Milwaukee Magazine | Faces of Milwaukee 2022

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PART I

PHOTOS BY LINDA SMALLPAGE, BOUTIQUE PHOTOGRAPHER

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(left to right) ARTURO HERNANDEZ BOB ST. LOUIS CHRIS WIKEN JOAN DUBIS PAUL ROBINSON

The Packing House Face of Supper Clubs ON ITS SECOND GENERATION OF OWNERSHIP, The Packing House is a pillar of Milwaukee’s restaurant community.

“My mom and dad opened the restaurant in 1974, when I was 4 years old, and I’ve pretty much been here ever since,” says General Manager Chris Wiken. “We try to keep that 1970s feel but with an updated look.”

Wiken has done little to change the classic supper club – by design.

Many customers have remained regulars for decades. That goes for the wait- and kitchen staff, too. “Bob St. Louis, our chef, has been here for 42 years, since he was 15,” says Wiken. “People see the same faces every time they come here.”

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As for the food, the menu is a hit parade of classics. Prime rib, Friday fish fry and specialty steaks are Packing House staples, with vegetarian options available as well. The recipe for slow-cooked, bone-tender BBQ ribs has never been altered, because it’s just that good. “We’ve always been a scratch kitchen – everything is made in-house,” Wiken says. “There’s a lot of history here. That really speaks to our quality.”

The Packing House 900 E. Layton Ave., 414-483-5054, packinghousemke.com

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(left to right) RASHIDAH BUTLER-JACKSON CHRISTAL SHIPP DR. STACIA THOMPSON LATRECE NELSON

Sherman Phoenix Face of Community Economic Impact WHEN SHERMAN PHOENIX OPENED IN 2018 as an entrepreneurial hub for Black-owned businesses, one goal was to reclaim the Sherman Park neighborhood after the 2016 civil unrest. Built on the former site of a bank that had been burned down, Sherman Phoenix now hosts over 27 businesses, from food vendors and beauty services to retail collectives and mental health services.

“There needs to be a place of healing somewhere in the neighborhood,” says Dr. Stacia Thompson, executive director of Sherman Phoenix Foundation. The foundation formed in 2020 to lead value-added programming that brings cultural and economic vibrancy to the hub. It focuses on four areas: entrepreneurship and small-business success; strategic corporate investment and training;

economic equity and empowerment; and cultural and economic vibrancy.

Recent Phoenix events include a community baby shower for mothersto-be, which sent each of them home with gift bags stuffed with Pampers diapers and wipes; a financial-literacy class for high schoolers; and a group therapy session for people of color and their families. Thompson plans to host more community impact programs in the year to come, as Sherman Phoenix continues to grow.

Sherman Phoenix 3536 W. Fond du Lac Ave., 262-228-6021, shermanphoenix.com

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(left to right) MARY SWEET RICK BARTELT JESSICA BOLL MATT RETZAK HEATHER SCOTT

Bartelt. The Remodeling Resource Face of Home Remodeling RICK BARTELT STARTED working as a carpenter when he was 12 years old, learning the trade from his father on job sites during weekends, holidays and summer vacations. The passion for that work passed from father to son, and in 1984, Rick and his wife Chris started Bartelt Remodeling.

“It started off as a small operation,” says Amanda Coakley, Rick’s daughter who has been a member of the Bartelt team since 2012. “Over the past 38 years, Bartelt has grown into the premier high-end remodeling company that we are today.”

Bartelt primarily does residential remodeling but also builds custom homes. Rick and his team have developed long-lasting relationships with reliable industry partners who help to ensure that projects run smoothly and are always high-quality for their clients. The team’s design philosophy

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is timelessness, creating spaces that transcend passing fads and have staying power.

“The majority of the projects we do every year are for repeat and referral customers,” says Coakley. “We’ve worked with homeowners for decades, and they refer their children, their neighbors, their friends. I think that’s unique and is a testament to Bartelt’s ability to not only deliver quality craftsmanship but to also build a trusting relationship with our clients.”

Bartelt. The Remodeling Resource 528 Wells St., Delafield, 262-646-8020 barteltremodel.com

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Locker’s Florist Face of Floral Design LOCKER’S FLORIST was founded in Wauwatosa in 1911. Over a century later, it remains a premier floral design shop, specializing in fresh flowers to celebrate any occasion. Kimberlee Grob, a floral designer for 28 years, bought Locker’s in 2018 after working there for 11 years.

“We want to provide that consistent, reliable, professional, personal service that people expect from a company that’s over 100 years old,” she says. “But we’ve also updated things – shopping online, focusing on fresh flowers, offering customized, made-to-order arrangements for every customer.”

Customers choose from a wide variety of floral options. Every day, Grob chooses a new fresh flower as the “designer’s choice” of the day. “Think of it like a chef’s special at your favorite restaurant.

You have your favorites – maybe a dozen roses or a succulent – and then you have a signature, high-quality item that’s in season to make your selection really wonderful and unique.”

Locker’s Florist 1640 S. 83rd St., 414-276-7673 lockersflorist.com

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(left to right) JOHN LEVINE LOUIS BLACKWELL DELL MERCADO MANDY MURPHY JESSE WENDEL ADAM MILLER CHRIS PAULOS STEVE JOHNSON

F Street Hospitality Face of Restaurant Hospitality AS THE CORPORATE EXECUTIVE CHEF at F Street Hospitality, Adam Miller oversees the modern brewhouse fare at Bottle House 42, the delicious pies at Pizza Man, the catering at West Bend’s Timmer’s Resort and F Street’s

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newest taproom, Public House 55 in Brown Deer.

“Hospitality, to me, is not solely about service or food; it’s an experience from the moment you walk in the door,” Miller says. “I like to remind our

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(left to right) JOSH PETERSON KAELYN CERVERO TRACY BREDL CHASE ANDERSON BECKY MACHI (not pictured) HOLLI BEHRENS JAY CULP JODY GALEWSKI AUDRA GRUENEBERG ANNIE NOLAN MARK ROSSETTI CATEY SEITZ SANDRA WEINZ

staff we are not feeding people. We are building memories.”

Miller brings that level of care to the food served at each of F Street’s restaurants, as does the entire staff, who make each meal memorable.

“To me, hospitality means being the backdrop to long-lasting memories,” says Becky Machi, F Street’s director of sales. “Whether it is offering an amazing menu, signature service or a beautiful, unique venue that is talked about for years to come, we get to be a part of so many important life events, ranging from personal milestones to celebrations of professional accomplishments. That is something pretty special.”

Bottle House 42 | 1130 N. Ninth St. Public House 55 | 8725 N. Deerwood Dr., Brown Deer Pizza Man | 2597 Downer Ave. Pizza Man | 11500 W. Burleigh St., Wauwatosa Pizza Man Pronto | 6300 W. Mequon Rd., Mequon Timmer’s Resort | 5151 Timmer Bay Rd., West Bend 414-988-1554 • fstreethospitality.com

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(left to right) LEO, KATIE, GRANT AND TOMMY GRABOWSKI

Vita Fitness & Physical Therapy Face of Physical Therapy TOMMY GRABOWSKI WAS AN ALL-AMERICAN track and field athlete at Concordia University-Nebraska when he was sidelined by a knee injury. Being a runner his whole life, the injury felt like a disaster. After a physical therapy regimen, his knee healed, and he developed an interest in the rehabilitation process.

Deciding to pursue a doctorate in physical therapy from Concordia’s Wisconsin campus, Grabowski graduated in 2004. That same year, he founded Vita Fitness & Physical Therapy. In the 18 years since, both his family and the practice have expanded. Grabowski and his wife Katie had two children, Leo and Grant, and Vita now have clinics in both the Third Ward and Wauwatosa.

Grabowski’s individualized approach to physical therapy makes everyone feel like family. His practice differs from others in that he combines specialized

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therapeutic techniques such as dry needling, massage and assisted stretching with targeted fitness strategies. “Most businesses are either on the fitness side or the medical side,” he says. “We’re like a medically-based gym. We really want to help people who don’t exercise or have never exercised. Many of our clients transition into a fitness program. Long-term, that’s the best thing.”

Vita Fitness & Physical Therapy 451 E. Erie St., 414-272-8482 10460 W. Innovation Dr., Wauwatosa, 414-563-1230 vitamke.com

(left to right) LUCIANA GONZALEZ JENNIFER ZARWELL CHYNNA MARTINS CHRISTIAN SCHNELL

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Newport Healthcare Face of Teen Mental Health Counseling IN 2021, DURING THE COVID PANDEMIC, 37% OF HIGH SCHOOL students reported poor mental health according to the CDC. That number has been on the rise since the early 2000s, with a 60% increase in reports of major depressive episodes between 2007 and 2019.

“Often, parents are struggling to understand what’s going on with their kids,” says Luciana Gonzalez, a director of outpatient services with Newport Healthcare. “Kids are trying to navigate their emotions, the pressures of social media, and they’re trying to find a place to fit in.”

