy Nykiel talks with David Berka from United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County about the organization’s new initiative called Techquity. It’s aimed at closing the digital divide in Milwaukee.  The lack of digital equity across Milwaukee became very apparent during the pandemic, and this group is pushing for reliable and affordable broadband, access to digital devices and more. Later, Teddy chats with fellow MBJ reporter Sari Lesk.  They discuss Sari’s cover story this week about the local restaurant industry’s struggle to find enough workers as the economy rebounds from the pandemic. For more information on some of the stories featured in today’s episode, visithttps://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/

  MBJ’s Sari Lesk talks with Dr. Jorge Ramallo of Sixteenth Street Community Health Centers about the latest on Covid-19, including what we know about the new mask guidance, vaccinations and safety precautions.  Later, MBJ’s Margaret Naczek discusses her cover story on the return of events around Wisconsin, including the Wisconsin State Fair and Summerfest.  For more information on some of the stories featured in today’s episod

MBJ’s Rich Kirchen interviews two executives from We Energies’ parent company on a new initiative to reduce methane emissions to net-zero by 2030 and do their part to mitigate global warming. For more information on some of the stories featured in today’s episode, visit https://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/

It was a busy week for big real estate news in Milwaukee.  There was the big Common Council approval for an incentive package to bring Milwaukee Tool’s next expansion to Milwaukee. The 44-story Couture apartment building on the other end of downtown hit a huge milestone by completing its financing.  MBJ’s real estate reporter Sean Ryan sat down with City of Milwaukee development commissioner Lafayette Crump to talk about what those mean for the community.  Later, MBJ’s Teddy Nykiel interviewed David Reeves, President of  OpenGov, a Silicon Valley software company that is opening a new office in Milwaukee.  Reeves talks about his Milwaukee roots, the company’s growth prospects locally and why they are growing here.   For more information on some of the stories featured in today’s episode, visit https://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/

The 13th annual Milwaukee Film Festival will be held again virtually this year, but only six months after the previous festival. MBJ’s Margaret Naczek talks with Milwaukee Film’s CEO Jonathan Jackson about the move to May and why he thinks will be beneficial to the festival in the long run. He’ll also give some recommendations on some of the best films to watch this year.  Later, Margaret chats with Irgens’ Chief Marketing Officer Steve Palec. Irgens won the Milwaukee Business Journal’s Project of the Year Real Estate award for its BMO Tower.  For more information on some of the stories featured in today’s episode, visit https://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/

MBJ’s Sari Lesk talks with Rob Mejia, adjunct faculty member in Cannabis Studies at Stockton University and the founder of Our Community Harvest, a cannabis education firm. He is featured in Sari’s cover story for this week about Governor Evers’ proposal to legalize marijuana in Wisconsin and what that could look like for the business community.  Later, Sari is joined by Teddy Nykiel, the newest reporter at The Milwaukee Business Journal.  She will be covering multiple beats, with an emphasis on technology. Get to know our newest team member!  Click here to get tickets for MBJ’s Real Estate Awards  on April 27th.  Use the code “mbjpodcast” for $5 off. For more information on some of the stories featured in today’s episode, visit https://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/

Since the pandemic hit last year, Milwaukee independent pharmacy Hayat Pharmacy has raised its profile first with Covid-19 testing and more recently with vaccinations. CEO Hashim Zaibak and MBJ’s Rich Kirchen discuss the how and why of the endeavor.  Later on, learn more aboutAdvocate Aurora Health’s decision to launch a subsidiary that invests in businesses that enable people to improve their health and well-being beyond traditional clinical settings. Rich talks with Scott Powder, who is president of the Enterprises group.  Click here to get tickets for MBJ’s Real Estate Awards  on April 27th.  Use the code “mbjpodcast” for $5 off. For more information on some of the stories featured in today’s episode, visit https://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/

