Milwaukee Business Journal Weekly

​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/

Generac Power Systems of Waukesha was announced as a new stage sponsor at Summerfest, replacing Harley-Davidson. CEO Aaron Jagdfeld discusses the reasons Summerfest fits his company’s plans with MBJ’s Rich Kirchen, as well as how Generac continues growing its longstanding product lines while branching into new markets and technologies.  This week’s MBJ cover story is called “Inno On Fire”.  It showcases Wisconsin companies making strides in biotech, health technology digital tech and more. MBJ and Wisconsin Inno reporter Nick Williams shares his insights into the hottest tech firms and leading entrepreneurs in our area.  Finally, Suzanne Maldonado, Vice President at Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Wisconsin, joins the pod to talk about Goodwill’s TalentBridge and how they create opportunities for employers and job seekers.  For more information on some of the stories featured in today’s episode, visit https://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/

One of Downtown Milwaukee landmarks is getting a facelift, along with some new dining options.  MBJ’s Sean Ryan talked to Josh Krsnak and Omar Shaikh about the new food hall coming to  The Avenue. MBJ’s Rich Kirchen joins Sean to discuss all things Harley Davidson, including their 3rdquarter earnings report and updates on their LiveWire technology.  And later, Coreen Dicus-Johnson, President and CEO of Network Health, stops by the pod to discuss tips on Medicare enrollment during this annual enrollment period we’re in.  For more information on some of the stories featured in today’s episode, visit https://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/

2020 was supposed to be the year of Wisconsin tourism from Summerfest and the Wisconsin State Fair to the Democratic National Convention and Ryder Cup. MBJ’s Margaret Naczek speaks with the Wisconsin Department of Tourism’s Secretary-designee Sara Meaney about how the department is operating during this chaotic year.  Later, Margaret talks with Rodney Ferguson, the CEO of Potawatomi Hotel & Casino. They discuss the biggest hurdles that Potawatomi faced and some of the creative ways they’ve been able to manage the pandemic. Finally, Jackie Hermes joins the podcast to talk about Women’s Entrepreneur Week, November 17-20.  For more information on some of the stories featured in today’s episode, visit https://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/

MBJ’s Nick Williams interviews Manzur Hassan Khan, founder of Safari Homes, a homebuilding company that wants to build houses using panels to save time and money and to build them more energy efficient.  Later, Williams also talks Cory Nettles of Milwaukee private equity firm, Generation Growth Capital about the group raising new capital for an additional fund and why funds with diverse (person of color) managers outperform the competition. For more information on some of the stories featured in today’s episode, visit https://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/

James Phelps is the president of JCP Construction and one of the entrepreneurs featured in our Small Business, Big Mission series. MBJ’s Sari Lesk and Phelps talked about his company and his experience looking for capital as an entrepreneur of color.  Later, Lesk talks with Mike Doble, Owner of The Explorium Brewpub, which started at Southridge Mall and now also has a location in downtown Milwaukee. Doble talked about his decision to open the second location and the experience of opening the Milwaukee site during the Covid-19 pandemic. For more information on some of the stories featured in today’s episode, visit https://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/

The Milwaukee housing market isn’t known for luxury apartments but that’s starting to change. Several projects are in the works after the debut of the Seven-77 apartments downtown a couple years ago. The Business Journal’s Rich Kirchen and Sean Ryan discuss whether demand exists to occupy proposed high-rises.  Later, Milwaukee’s Rockwell Automation is expanding its partnership with Microsoft to develop integrated solutions that help industrial customers improve their digital agility through cloud technology. Kirchen talks with Rockwell executive Tom O’Reilly about this partnership.  Later, MBJ Publisher and Market President, Kira Lafond talks with Allison Phillips - single mom, and owner of woman owned, LGBT Owned Edge Podcast Network, the company who manages this podcast.  They talk about how Phillips is managing her life and business while fighting stage 3 cancer.  For more information on some of the stories featured in today’s episode, visit https://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/

It took social media by storm in the middle of September when multi-colored LED lights first started flashing on Milwaukee’s Hoan Bridge. The Light the Hoan team that made that happen joins MBJ’s Sean Ryan this week. Michael Hostad, Co-Founder of Light the Hoan, walked Sean through the effort, and major project contractors Jhawn Newman of Signify and Nick Hunt of Nova Energy & Automation talk about how it was done.  Later, Sean is joined by MBJ and Wisconsin Inno reporter Nick Williams to get the latest on his ongoing Innovate 94 series.  This week he features some of the major tech hubs around the state, and gives us insight of how Milwaukee is doing compared with peer cities.  Finally, Chris Goller from PNC Bank discuss the bank’s commitment to the local Milwaukee community.  For more information on the stories featured in today’s episode, visit https://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/

From the Wisconsin Products Pavilion package to a cream puff drive-thru, the Wisconsin State Fair has had to be creative in its engagement following the cancellation of the 2020 State Fair. MBJ’s Margaret Naczek talked with WI State Fair CEO Kathleen O’Leary on how the fair continues to generate interest and revenue – including some fun fall activities - while planning for 2021.  Later, Margaret talked with Kendra Ingram, CEO of the Marcus Performing Arts Center They discuss some recently announced adjustments in their master plan, including the renovation of Uihlein Hall. But Ingram said there is still is the potential for in-person performances in 2020. For more information on the stories featured in today’s episode, visit https://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/

MBJ’s Nick Williams profiles organizations that share a mission of creating opportunities for underrepresented and disadvantaged people in Milwaukee. First, it’s Sarah Dollhausen-Clark, executive director of i.c. Stars Milwaukee, a technology training organization.  Later on, Nick talks with Bill Krugler of Milwaukee JobsWork, a job training and employment opportunities firm. For more information on the stories featured in today’s episode, visit https://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/