Gonzalez works at Newport Healthcare’s new outpatient program in Pewaukee, treating clients between ages 12 and 17. Newport uses attachment-based family therapy, which involves the young person’s family in

therapy to help build a strong emotional support system that will last after their treatment ends. Concerned parents can bring their child to Newport for a consultation, and if they believe their child would benefit, Newport offers a full-day therapy program or a three-hour-per-day option.

“We tailor it to the individual – it’s not a cookie-cutter approach,” says Gonzalez.

“Our goal is to give them the tools they need to be the best that they can be.”

Newport Healthcare N19 W24101 Riverwood Dr., Suite 200, Waukesha, 414-895-5083 newporthealthcare.com

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(left to right) JAKIM JONES, Co-Owner, Golden Path Trucking Inc. NICOSIA KING, Owner, Golden Path MIYA ROBERTSON, House Manager, Golden Path Senior Living SHONTOEVIA TAYLOR, Case Manager, Golden Path Home Care

Nicosia King Face of Milwaukee Entrepreneurs NICOSIA KING HAS A KEEN EYE for spotting gaps in Milwaukee’s business market – and stepping in to fill them. She is a wife, mother and serial entrepreneur who established more than 15 companies over the last 12 years. The Milwaukee native’s third job was at a payday loan company. “I wanted more,” King says.

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“I wrote down some goals, and one day I just woke up and put in my two-week notice and never looked back.”

Her career in entrepreneurship began in 2009 with Golden Path Senior Living, followed by Golden Path Home Care in 2013. The two companies have

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(left to right) SHAWNTEL JONES-HENDERSON, Director, Golden Path Organizations BETTY BRACEY, Member, Golden Path Senior Living TILIENE MCGHEE, Scheduler, Golden Path Organizations JAMATHY KING, Asst Director, Golden Path Organizations and Dispatch Manager, GP Lift Rides DEBBIE ALLEN, President, Golden Path Organizations COURTNEY AL’SABKIE, RN Supervisor,Golden Path Organizations

provided seniors with at-home care and assisted living for the decade since. And each Thanksgiving, Golden Path hosts a turkey drive, providing turkeys to the community and families struggling to afford them. “That will never stop unless they stop selling turkeys,” she says. In 2016, King and her husband, Jakim Jones, started GP Trucking Inc., with the first fleet of trucks removing debris, gravel, crushed concrete and more at construction sites, such as Fiserv Forum and Highway 45. That same year, the couple bought foreclosed homes from the city, fixed them up for new residents, and created Golden Path Home Improvement.

King’s latest venture is building an aquaponic farm from scratch on part of the 17 acres of land she bought in Oklahoma – where she has family connections.

“We can really build that area up with a lot of business and jobs,” she says.

This all comes back to one of King’s core missions: to coach people to open their own businesses. By sharing her story – and through training, consulting and mentoring – she hopes to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs.

“Under the Golden Path umbrella, I’ve established many businesses and organizations,” King says. “What makes it all possible is the people that work with me and the clients we serve.”

Golden Path 7577 N. Teutonia Ave., 414-236-5208 goldenpathhomecare.com

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of MKE (left to right) CHARLIE MAY, Drake University REYA BABU, Cornell University JOEY SCUMACI, University of Wisconsin-Madison CAMDEN PERRY, Howard University

The Prairie School Face of College Prep CAMDEN PERRY TRANSFERRED TO THE PRAIRIE SCHOOL as a fourth-grader in 2014 after a family friend recommended the pre-K through grade 12 school for its excellent academics, welcoming atmosphere and supportive student experience.

“Teachers here really push you to be your best self,” says Perry, who graduated from The Prairie School this year. During high school, she served as captain of the track team for two years and a student government representative all four years. She plans to attend Howard University next year to study to be an orthodontist. “I feel like I’m absolutely prepared to go to Washington, D.C., in the fall,” she says.

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With 600 total students, The Prairie School’s class sizes average between 15 and 18 students.

“The teachers are incredibly supportive,” Perry says. “They aren’t just teachers. They’re mentors. They want to see you succeed. No student is left behind.”

The Prairie School 4050 Lighthouse Dr., Wind Point, 262-752-2500 prairieschool.com

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(left to right) BRETT RHODE, MD MICHAEL RACITI, MD DAVID SCHEIDT, OD DANIEL FERGUSON, MD DANIEL PASKOWITZ, MD, PhD

Eye Care Specialists Face of Ophthalmology EYE CARE SPECIALISTS IS AN ESTEEMED LEADER in medical, surgical and laser eye care. Since 1985, more than 200,000 doctors and patients have trusted the Eye Care Specialists team for world-class treatment of virtually every eye concern.

They are front-runners in OCT laser scanning to detect and treat glaucoma and retinal disorders and pacesetters in ultrasonic, no-stitch cataract removal with advanced technology lens implants. Their doctors are also skilled masters in medication injection therapy for macular degeneration and diabetic eye disease.

Eye Care Specialists is nationally renowned for its commitment to increasing public and professional awareness and understanding of eye care concerns – conducting accredited medical conferences and publishing over 1 million free booklets and handouts.

Eye Care Specialists’ practice philosophy reflects the belief that few things are as precious as eyesight. Through teamwork and individual dedication, the team strives to provide every patient with compassionate, quality care using the most advanced technology available.

Eye Care Specialists 633 W. Wisconsin Ave., 414-298-0099 10150 W. National Ave., West Allis, 414-321-7520 2323 N. Mayfair Rd., Wauwatosa, 414-258-4550 eyecarespecialists.net

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(floor, left to right) KATIE RINKA HOLLY GAMBLIN (seated, left to right) ANGELA WANTA SARAH HUGHES JACI RUBEN MARY WRIGHT JORDAN LUKACH BLAKE MCKINNEY MOLLY TRIGGS SASHA NICHOLSON (standing, left to right) SARA JO DEDERICH DJ FRIESCH KRIS MCKINNEY JAY SCHMIDT JANINE WERNER DAVID CRUM ANDREA NELSON

Jay Schmidt Group Face of Real Estate Excellence LAST YEAR, THE JAY SCHMIDT GROUP helped 440 families buy or sell a home in metro Milwaukee.

“I don’t talk about that number to brag,” says Jay Schimdt, a real estate agent and the group’s founder. “It’s to point out that 440 families trusted

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our team. Every one of those transactions is reviewed as a team, which means we’re working together and gaining experience and exposure that no individual agent can get on their own.”

JSG specializes in a concierge real estate experience. Every sales agent at JSG

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of MKE (floor, left to right) SARA CHRISTIAN SOPHIE MILLER (seated, left to right) ANGELA FUNK NICOLE WHEELER MARK FONDOW CELIA DA SILVA KATIE RYAN PLUER LORA CATON DANIELLE FORREST SARAH DUCHOW RACHEL ZACH MAGGIE MEIER (standing, left to right) ELIZABETH RICE ROSS TREFFERT ELLERY MCADAMS ANDREW KLVANA BEV DRUMMAND CARRIE G NICHOLS STEFANI MILLER (not pictured) GAIL GREEN HELEN SAMPSON JACKIE EATON JANICE POWELL JULIA JANSKY NANCY MEEKS TOM BARRETT BILL WERNER

works with a licensed agent partner, who helps with completing contracts, scheduling inspections, scheduling estimates and other crucial details, freeing the agent to focus on the client. Then, JSG uses an on-staff stager, photographer and marketing department to present the home in the best possible light.

“I always like to use the analogy of buying a Cadillac,” Schmidt says.

“You don’t expect the Cadillac salesperson to also change the oil and do the paperwork for the loan. You have a specialist for everything. We’ve built a team with specialists for everything so that it’s a really phenomenal experience for the client.”

With the experience and support of a team behind them, JSG’s agents

are more aware of the state of the market than individual agents and use that expertise to make winning offers.

“We believe that our service should be across all price points,” Schmidt says. “Whether you’re buying a $100,000 house or $10 million house, you have expectations that are going to be met and exceeded when you work with our team.”

Jay Schmidt Group 414-517-7716 jsgmke.com

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Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin Face of Feeding Our Community IN 1982, A 600-POUND DONATION OF APPLES launched Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin. Forty years later, the largest local hunger relief organization in the state distributes close to 53 million pounds of food annually. Those donations reach 35 counties in eastern Wisconsin through a network of nearly 400 pantry partners and meal programs. About 30,000 volunteer hours per year fuel the effort, working out of a 45,000-square-foot campus in Appleton and an 80,000-square-foot campus in Milwaukee.

Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin’s summer fundraising campaign targets children, a segment of the population particularly vulnerable to food insecurity.

One in five children in Wisconsin face hunger, with that number rising during the pandemic. Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin’s goal is to raise enough to provide 1 million meals to children over three months. Green Bay Packers running back AJ Dillon has been a champion for the cause. He is partnering with the organization to promote the campaign to fight childhood hunger.

Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin 1700 W. Fond du Lac Ave., 414-931-7400 feedingamericawi.org

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(left to right) PATTI HABECK, President and CEO SCOTT MARSHALL, Vice President of Development and Communication KORY BIAMI, Warehouse Assistant BRIAN O’NEIL, Volunteer ALYSSA CABREZA, Donor Database Administrator

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(left to right) JOE CHA, third-year student DR. TRACY TERRILL, President HOPE HIXSON, first-year student EULA FERRELL, first-year student

Shepherds College Face of Inclusion FOR PEOPLE WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES in Wisconsin, post-secondary education often wasn’t feasible – until this Union Grove campus opened in 2008.

“We have created this unique learning environment for them with the belief that they will thrive,” says president Dr. Tracy Terrill. “There’s nothing like this anywhere in our country or beyond.” Shepherds College offers job, social and living skills training for students with intellectual and development disabilities, including training in culinary arts, horticulture and technology. Class sizes are between 10 and 15 people on the college’s residential campus, with supervised evening activities offered as well.

During the pandemic, the college pivoted to also offer online programming, like courses in employment skills and personal growth, which it plans to continue in an effort to recruit students from around the country.

“We’re really trying to equip our students, when they leave this campus, to go impact society,” says Terrill.

Shepherds College 1805 15th Ave., Union Grove, 262-878-5620 shepherdscollege.edu

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IAG Wealth Partners Face of Wealth Management LORI WATT FOUNDED IAG WEALTH PARTNERS IN 1985 in Waukesha. In the decades since, it’s grown into a premier wealth management firm in Southeastern Wisconsin, with 30 employees. “The key to growth has been that we focus on hiring really good people who share our values and ethics,” says Watt. “We find out what their strengths are and build around that.”

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Jayme Heineck, a financial advisor, first met Watt at a country club where she was a part-time waitress, taking investment classes on the side. Watt became her mentor, and Heineck joined IAG soon after. Financial advisor and partner Anne Sapienza first became interested in finances after watching her parents plan their financial future when her father had a major health event. For financial advisor

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and chief investment officer Scott Heins, the biggest joy is “coaching clients through life,” he says. “It’s not all financials.” And Debra Melvin, another financial advisor, focuses on helping women through divorce.

“After building this company from scratch, my greatest joy is watching it expand beyond me to this team,” Watt says. “My focus now is on assuring that IAG will continue to serve our clients for generations to come.”

IAG Wealth Partners N19 W24200 Riverwood Dr., Suite 150, Waukesha, 262-446-8150, iagwealthpartners.com Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advice offered through IAG Wealth Partners, LLC, a registered investment advisor and separate entity from LPL Financial.

Jason Ganiere is solely an investment advisor representative of IAG Wealth Partners, LLC, and not affiliated with LPL Financial.

(left to right) SCOTT HEINS JAYME HEINECK RUSTY PETERSON MIKE KOERNER LORI WATT SUSAN KUHLENBECK TOM PETERSON JESSE SINDORF CHRIS MITCHELL JASON GANIERE DEBRA MELVIN MIKE KUTZ ANNE SAPIENZA

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(left to right) NATHAN FIETZ PEG CUMBIE JEFF RATHSACK KELLY KUEHN JIM RATKOWSKI

FLOOR360 Face of Designer Flooring “FLOORING IS THE DESIGN FOUNDATION of any residential or commercial project,” says Kelly Kuehn, the Kashou Design Studio manager at FLOOR360. The design and installation firm offers flooring for new and existing homes and commercial spaces like 3rd Street Market Hall, including luxury vinyl, carpet, tile and hardwood.

In addition to the stellar selection, “the real point of difference is the level of knowledge, skill and craftsmanship we offer that delivers the highest-quality results and satisfaction from our clients,” says Kuehn. “Our beautiful work on stair runners earns us the most praise and keeps our talented team busy traveling all over the state to work on projects.”

This year, FLOOR360 provided a free interior makeover to the Grand Avenue

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Club, a nonprofit that assists people with disabilities, through its partnership with Design for a Difference. The company was also recently named one of the top 50 specialty floor retailers in the nation by Floor Covering Weekly and a top workplace for 2022 by the Wisconsin State Journal. FLOOR360 now installs more floors in new homes than any other flooring company in the state. “Design is our difference,” Kuehn says.

FLOOR360 12500 W. Silver Spring Dr., Butler, 262-646-7811 floor360.com

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(left to right) RICHARD POIRIER, JD, President, Chief Executive Officer PAMELA STAMPEN, Senior Vice President, Chief People Officer

Church Mutual Insurance Company, S.I. Face of Insurance Powered by Purpose 125 YEARS AGO, Church Mutual® began by insuring churches against fire losses.

As the years have passed, its breadth of offerings has expanded to cover other losses and beyond church walls to nonprofits, senior centers, food pantries, housing shelters, schools, camps and more.

“It’s about so much more than insuring the physical spaces,” says Church Mutual Chief People Officer Pam Stampen. “I feel inspired every day, because our goal is to protect our customers so they can continue the important work they do in their communities.”

Founded in Merrill, Wisconsin, the company recently opened a new office in Milwaukee. “Bringing 60-plus jobs to Milwaukee will help us create a more diverse workforce that better reflects the diversity of our customers,” says

Richard Poirier, the president and CEO. Church Mutual’s mission is to protect those who serve and inspire others.

As the company continues expanding, this brings different challenges and opportunities. “One day we’re responding to a wildfire in California, and the next day we’re helping a Latino ministry respond to COVID,” says Poirier. “Ultimately, people matter. That’s the north star we follow.”

Church Mutual Insurance Company, S.I. 3000 Schuster Ln., Merrill, 715-536-5577 churchmutual.com

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Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design Face of Art & Design Education MILWAUKEE INSTITUTE OF ART & DESIGN’S student population has grown 50% over the past five years. The graduating class of 2022 is the largest in the school’s history. “That’s not a typical story in higher education,” says the college’s president, Jeff Morin. “On the horizon, there’s more and more

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interest in careers in art and design.”

This growth is due, in part, to MIAD’s ongoing expansion beyond traditional fine arts to include product design, interior architecture, communication design, illustration, animation and other evolving fields.

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People are most familiar with our robust fine arts program,” says Morin. “Whenever I give a tour of the college, people are surprised to learn that three-fourths of our students major in a design field.” One such field is MIAD’s new animation track, in which students learn to create 2D and 3D animation, as well as virtual reality and video game animation. The college is also exploring the launch of a fashion and apparel-design program, with a textile lab already built.

“Milwaukee has always had a community of folks interested in this type of work,” says Morin. “While 50% of our students come from out of state, four out of five MIAD students stay local for their first job. We’re bringing people into Milwaukee’s creative pipeline.”

(left to right) JEFF MORIN, President JENNA SLABE, Interior Architecture and Design ISABELLE KERN, Communication Design JOSH HORTH, Product Design LOGAN SMITH, Product Design MICHAEL GARCIA-KRAPFL, Illustration MAYBELIN GARCIA ROMERO, Communication Design BEN HERBERT, NSP: Fine Arts TAJ POLLARD, NSP: Fine Arts

Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design 273 E. Erie St., 888-749-6423, miad.edu

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(left to right) ANYA REPPA WILLIAM BAKER GRACE WALTERS LIAM METZEN

Milwaukee Montessori School Face of Montessori Education IN APRIL OF THIS YEAR, Milwaukee Montessori School hosted an international drone racing competition that brought over 60 drone pilots to the city. MMS’ middle-school Drone Lab students helped put the event together using experience they gained from years of learning to code, program and most recently, fly drones themselves. For fourth to eighth graders at MMS, drone racing is just one of the recent additions to their school’s cutting-edge curriculum.

“Programming is the new liberal arts,” says Monica Van Aken, MMS’ Head of School. MMS is the only school in the metro area that offers extensive programming, drone racing and similar technology-based classes to elementary and middle school students. “Our students learn to animate in 3D, they design their own video games, create animated films, and code using many programs including Python. Rather than just being consumers of technology, our mission is for MMS students to become creators of new technologies. MMS is the only school in the nation to win the National STEM Challenge in Game Design three times.”

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But it’s not all tech all the time at MMS. Students engage in competence-based learning in all subjects. That means they don’t move to the next level in a subject until they’ve mastered the previous one. The approach has yielded results, with 20% of MMS eighth-graders finishing pre-calculus before graduating to high school, and the other 80% completing Algebra 1 by the end of seventh grade. “If you’re constantly making sure that kids have an understanding of what they’re working on, they learn faster,” Van Aken says. “Once they’ve mastered the content, they move quickly into advanced classes. Ultimately, that’s the gateway into the highly competitive colleges and universities.”

Milwaukee Montessori School 345 N. 95th St., 414-259-0370, milwaukee-montessori.org

(left to right) MARIA STEINGART KRISTEN BENTRUP JESSICA FORSTON EMILY CLINARD

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Fringe Interior Design & Home Furnishings Face of Your Favorite Furniture Store THE BEST FURNITURE OFFERS MORE than just style or quality; it’s an extension of how our time is spent and the things we appreciate most.