This spring, Marcus Theaters is reopening 70% of its locations, ending a long run of closures that started in March 2020. Their CEO, Rolando Rodriguez, joins MBJ reporter Sean Ryan to share more about that process.   Rodriguez runs through the new safety protocols Marcus is putting in place for its movie theaters, and give a hint of the response from the movie-going public after some reopenings in early March.  Later, Nancy Hernandez of the Hispanic Collaborative in Milwaukee discusses pandemic recovery efforts for Milwaukee Hispanic and Latino business community, and ongoing efforts to help more youths get into and afford college.  She’ll also give a preview of the 2021 Urbano Hispanic real estate conference that’s in the works.   Click here to get tickets for MBJ’s Real Estate Awards  on April 27th. Use the code “mbjpodcast” for $5 off. For more information on some of the stories featured in today’s episode, visit https://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/

MBJ’s Margaret Naczek talks with Wisconsin Department of Tourism’s acting secretary Anne Sayers about the department’s plans for 2021.  She also talks about the many challenges Covid-19 presented over the last year.  Later, MBJ’s Sean Ryan joins Margaret to discuss a proposed $163 million state office building on Milwaukee’s Near West Side.  Finally, Melinda Wilke from Wilke Wealth and Investment Planning, affiliated with Northwestern Mutual, joins the podcast to talk about life insurance.  Click here to get tickets for MBJ’s Real Estate Awards  on April 27th.  Use the code “mbjpodcast” for $5 off. For more information on some of the stories featured in today’s episode, visit https://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/

Both guests are featured in this week’s MBJ cover story – our next installment of the “Small Business, Big Mission” series. The theme is “Local seeds of recovery and challenges ahead for small business owners in a post-pandemic economy.”  MBJ’s Sari Lesk talks with Milwaukee Repertory TheaterExecutive Director, Chad Bauman, then later with Joyce Nwatuobi, founder of digital health companyThriveHealth. In both cases, they discuss their experiences during the pandemic and looking ahead to recovery in the economy. Click here to get tickets for MBJ’s Real Estate Awards  on April 27th. Use the code “mbjpodcast” for $5 off. For more information on some of the stories featured in today’s episode, visit https://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/

We hit 100 episodes!  Thanks for all the downloads, listens and shares.  This week, MBJ’s Nick Williams – in his farewell appearance on the pod – talks with Tyshun Wardlaw, owner and director of Milwaukee independent film and television company Wardlaw Productions.  They discuss Wardlaw’s first feature film "Growing Up Milwaukee” streaming exclusively on HBO Max. Nick also talks with Daniela Cortes of 371 Productions in Milwaukee, the creator of Mexican Ghost Stories, an episodic TV series based on her grandfather's ghost stories told around campfires in Mexico.  Click here to get tickets for the “40 Under 40” awards on March 29.  Use the code “mbjpodcast” for $5 off. For more information on some of the stories featured in today’s episode, visit https://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/

Sussex Injection Molding is embarking on growth thanks in part to a contract for a collar that protects athletes from brain injuries and concussions. CEO Keith Everson chats with MBJ’s Rich Kirchen about the demanding project and challenges with raw material supplies and prices.  Covid-19 shut down metro Milwaukee’s economy one year ago. This week our MBJ print edition profiles five small businesses impacted by the pandemic. Reporters Rich Kirchen, Sari Lesk and Sean Ryan discuss how these local businesses survived and adapted.  Finally, Cheri Cicona-Trudell from North Shore Bank joins the pod to discuss merchant credit card processing.  For more information on some of the stories featured in today’s episode, visit https://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/

Diversity and economic disparities are big topics this week as MBJ’s Sean Ryan talks with leaders from two Milwaukee organizations that are trying to inject more capital into Milwaukee’s minority communities. Milwaukee Bucks Vice President of Social Responsibility and Bucks Foundation Executive Director Arvind Gopalratnam discusses the team’s ongoing efforts to further racial justice and grow businesses owned by people of color through grants and direct investment. Sean also talks with Ken Robertson, Chief Operating and Financial Officer with Greater Milwaukee Foundation.   They are also heavily involved in efforts to inject investment into Milwaukee’s minority businesses and neighborhoods. The Foundation has a $30 million investment program making significant contributions right now. Both The Bucks and Greater Milwaukee Foundation are being recognized through this year’s Milwaukee Business Journal Diversity in Business Awards program.  For more information on some of the stories featured in today’s episode, visit https://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/

