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 ..read more

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.  Us ..read more

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 i ..read more

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 ..read more

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 ..read more

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 ..read more

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 ma ..read more

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 http ..read more

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 ..read more

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.  ..read more