Quality craftsmanship and smart design are at the center of our favorite spaces. Fringe’s showroom allows clients to experience the character and comfort of each piece for themselves, while inspiring the creative process of selection and design.

You will always find an array of beautiful furniture in the showroom, but Fringe also offers a variety of benefits to those considering using an interior design service. Simply put, the team at Fringe has the experience to know what

to do and how to do it. They believe great design is achieved by pushing people out of their comfort zone and seeing things from a new perspective. Their expert guidance will allow you to get the look you want, with functionality that works with your lifestyle and budget.

Fringe Interior Design & Home Furnishings 133 E. Silver Spring Dr., Whitefish Bay, 414-332-0400 fringeinteriordesign.com

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(left to right) JON EAST BRIAN SAMMONS

Twisted Path Distillery Face of Distilling BRIAN SAMMONS STARTED HIS CAREER IN WASHINGTON D.C., working in counterterrorism for the CIA and Department of Defense. After attending UW-Madison law school while on leave from his job, his life took a sudden turn. He met his future wife and decided that he wanted to settle down and start a family here in Wisconsin. Knowing there wouldn’t be many CIA-type jobs available in the Dairy State, he found work as a prosecutor in the Milwaukee County District Attorney’s office. Meanwhile, he spent his nights and weekends developing a new interest – distilling liquor.

“I’m very much a do-it-yourself type,” says Sammons. Growing more serious about the hobby, he built his own equipment and patented a distilling process. As he started to see success in his new effort, he decided to go all out and open his own distillery in 2013. When it came time to choose

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a name, he thought about how he had gotten here.

“Follow your own twisted path,” he says, became his mantra and business name.

Twisted Path products now include Chai Liqueur, white and dark rum, vodka, Twisted Bloody Vodka, and a limited-edition whiskey only available in Sammons’ Lincoln Warehouse tasting room. You can also find Twisted Path drinks at retailers and bars in and around Wisconsin.

Twisted Path Distillery 2018 S. First St., 414-405-8900 twistedpathdistillery.com

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Pat Bolger Realty Group Face of Lake Country Living PAT BOLGER SOLD $43 million in real estate in 2020 – including 46 homes in Lake Country, one of the most in-demand markets in Southeastern Wisconsin – roughly 10 times that of an average real estate agent in Wisconsin.

Bolger is a Lake Country native, growing up in Oconomowoc. After attending UW-Milwaukee, he took a job with a firm in Wauwatosa and quickly became one of its top selling agents. In 2008, he started the Pat Bolger Realty Group, with a focus on real estate in his home region. In 2021, Bolger was approached by Berkshire Hathaway and opened the first Berkshire office in Lake Country. With a team of agents and associates, the firm has grown into a top producing realty group in Lake Country.

“Our customers’ happiness is the key to our success,” Bolger says. He also attributes his success, in part, to his firm’s marketing ability. He uses professional photography, videography and staging to position his homes for sale. “My clients are my partners,” he says. “After all, it’s their home and their money. We get the job done together. Their success is my success.”

Pat Bolger Realty Group 2574 Sun Valley Dr., Delafield 262-313-8797 patbolger.com

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(left to right) KEVIN APEL LAUREN THICKE JENNIFER ZUERN JOEL NELSON JEFF VAN DE HEY

Zuern Building Products & Design Center Face of Windows and Doors WHEN YOU WALK INTO a Zuern Building Products and Design Center showroom, you won’t see freestanding windows and door displays – you’ll see real walls, designed in full like you’d see in a home.

“I call them vignettes,” says Jeff Van De Hey from Zuern. “We use real siding, interior and exterior finishes, furniture and so on. They have the look and feel of a real home.” And when it comes time to make a purchase, the homeowner or builder meets with one of Zuern’s design consultants, who reviews their plans and makes recommendations both for design and function.

“It’s important that the home looks good and captures the design intent, but it’s also important that the home functions,” Van De Hey says. “We talk about air circulation, about the views you want to capture from inside as well.”

Zuern has five showrooms – in Allenton, Cedarburg, Delafield, Franklin and

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Watertown – and supplies a full line of building materials to homeowners and remodelers. “Our attention to detail sets us apart,” Van De Hey says. “We put a lot of effort into creating a welcoming showroom with the latest products. But above all, we’re focused on getting our customers the right product for their homes.”

Zuern Building Products & Design Center 426 Railroad St., Allenton, 262-629-5551 N144 W5800 Pioneer Rd., Cedarburg, 262-375-9400 3700 Hillside Dr., Delafield; 608-271-8002 9545 S. 80th St., Franklin, 414-529-9770 1800 S. Church St., Watertown, 920-261-5676 zuerns.com

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(left to right) CANNON GRABER WILL ROSE LUKE REPETTI AARON HOPGOOD LISA CAESAR

Nō Studios Face of Activist Art AFTER JOHN RIDLEY WON the best adapted screenplay Oscar in 2014 for writing 12 Years a Slave, he wanted to give back to his hometown of Milwaukee. He spoke with his sister, Lisa Caesar, about how to do that. Caesar had worked on Wall Street for years, and her finance background complemented her brother’s in the arts. Together they landed on the idea for Nō Studios, a collaborative space that centers artists and fosters the creative community.

They partnered with Chris Abele to acquire a former Pabst Brewing building on McKinley Avenue. They added a first-floor gallery, a performance stage, a screening room and theater, co-working spaces and a rooftop bar with a phenomenal view.

“We wanted to build a destination for creatives,” Caesar says. Nō Studios officially opened in 2018. The studio offers three tiers of memberships: a club membership that grants access to the rooftop, event and production services

discounts; a co-working membership that allows access to the co-working spaces and the rooftop; and a membership for organizations that grants unlimited access to all people in the organization. Nō Studios also puts on annual Social Justice Summit and Art Activated series, melding art and activism.

“I’ve never seen anything like Nō Studios before,” Caesar says. “We’re integrating all these components: membership, networking opportunities, production services. We’re creating this unique community, both physically and online, centered around artists and creativity.”

Nō Studios 1037 W. McKinley Ave., 414-226-6516 nostudios.com

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(left to right) JESSE DRAGE, Senior Vice President, Retirement Plan Consulting Team Leader; SCOTT HOENE, Senior Relationship Manager; BARB KOESTER, Senior Relationship Manager; TYLER SLAGHT, Retirement Plan Consultant; ROB BISHOP, Senior Vice President, Retirement Plan Services Manager

Associated Bank Face of Retirement Plan Solutions JESSE DRAGE KNOWS that the right advice on savings and investing can change a person’s life. Drage, a senior vice president at Associated Bank and retirement plan consulting team leader, helps companies design employer-sponsored retirement plans. He points out the problem of the “retirement savings gap” – many older employees don’t realize they’ve fallen short in saving enough to retire until it’s too late.

Drage and his team provide consulting, investment management, record keeping, compliance and administrative services to area companies so that their employees, with the right advice, won’t fall victim to that mistake.

“It’s a very rewarding feeling when you know those improvements

can lead to people having a more secure retirement,” says Drage, who works with companies of all sizes.“There is no magic bullet to solving the retirement savings gap. It’s best tackled through a combination of initiatives that range from raising awareness to providing resources to address other financial stressors that are preventing greater savings.

It’s about designing a plan that capitalizes on what we know about how people behave.”

Associated Bank 414-278-1815, AssociatedBank.com

Investment, Securities and Insurance Products: NOT FDIC INSURED | NOT BANK GUARANTEED | MAY LOSE VALUE | NOT INSURED BY ANY FEDERAL AGENCY | NOT A DEPOSIT Associated Bank and Associated Bank Private Wealth are marketing names AB-C uses for products and services offered by its affiliates. Securities and investment advisory services are offered by Associated Investment Services, Inc. (AIS), member FINRA/SIPC; insurance products are offered by licensed agents of AIS; deposit and loan products and services are offered through Associated Bank, N.A. (ABNA); investment management, fiduciary, administrative and planning services are offered through Associated Trust Company, N.A. (ATC); and Kellogg Asset Management, LLC® (KAM) provides investment management services to AB-C affiliates. AIS, ABNA, ATC, and KAM are all direct or indirect, wholly-owned subsidiaries of AB-C. AB-C and its affiliates do not provide tax, legal or accounting advice, please consult with your advisors regarding your individual situation. (6/22) P06733

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Carroll University Face of Nursing Education WHEN ASKED WHAT SETS Carroll University apart

(left to right) LORI MAGESTRO, Clinical Assistant Professor of Nursing and Program Director of ADN MEGAN HOLZ, Clinical Assistant Professor and Clinical Simulation Director JAMIE HANSEN, Clinical Associate Professor of Nursing

from other nursing programs, Teresa Kaul, the chair of the department of nursing, has a quick answer. “We’re ranked number one in Wisconsin,” she says. The university boasts a 96.3% pass rate for the NCLEX exam to become a registered nurse, the highest in the state.