On Feb. 26, 2020, Miller Brewery employees in Milwaukee experienced the tragedy and great trauma of a shooting inside their facility that left six employees dead, including the shooter. MBJ’s Margaret Naczek spoke with Molson Coors’ Chief Communications and Corporate Affairs Officer Adam Collins about what happened at the brewery one year ago and how Molson Coors employees are still recovering today.  Later, Margaret talked with fellow MBJ reporter Sean Ryan about his cover story this week, which looks at the recent interest in new apartment developments in the Wauwatosa area and some of the conflicts that have arisen in the community as a result. Click here to get tickets now for the “Diversity in Business Awards” event on March 5.  Use the code “mbjpodcast” for $5 off. For more information on some of the stories featured in today’s episode, visit https://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/

MBJ’s Nick Williams talks with Brandon Tschacher of the MKE Esports Alliance on Milwaukee’s gaming and esports industry and why it’s an opportunity the region needs to be involved in. Later, Nick chats with Paul Szeflinski, president ofIAS in New Berlin, a robotics and automation technology company, about the demand the company is receiving for its robotics during the pandemic. Click here to get tickets now for the “Diversity in Business Awards” event on March 5.  Use the code “mbjpodcast” for $5 off. For more information on some of the stories featured in today’s episode, visit https://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/  

​One of the area’s most popular restaurants, The Cheel, suffered major fire damage in November.  MBJ’s Sari Lesk talks with co-owner Barkha Limbu Daily about the rebuilding process for the Thiensville restaurant.  Later, Sari chats with Pastor Sam Belton, a jazz musician and the owner of Sam’s Place, which is scheduled to open at the end of February. He will talk about the new dining establishment and jazz café, which is one of multiple cafes he has owned. Click here to get tickets now for the “Diversity in Business Awards” event on March 5.  Use the code “mbjpodcast” for $5 off. For more information on some of the stories featured in today’s episode, visit https://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/

Downtown Milwaukee’s office market suffered a major blow a couple weeks ago when Johnson Controls announced it would relocate 1,300 employees to its Glendale headquarters. Milwaukee Business Journal real estate reporter Sean Ryan gathered information and insights from office-market experts on what’s next for that property.  Later, Harley-Davidson unveiled its long-awaited five-year strategic plan and it included a couple surprises. MBJ’s Rich Kirchen visits with Robert W. Baird analyst Craig Kennison for his expert perspective on Harley’s new directions. Click here to get tickets now for the “Diversity in Business Awards”event on March 5.  Use the code “mbjpodcast” for $5 off. For more information on some of the stories featured in today’s episode, visit https://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/

MBJ’s Sean Ryan talks with President and CEO ofThe Milwaukee Urban League, Dr. Eve Hall, about how the group is partnering with growing pet food maker Stella & Chewy’s on a unique jobs program.  Their approach is a new way to deal with the geographic gap between suburban jobs and Milwaukee workers, and the racial disparities it fosters.  Sean also sits down with MBJ Reporter Margaret Naczek to talk about the hotel industry in Milwaukee - occupancy rates, when to expect more people to return, and the new hotel developments that surfaced this week in downtown Milwaukee. Later, Matt Leuder – Managing Partner at The Leuder Financial Group of Northwestern Mutual - shares his views on having purposeful leadership in business.  Email Matt at m.lueder@nm.com or visit downtown-mke.nm.com.  For more information on some of the stories featured in today’s episode, visit https://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/

MBJ’s Margaret Naczek interviews Michael Pink, Artistic Director of Milwaukee Ballet.  They talked about the rest of the Milwaukee Ballet’s season including some hope for a show at the Marcus Performing Arts Center in 2021.  Margaret also talks with Dr. Bert Davis of American Black Holocaust Museum about progress towards the physical opening of the museum, as well as some of the virtual programming they are offering.  Later, Matt Leuder – Managing Partner at The Leuder Financial Group of Northwestern Mutual - shares his views on how Leading Others to a life of significance.  Email Matt at m.lueder@nm.com or visit downtown-mke.nm.com.  For more information on some of the stories featured in today’s episode, visit https://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/