“I think really it comes down to our dedicated faculty,” Kaul says. “They put a lot of time and investment in our students. That all goes into their success, not only on that test, but certainly as a nurse. And that’s really what’s most important – we’re graduating skilled, competent nurses.”

Carroll offers a two-year associate degree and a four-year bachelor’s in nursing. And most recently, the university added a master’s of science in nursing for people who already have a bachelor’s.

“Having this professional education instilled in a liberal arts curriculum really prepares students to not only be competent professionals, but great citizens of the world.” Kaul says.

Carroll University 100 N. East Ave., Waukesha, 262-547-1211 carrollu.edu

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Wisconsin State Fair Face of Festivals SHARI BLACK HAS SPENT HER WHOLE LIFE

working state and county fairs. As a kid, she raised and showed swine and heifers at the Waukesha County Fair, and then heifers at the Wisconsin State Fair. An internship at the Waukesha County Fair soon blossomed into being named executive director at only 23 years old. Now Black is starting a new role as the CEO of the Wisconsin State Fair.

“I wake up every day excited to go to work,” she says. “We’re really looking forward to getting back to a normal fair this year.”

This year – the fair’s 171st since it debuted in 1851 – the fair is introducing new vendors like Camp Bar and WurstBar. And on Aug. 9, the popular “Crazy Grazin’ Day” continues. “It’s a great way to sample many dishes in smaller portion sizes,” says Black, who also highlights the Discovery Barnyard and a Japanese garden in Exploratory Park as must-dos at this year’s event.

“We’re creating memories and making fun for people to enjoy,” she says. “We’re planning an 11-day party for nearly a million people.”

Wisconsin State Fair 640 S. 84th St., West Allis, 414-266-7000 wistatefair.com

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(left to right) COLIN PLANT BROOKE SHAWVER BELLA ENGLESON LAURA MORRO

Canni Hemp Co. Face of Hemp Wellness COLIN PLANT, ONCE A LOCAL MUSICIAN, opened Canni Hemp Co. in Walker’s Point in 2018. “I thought about my mom, my grandmother and members of my family, and didn’t want them to walk into a store with paraphernalia,” says Plant. As a result, Canni Hemp Co. bucks that stereotypical look and is instead designed like a contemporary luxury boutique.

Under the Canni line, Plant partners with two Wisconsin-based processers to make CBD tinctures and topicals. He also carries CBD and cannabis products from other Wisconsin-based retailers. “It’s important that we’re looking to our community of growers, cultivators and processors to stock our shelves,” Plant says. As a local musician, cannabis “assisted with my focus, inspiration and clarity.

I want to be there for members of the community with a natural, holistic way to deal with some of these issues.”

Plant has many major changes in mind for Canni’s next year, including adding a rentable event space outside, which will host local markets and live music, along with Milwaukee’s first kava bar, brewing Hawaii-sourced kava as an alcohol alternative.

Canni Hemp Co. 810 S. Fifth St., 414-488-9319 cannihempco.com

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(left to right) CHRIS ZAJDEL, Owner ALEX COLQUE, MD, Owner

Skiin Anti-Aging Lounge Face of Body Sculpting SKIIN ANTI-AGING LOUNGE IS CELEBRATING 10 YEARS of serving Southeastern Wisconsin. Over the decade in business, co-owner and founder Chris Zajdel has seen guests returning time after time, trusting the team she has assembled for Skiin’s broad range of services.

“We have everything from advanced skin care to dermatology to plastic surgery. To have all three in-house is very rare,” Zajdel says.

She knows that people have many choices of providers and respond to specials and promotions, but she says “when it comes to your skin health, I’m not sure we want to be trusting low prices and specials.” Using one provider for multiple services allows guest to reliably track their results and trust in the quality and the outcome over time.

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Dr. Alex Colque, a board-certified plastic surgeon with Skiin, works with each patient to develop individualized surgical and non-surgical programs to address specific needs in all things plastic surgery from head to toe. Skiin also offers its national award-winning Skiinsider membership program with loyalty benefits, such as monthly oxygen treatments, invites to VIP events and special pricing on retail products and services, particularly Botox and fillers.

Skiin Anti-Aging Lounge 21675 E. Moreland Blvd., Waukesha, 262-657-5446 lovemyskiin.com

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(left to right) MEGAN HUSE, Vice President of Development LORY BOWMAN, Vice President of Marketing & Communications KENDRA WHITLOCK INGRAM, President & CEO KATIE DILLOW, Vice President of Finance & Administration

Marcus Performing Arts Center Face of Women in Performing Arts THE MARCUS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER has been a nexus for cultural events in Milwaukee since 1969, and now it’s looking to do even more.

“In addition to showcasing the work of our resident partners, we have greatly expanded our presented work and are focused on offering a diverse mix of programming and artists,” says Lory Bowman, Marcus Center’s vice president of marketing and communications. A few examples from this past season include Black Violin, Hiplet Ballerinas and Ballet Folklorico, as well as the return of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, for their first Milwaukee engagement in 20 years.

Under Marcus Center President and CEO Kendra Whitlock Ingram’s leadership, Marcus Center committed to having at least 30% of MPAC Presents annual programming dedicated to BIPOC artists and has exceeded that goal. That is

just one pillar of Marcus Center’s Racial Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (REDI) initiatives. The Center also launched a new student matinee program directed at young people. “Seeing kids experience live performances – some for the very first time - totally inspires us,” says Bowman. “As a non-profit arts organization, we have a duty not just to entertain, but to educate, inspire and expose our audiences to experiences they might not have anywhere else. We have an amazing team and much more ahead.”

Marcus Performing Arts Center 929 N. Water St., 414-273-7206, marcuscenter.org

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(left to right, from front row to back) JOHN HARMS, YVETTE MURGUIA, JUAN RODRIGUEZ, JACKIE PORTZ, TIM BROERMAN, DAVE POULSON, MELISSA BLOUNT, JIM LARCHEID, TERRENCE FITCH

Associated Bank Face of Residential Lending IF YOU’RE TAKING OUT A MORTGAGE on a house or condo, Associated Bank is ready to help.

“By far, the best part of our work is the delight of helping people purchase

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or build their new house, to hear how they felt walking over their new threshold for the first time,” says Ann Spencer, senior vice president and director of retail sales. “In addition to our talented loan officers, behind the

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(left to right, from front row to back) TAMARA CASTLE, ANGELA HAUSMANN, ANN SPENCER, NICHOLE STERN, SANDRA GONZALEZ, DOUG GRAY, CHRIS BLACKWOOD, EDUARDO HERRERA-MIER, SAM BREKKE

scenes there’s a customer-focused team devoted to fulfilling expectations and communicating statuses along the way. Orchestrating the right mix of people and technology helps with the end goal of making a complicated process look easy.”

Spencer works with a tight-knit team. They have decades of mortgage-lending experience and are armed with the skill set to explain loan options and guide customers through the process. Associated Bank offers a wide array of loans. “Many lenders have access to FNMA, government and portfolio niche programs, but not all under one roof,” says Spencer.

After a home purchase closes, the majority of our loans are serviced by

Associated Bank, so customers with questions can contact Associated Bank instead of another company. “From low-down-payment loans with down payment assistance options to high-net- worth and construction lending, Associated Bank offers solutions to meet our customers’ diverse needs,” says Spencer.

Associated Bank Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.

866-536-3222, associatedbank.com

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PART II

PHOTOS BY LINDA SMALLPAGE, BOUTIQUE PHOTOGRAPHER

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(left to right) RANDI K., fourth generation SARAH K., fourth generation GAIL K., third generation

BILTRITE Furniture-Leather-Mattresses Face of Family-Owned Furniture IN 1928, IRWIN KERNS OPENED BILTRITE’s first location at Third and Garfield in Milwaukee. Ninety-four years and four generations later, the business is still family-owned and operated. Irwin’s grandson Marty Komisar runs the store alongside his wife Gail, their children Randi and Brad, and his daughter-inlaw Sarah. Randi and Brad have both been involved in the business since they were children.

“I knew from a young age that I wanted to be a part of the family business,” Randi says. “I went to High Point University in North Carolina for an interior design degree, and then came back to work full time.”

BILTRITE has grown considerably since that small storefront. It now operates out of an expansive 45,000-square-foot showroom in Greenfield, plus an additional 42,000-square-foot warehouse that keeps thousands

of items in-stock, including 500 mattresses and affordable, better-quality furniture.

“We’re the largest local, family-owned furniture store in Wisconsin,” Randi says. “We’re hands-on and we care about our customers. We don’t skip steps. We want the customer to have the best experience possible. That’s the family-owned mentality.”

BILTRITE Furniture-Leather-Mattresses 5430 W. Layton Ave., Greenfield 414-238-2020 biltritefurniture.com

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Krause Funeral Home & Cremation Services Face of End-of-Life Planning & Services MARK KRAUSE IS THE THIRD GENERATION of Krauses to

lead the family business. With four Milwaukee-area locations, Krause Funeral Homes is Wisconsin’s largest funeral service provider. In recent years, Krause is most proud of how his business has embraced diverse cultures in funeral celebrations.

“Our staff is very diversified. We’ve broken through many barriers a lot of funeral homes struggle with,” Krause says. “Funeral homes tend to be very entrenched in how they’ve always done things. Businesses that don’t evolve and change become dinosaurs.”

Krause Funeral Home offers both religious and non-religious funerals. To host more celebratory events honoring one’s life, Krause began offering drinks and food at services, while also including touches like personalized music and photo slideshows. Krause also now offers a therapy dog (a Portuguese water dog named Bennie), and livestreaming for all services.

“My goal is to get rid of the grim, old funeral,” Krause says. “Our job is to make the difficult time a little bit easier.”

Krause Funeral Home & Cremation Services 7001 W. Brown Deer Rd., 414-377-4121 9000 W. Capitol Dr., 414-326-9781 21600 W. Capitol Dr., Brookfield, 262-395-7476 12401 W. National Ave., New Berlin, 262-395-7468 krausefuneralhome.com 108 milwaukeemag.com

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(left to right) TIM GOKHMAN, Chief Executive Officer ANN SHUK, Chief Culture Officer SHELDON OPPERMANN, Chief Financial Officer

New Land Enterprises Face of Sustainable Development WALTER SHUK AND BORIS GOKHMAN co-founded the real estate development and property management company New Land Enterprises in 1993, after the two men emigrated to the United States from what is now Ukraine.

Shuk’s daughter, Ann, and Boris’ son, Tim, are now continuing their fathers’ legacy at New Land, while adding a contemporary twist: New Land’s portfolio of apartments now feature eco-friendly amenities and construction that set them apart from many other buildings in Milwaukee.

This includes high-efficiency boilers, smart home technology, green roofs, New Land’s signature radiant-hydronic heating system and - what Gokhman’s most proud of - the use of sustainable building materials, like the mass timber in Downtown Milwaukee’s new Ascent development. “We’re

really at the forefront, not just in Milwaukee but the entire country, with our buildings’ carbon footprints,” says Gokhman.

Gokhman sees this focus on sustainability as part of the company’s unwavering commitment to quality that his father instituted decades ago.

“We’ve always built to a high grade,” he says. “Building sustainably is just the right way to do it.”

New Land Enterprises 1840 N. Farwell Ave., 414-271-5263 newlandmke.com

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(left to right) ODIN KRZESINSKI ADDISON TANK ZOEY TANK PARKER TANK EMILY BUCKHOUSE

The Smiley Barn Face of Children’s Toys ANYONE WHO’S DRIVEN past Delafield on I-94 knows the eye-catching barn with the huge smiley face on its side. But you may not know the story behind it.

The barn was part of a large dairy farm from the 1830s until the 1970s, when the freeway was built straight through the land. The farm ceased operations, and the barn was converted into an indoor shopping mall. To promote the new mall,

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a plywood smiley face was attached to the barn wall. In 1982, one of the mall tenants suggested painting the building bright yellow, and it’s been a beloved landmark ever since.

In 2018, Maria Luther, after a career as a corporate attorney, bought the building to turn it into a toy store. “It wasn’t just about opening a toy store,”

(left to right) HANNAH BUCKHOUSE MARIA LUTHER, Owner SOPHIE DOBKOSKI MAYA DOBKOSKI

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Luther says. “It was about restoring this historic landmark. When I saw the Smiley Barn, I knew this was what I was meant to do.”

Luther kept the century-old building’s ceiling beams and petrified logs intact, while stocking the inside with a massive selection of toys. Her goal is to offer what big-box stores don’t, including letting kids play with toys and engage with staff. Long tables crafted by Luther’s husband and comfy chairs encourage both playtime and rest.

“We carry specialty toys that are higher quality – that the child will remain interested in long after the purchase,” says Luther. The Smiley Barn also carries a wide selection of fine chocolates, which are ideal for a gift box. Vintage candies are another allure, such as Charleston Chew, violet gum, rock candy, wax bottles, Satellite Wafers and rainbow-whirly lollipops. The Smiley Barn also has one of

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only three Playmobil-sponsored playrooms in the U.S. Store manager Jessica Buckhouse, a parent herself, has a background in organizing trade shows and special events. She and Luther hold events for children throughout the year, such as a gold coin hunt for St. Patrick’s Day, a petting farm on Labor Day weekend, and letter-writing to Santa for Christmas.

“I feel like I’m giving back to the community,” Luther says. “We’re embedding lifelong memories.”

The Smiley Barn

2420 Milwaukee St., Delafield, 262-303-9037 thesmileybarn.com

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(left to right) TONY GAZZANA ERIN RUSSELL PATRICK O’CONNELL JACKIE GUANSING

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(left to right) PETE LANGE CHARLIE TINDAL EMILY FEAGLES AMY PETRUS

POSITIVELY IMPACTING PEOPLE’S LIVES. That is Tim O’Brien Homes’ core purpose and something that every team member at the company is passionate about. The team loves what they do and strives to achieve a genuine connection with every homeowner to build them the home of their dreams.

Tim O’Brien Homes works together with customers from the first stages of planning, all the way to the day they move in and beyond. The team has a proven track record, with members being nationally recognized for their customer satisfaction and communication skills.

For the past four years, Tim O’Brien Homes has received the Housing Innovation Award from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), which recognizes homebuilders for leading the way in energy efficiency and indoor air quality. By prioritizing high performance building strategies, Tim O’Brien homes is in the top 1% of builders in the country as a DOE Zero Energy Ready Home partner.

Tim O’Brien Homes

N27 W24075 Paul Ct., Pewaukee, 262-239-7342, TimOBrienHomes.com

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(left to right) NOOR SALAMEH, student ELENA CRESSY, teacher AMELIA RIESING, student MAX LEVINE, student

Kettle Moraine School for Arts and Performance Face of Performing Arts Education A STUDENT AT KETTLE MORAINE SCHOOL for Arts and Performance might start the day with a normal high school class, like Algebra II. Then maybe they’ll have history – but it won’t be a standard history class. It might be “History on Screen, Stage and Page” or “Broadway Teaches History: Titanic and More,” classes that combine a conventional high school subject with the arts.

“We teach through interdisciplinary seminars,” says Kevin Erickson, the director of KM Perform. “The students are taking different seminars and workshops every four to six weeks, which gives them the ability to get what they need for college prep, while also being exposed to different instructors, guests and artists.”

Students at KM Perform focus on music, art, theater or writing. A music

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focus, for example, gives students hours of instruction in their chosen instrument or in singing – from teachers, guest instructors and experts, alongside interdisciplinary seminars and a vigorous college prep curriculum.

“Students at KM Perform are fully immersed in their art,” Erickson says.

“What makes our school exceptional, I think, is marrying a rich academic pedagogy with this fantastic arts program.”

Kettle Moraine School for Arts and Performance 349 N. Oak Crest Dr., Wales, 262-968-6273 ext. 4800 kmsd.edu/kmperform

(left to right) TRACY STRAUB LUTTKUS MICHAEL STRAUB KIMBERLY STRAUB

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Treiber & Straub Jewelers Face of Fine Jewelry YOU DON’T NEED TO TRAVEL to New York, Los Angeles, or Chicago to experience the elegance, style and ambiance of one of the nation’s most prestigious jewelers.

Locally owned, Treiber & Straub Jewelers offers Milwaukee residents breathtaking selections of the world’s most captivating designer jewelry and world-class precision timepieces for the fashion forward and the connoisseur alike.

Since opening its doors, Michael Straub, co-founder/owner of Treiber & Straub Jewelers, wanted to approach jewelry differently from other local retailers by providing Milwaukeeans with a carefully curated selection of the finest jewelry from elite brands, in an atmosphere which reflected an unmatched level of quality and elegance. “For over four generations, we have collaborated with prestigious jewelers around the world and stived to present our clients with tasteful, high-quality jewelry, which will endure the test of time,” Straub says. “Every client is regarded as an individual and each buying experience is to be unique and tailored to their personality and lifestyle.”

Today, Treiber & Straub is recognized as one of the nation’s finest jewelers

by staying true to the business’ founding principles of integrity and style. The retailer offers Milwaukeeans an expansive collection of the finest diamonds available and the largest selection of the industry’s most sought-after brands including Rolex, Cartier, Mikimoto, Gucci and David Yurman. The business is still locally owned and family-run. Straub’s daughters are an integral part of the company – from day-to-day operations to strategic planning. Kimberly, who has been an essential part of the business for over 25 years, along with her sister Tracy, who recently joined the business, collaborate closely with their father to help customers find exceptional jewelry they can not only treasure for a lifetime, but pass on from generation to generation.