MBJ’s Nick Williams interviews Joe Stadler, executive director of the Wisconsin PGA, on why rounds of golf played increased in 2020, and what to expect in Wisconsin’s golf industry in 2021.  Nick also talks withGenesis10 CEO Harley Lippman on the company’s Dev10 software developer training program in Milwaukee and how the pandemic has increased demand for these types of professionals.  Later, Matt Leuder – Managing Partner at The Leuder Financial Group of Northwestern Mutual - shares his views on how Courageous Leadership Starts From Within.  Email Matt at m.lueder@nm.com or visit downtown-mke.nm.com.  For more information on some of the stories featured in today’s episode, visit https://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/

There is a new Paycheck Protection Program for 2021 now that a new round of funding was approved for small businesses to access.  MBJ’s Sari Lesk talks with Jessica Zeratsky, partner at Husch Blackwell LLPabout what to expect.  Later, Sari chats with fellow MBJ reporter Nick Williams about his cover story this week on local startups to watch.  Click here to get tickets now for the “Business of Health Care” event on January 14.  Use the code “mbjpodcast” for $5 off.  For more information on some of the stories featured in today’s episode, visit https://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/

MBJ’s Sean Ryan talks with Scott Lurie of F Street Group talking about his project for 648 apartments and houses at the Oak Creek lakefront. Later, Sean chats with Matt Childress, who oversees WHEDA’s affordable housing tax credits program to talk about a grant awarded to the agency this week, and developer use of those tax credits for affordable apartment projects. For more information on some of the stories featured in today’s episode, visit https://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/

MBJ’s Sean Ryan talks with Scott Lurie of F Street Group talking about his project for 648 apartments and houses at the Oak Creek lakefront. Later, Sean chats with Matt Childress, who oversees WHEDA’s affordable housing tax credits program to talk about a grant awarded to the agency this week, and developer use of those tax credits for affordable apartment projects. For more information on some of the stories featured in today’s episode, visit https://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/  

The entertainment industry was one of the first to close during the pandemic and is expected to be one of the last to reopen. MBJ’s Margaret Naczek spoke with the Pabst Theater Group’s CEO Gary Witt about the many challenges of 2020.  They discussed the many ways that the Pabst Theater Group had to adapt this year with the lack of in-person performances, as well as what additional support is needed at the city, state and federal level.  Later, Margaret talked with Jonathan Jackson, CEO of Milwaukee Film.  He shared more about Milwaukee Film’s decision to move the 2021 Milwaukee Film Festival dates to May this year instead of its normal fall schedule. Finally, Coreen Dicus-Johnson, President and CEO of Network Health joins the pod to discuss health plan solutions for local businesses.  For more information on some of the stories featured in today’s episode, visit https://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/

MBJ’s Nick Williams talks with Bobby Sharma, special adviser to Milwaukee law firm Foley & Lardner’s Sports & Entertainment Group about how the Covid-19 pandemic is accelerating the expansion of Esports, also known as video gaming. Later, Nick talks with fellow MBJ reporter Sean Ryan about Sean’s upcoming piece on the redevelopment of the Broadway corridor near downtown Milwaukee. For more information on some of the stories featured in today’s episode, visit https://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/

MBJ’s Sari Lesk talks with Raquel Filmanowicz talks about Filmanowicz’s new role at BMO Harris Bank. She joined a team focused on accelerating the bank’s lending to minority-owned businesses.  Later, Sari chats with Bishop Walter Harvey, the chief executive officer of Prism Economic Development Corp., about his organization’s work in the Sherman Park neighborhood of Milwaukee to foster entrepreneurship. Finally, Chase Goodwin,Senior Associate with the Telecom Advisory Group at CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen LLP) joins the pod to talk about ways for businesses to unlock capital during this challenging time.  For more information on some of the stories featured in today’s episode, visit https://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/