Treiber & Straub Jewelers 14740 W. Capitol Dr., Brookfield, 262-790-5757 treiberandstraub.com

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Marquette University Face of Graduate Programs SINCE DOUGLAS WOODS BEGAN AS THE DEAN of the graduate school at Marquette University in 2016, graduate school enrollment has increased 30%, and professional school enrollment has increased 10%.

“We’ve made many changes to achieve that growth,” Woods says.

“We’ve started 18 new graduate programs, we’ve started offering many

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graduate programs in online or hybrid format, we’ve come up with creative scholarship opportunities to help students, and we’ve built up our career development opportunities for our graduate students.”

Woods points to several student success stories in recent years that demonstrate the diverse career opportunities students pursue. Two alumni of political

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science and international affairs M.A. programs created Bridge the City, a platform that inspires Milwaukeeans to take action in their communities. Another who received a Ph.D. in counseling is now a psychologist with the Milwaukee Brewers. With over 70 graduate programs, as well as schools in law, dentistry, nursing and health sciences, enrollment continues to grow as more students take advantage of the professional opportunities.

One of the newest degrees is a master’s in applied behavior analysis, training future psychologists to treat children with autism and developmental disabilities. Another is a master’s in data science, preparing students for a growing field, as well as health care analytics. “We’re mission-focused,” Woods says. “We want our students to take their work out in the community and use it for the betterment of others.”

(left to right) ALLYSA OZZELLO KAREN ROBINSON TAYLOR PAMPERIN SAÚL LÓPEZ ANGIE SANDOVAL MAGGIE NETTESHEIM HOFFMANN DOUGLAS WOODS, Dean KEANA BERKHALTER STU ROCHE

Marquette University

1250 W. Wisconsin Ave., 414-288-7137, marquette.edu/grad

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(left to right) LISA RASMUSSEN SUZAN FETE

Renaissance Theaterworks Face of Women in Theater FOR 30 YEARS, Renaissance Theaterworks has addressed gender disparity as Milwaukee’s first professional theater founded and led by women and the nation’s second-oldest professional theater company devoted to gender equality. For over 100 years, 1908-2008, the percentage of Broadway productions by female playwrights remained at 12.8%. Since 1993, Renaissance Theaterworks has been improving that statistic right here in Milwaukee, and the work of equity is not done yet.

Led by Artistic Director and Co-Founder Suzan Fete and Managing Director Lisa Rasmussen, this 30th-anniversary season kicks off with a celebration, Raise a Glass (Sept. 8), followed by the ninth Annual BRINK New Play Festival (Sept. 10-11).

The season’s theme, “Resilient,” centers women’s stories of

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perseverance, and includes The How and the Why by Sarah Treem (Oct. 21-Nov. 13), Martyna Majok’s Pulitzer Prize-winning drama Cost of Living (Jan. 20-Feb. 12) in collaboration with Pink Umbrella Theater Company and Phamaly Theatre Company, and the world premiere of Tidy by Kristin Idaszak (March 24-April 6), as part of the World Premiere Wisconsin Festival.

Renaissance Theaterworks: “Theater By Women For Everyone” 255 S. Water St., 414-278-0765, R-T-W.com

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(left to right) SYDNEY KUNZ, LPC-IT JACOB MARTINEZ, LPC ANIKA HEAVERLO, LPC-IT DAWN GIORNO, LCSW JENNIFER HASTINGS MEINHOLDT, LPC LISA HILLARY, LCSW MEGAN ANDERSON, LPC KATELYN GRUSECKI, PSY.D

Hillary Counseling Face of Holistic Therapy SINCE FOUNDING HILLARY COUNSELING 12 years ago Lisa Hillary, MSW, LCSW, has built a team of skilled psychotherapists serving metro Milwaukee and offering virtual sessions across Wisconsin.

“We provide a safe space for in-depth psychotherapy that is inclusive and accessible,” she says. Both adolescents and adults seek out Hillary Counseling for help with anxiety, depression, eating disorders, trauma, grief, life transitions, low self-esteem, relationships, parenting and personal growth. Adopting a “modern, relatable and holistic” approach, Hillary’s team focuses on prevention before an issue becomes overwhelming. They incorporate physical, spiritual and psychological aspects of experience into therapy so the entire person is engaged.

“Not only do I love hearing people’s stories of where they came from and understanding what has shaped them to become who they are today, I feel honored to have people trust me enough to share their innermost secrets and struggles,” Hillary says. “Fulfillment and happiness are about how you view your life’s limitations – and having the right tools to overcome them.”

Hillary Counseling 316 N. Milwaukee St., 414-522-7512 hillarycounseling.com

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(left to right) J.J. GRUBE JOE FERGUSON CHRISTINE SPECHT

Cousins Subs Face of Lunch THE IDEA FOR COUSINS SUBS first came to Bill Specht when he moved from the East Coast to Milwaukee in the late 1960s, and couldn’t find a sub shop in town that lived up to those back East. He approached his cousin Jim Sheppard about opening a sub shop, and the rest is history. Specht and

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Sheppard opened the first Cousins Subs at the corner of 60th Street and Silver Spring Drive in Milwaukee on June 19, 1972.

Today, Cousins Subs remains rooted as a Wisconsin-based company and is celebrating its 50th anniversary. The company’s Make It Better

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(left to right) JUSTIN McCOY JASON WESTHOFF

Foundation offers grants, product donations and scholarships to Wisconsin high school students every year. The brand has also partnered with many other prominent Wisconsin-based businesses and organizations including the Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin, Green Bay Packers, Johnsonville, Milwaukee Bucks, Sprecher Brewing and UW Athletics, to name a few.

“At the end of the day, our work is simple; we make and sell sub sandwiches. But that simple task is what provides us the platform and opportunity to continually improve the communities around us, while also improving the lives of our employees and guests,” says Christine Specht, CEO at Cousins Subs and daughter of founder Bill Specht. “Here at Cousins Subs, we firmly believe in our mission: We believe in better through the continual improvement in

everything we do. We believe our guests deserve a better product, served in a better environment and by dedicated team members who genuinely care.”

This year, Cousins Subs opened three new Wisconsin locations and has another slated for later this year in Stevens Point. In the coming years, the brand plans to continue to grow its Wisconsin footprint both through corporate development and franchising with a focus on the central and western areas of the state.

Cousins Subs

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(left to right) JACKIE DREYER HENRY CLORAN JACK NICKEAS ZACH BEAMAN

Concept Co. Face of Brand Marketing AFTER WORKING FOR SEVERAL marketing and web development agencies throughout the country, Zach Beaman and Migueal Lockhart had seen the same problems in the industry. “There was this old-school mentality in how these agencies operated,” Beaman says. “Most of these agencies had been

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born in traditional advertising and were seriously lacking in emerging digital strategy and web development.” After reuniting at a firm in Milwaukee, the duo decided to take a leap and founded Concept Co. Focused on helping businesses build a digital presence, the agency leaned in on the future of

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(left to right) MIGUEAL LOCKHART KEVIN CIESIELSKI NICK PELLECHIA JEREMY TECHTMANN ASHLEY RASTOGI

digital marketing and web development. As a startup, Concept Co. built their client base, working with well-known brands like Cabela’s and the Milwaukee Brewers – showcasing their talents in creative production, digital brand strategy and eCommerce development.

Beaman points to a recent custom development project as an exemplar of Concept Co.’s work. A sports technology startup who wanted to disrupt the digital trading card world – but didn’t know how. “That really showcased our capabilities across channels,” Beaman says. “We developed the entire platform in-house, including a complex API and the brand itself. We produced it and led the activation to market. It was a culmination of everything we’re

capable of, and it’s become an extremely successful platform.”

Today, Concept Co. has locations in Milwaukee and West Palm Beach.

As the agency grows so does its client base. The team is a collective of the most talented creatives, techs and storytellers with a passion for connecting brands with culture through digital brand marketing and experiential development.

Concept Co.

1433 N. Water St., 262-446-6823, conceptcompany.com

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Illume Cosmetic Surgery & MedSpa Face of Cosmetic Surgery ILLUME COSMETIC SURGERY & MEDSPA WAS FOUNDED IN 2019, the merging of two of Milwaukee’s top cosmetic surgery practices. Now it is Milwaukee’s largest cosmetic and plastic surgery practice, with six doctors on staff at its Waukesha and Glendale clinics. Clients range from 25 to 75 years of age

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and include both men and women.

Clients visit Illume for help with skin care, laser treatments and weight loss.

A menu of around 100 services includes injectables (Botox and dermal fillers), liposuction, rhinoplasty, face lifts, breast augmentation and tummy tucks. Three

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operating rooms are available and staffed by board-certified plastic surgeons with decades of experience. Dr. Timothy P. Bruce, a graduate of the Medical College of Wisconsin, is the latest to join the staff. “Our Illume brand signifies the area’s greatest selection of board-certified plastic surgeons on-site, supervising care through the most extensive offering of state-of-the-art technology, operating rooms and patient treatment options,” says Dr. Thomas Korkos a co-founding partner of Illume.

Illume Cosmetic Surgery & MedSpa 6002 N. Port Washington Rd., Glendale; N4 W22370 Bluemound Rd., Waukesha 414-439-3000 illumecosmeticsurgery.com

(left to right) DR. THOMAS G. KORKOS, MD DAWN GRABOWSKI, RN ANGIE LEWIS, NP DEE GURU, RN CINDY TURNER, RN DR. JENNA G. CUSIC, MD CONNIE LAUX, RN DR. TIMOTHY P. BRUCE, MD AMANDA PICORD, RN DR. CHRISTOPHER J. HUSSUSSIAN, MD DR. KENNETH D. DEMBNY, MD DR. MARK F. BLAKE, MD

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White Dress Bridal Boutique Face of Bridal Fashion IN EARLY 2015, CHRISTINA WEGNER NOTICED

that a lot of brides who lived in Milwaukee traveled to Chicago or New York to purchase their wedding dresses.

“I felt like a fresh fashion-forward, yet timeless, bridal boutique was missing in the Downtown Milwaukee area,” Wegner says.

That gave her an idea. In 2015, she left her 25-year career in property management and opened White Dress Bridal Boutique on Pittsburgh Avenue. The boutique brings fashion forward luxury wedding dresses to Milwaukee brides, and has quickly attracted a strong clientele. Every year since 2016, White Dress has been awarded the Best Luxury Bridal Boutique in the state of Wisconsin by Wisconsin Bride Magazine. In 2020, Wegner opened White Dress Off The Rack, offering dresses that brides could purchase and take from the store the same day at a lower price point.

“Brides can really experience the difference when they come into our boutiques,” Wegner says. “The quality of the designers we carry is amazing. We set the bar high because for us it’s all about the bride.

I’ve had so many brides say over and over again, ‘I don’t even know why I went other places. I should have just come here first.’”

White Dress Bridal Boutique 237 E. Pittsburgh Ave., 414-897-7208 whitedressbridalboutique.com

White Dress Off The Rack 196 S. Second St., 414-810-3626 whitedressotr.com

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(left to right) JOEY NICGORSKI RAQUEL ALEMAN

Milwaukee Area Technical College Face of Milwaukee’s Diverse Talent Pipeline JOEY NICGORSKI STARTED COLLEGE at the University of Texas at San Antonio in 2004. “I didn’t have a clear path or goals. I was just going to college because it was something you were supposed to do,” he says. He left after two years, not completing his degree. Raquel Aleman had a similar experience around the same time at Milwaukee Area Technical College. Being a single mother, she left college to work full time.

When Aleman and Nicgorski heard about MATC’s Promise for Adults program, over a decade had passed since they left their respective colleges.

The program allows individuals 24 years or older who have achieved at least six college credits in the past and meet the financial requirements to finish their degree at MATC and have tuition paid for by the college. Over 78% of Promise students identify as students of color.

Both Nicgorski and Aleman completed associate degrees in business management tuition-free with the Promise program. After Aleman graduated in 2020, she realized that a volunteer youth-mentoring organization she had

started, Your Move MKE, had the potential to be a lot more. She turned it into a nonprofit organization combining chess with hip-hop music, teaching life lessons and skilled trades to help keep young people on a positive track. She now serves as executive director. Aleman also attained a real estate certificate at MATC. Since graduating in 2021, Nicgorski joined the brand marketing department at Harley-Davidson and is pursuing a bachelor’s in marketing from UW-Madison. “The Promise Program just made it possible for me to start down the path I’m on now,” Nicgorski says. “My life is completely different since the day I enrolled at MATC. From my career to my schooling, it’s just been unbelievable.”

Milwaukee Area Technical College 700 W. State St., 414-297-6282 matc.edu/impact

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MELINDA WILKE, CFP®, CLU®, WMCP®, ChFC®, RICP®, CASL®, CLF®

Wilke Wealth & Investment Planning Face of Financial Planning WHEN MELINDA WILKE was 12 years old, her father owned a business and taught her the ins and outs of being a business owner, including how to read financial forms and even doing their taxes. For some kids, this may not have been an opportunity they thrived on, but for Melinda, it sparked a lifelong passion.

“I thought it was the greatest thing in the world, understanding how money

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works,” Melinda says. She went on to study finance at Marquette University and shortly after graduation, started Wilke Wealth & Investment Planning.

Melinda has since cultivated an all-female team of experienced professionals.

“We know how to listen,” she says. “Our clients feel comforted knowing we’re hearing them, we listen to their goals, and they know they can trust us.

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We teach them the facts, show them what their financials lives could look like, and have confidence in their financial future.”

Wilke Wealth specializes in financial planning for physicians, medical professional, business executives, and their families; this includes managing loan debt, saving for retirement, estate planning, and more.

Ultimately, Wilke Wealth’s goal is to help their clients achieve their goals and dreams.

“We want our clients to feel informed and empowered about their

financial situation,” Melinda says. “Our team’s goal is to support them, educate them, and give them resources so they can feel empowered in their financial future.”

Wilke Wealth & Investment Planning

5307 S. 92nd St., Suite 128, Hales Corners, 414-856-3060 wilkewealth@nm.com

Melinda Wilke uses Wilke Wealth & Investment Planning as a marketing name for doing business as a representative of Northwestern Mutual. Wilke Wealth & Investment Planning is not a registered investment adviser, broker-dealer, insurance agency or federal savings bank. Northwestern Mutual is the marketing name for The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company (NM) (life and disability Insurance, annuities, and life insurance with long-term care benefits) and its subsidiaries, including Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC (NMIS) (investment brokerage services), a registered investment adviser, broker-dealer, and member of FINRA and SIPC, and Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company® (NMWMC) (investment advisory and trust services), a federal savings bank. NM and its subsidiaries are in Milwaukee, WI. Melinda Wilke is an Insurance Agent of NM. Investment brokerage services provided as a Registered Representative of NMIS. Investment advisory services provided as an Advisor of NMWMC.

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The Bartolotta Restaurants Face of Fine Dining With a Purpose IN 2023, THE BARTOLOTTA RESTAURANTS will celebrate 30 years since the opening of the group’s first location, Ristorante Bartolotta dal 1993 in Wauwatosa.

In those three decades, the company has grown tremendously and has

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established itself as the premier restaurant group in the greater Milwaukee area. Co-founders Joe and Paul Bartolotta found their formula for success by committing to taking care of their employees, guests, community and

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PAUL BARTOLOTTA (CHEF/OWNER/CO-FOUNDER) PICTURED RIGHT FRONT AND CENTER WITH THE BARTOLOTTA TEAM

vendors before worrying about the bottom line. With a focus on exceptional food and hospitality, the restaurant group helped put Milwaukee on the culinary map at a national level and paved the way for the vibrant restaurant scene we now enjoy. Now, the name “Bartolotta” has become synonymous with fine dining and memorable experiences.

But many people may not realize the broad impact the family-owned company has on our community.

The Bartolotta Restaurants now employs around 600 people in its 17 Milwaukee-area locations, supports many local vendors and businesses, and is a major force in boosting the city’s economic growth.

The Bartolotta Restaurants understands its purpose in the community is much larger than just operating restaurants.

The heart of the company is the dedication its employees feel to the community and each other. Through its charitable giving and commitment to community events, The Bartolotta Restaurants helps Milwaukee realize its full potential as a great place to live, work and dine.

The Bartolotta Restaurants 414-258-7885, bartolottas.com

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(left to right) TIM LIGHTNER LISA PALEY

Two Men and a Truck Face of Moving WHEN TIM LIGHTNER started the Madison-area franchise of the moving company TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® in 1993, its name was literal – just Lightner, his partner and a truck. But within a few years it grew into one of the area’s biggest franchises. It now offers full-service local and long-distance moving, including packing and unpacking, junk removal and storage.

In 2000, Lisa Paley joined the company and quickly found that she had a passion for the business. “It’s rewarding to help people during a stressful time,” Paley says. “Our customers frequently share that our movers are compassionate, kind and go the extra mile.”

Last year, Lightner and Paley acquired the Milwaukee franchise of TWO MEN AND A TRUCK, which now celebrates its one-year anniversary with the group that also includes Waukesha, Racine and Madison locations. Paley also celebrates an anniversary of her own – one year as president.

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According to Paley, outstanding employees are what set the company apart. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK never farms out services to contractors, and each team member adheres to the “Grandma Rule®” – treat everyone the way they would want their own grandmother treated. This approach has paid off, with the franchise boasting a 96% customer referral rate.

“Our mission is to move people forward,” Paley says. “We do that by providing great service to customers and great opportunities for our employees. We want our employees to grow and evolve as a result of their time with us.”

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK 11800 W. Burleigh St., Wauwatosa, 414-209-3256, twomenmilwaukee.com

(left to right) ERIC PHILLIPS BAILEY KREBS LAMONTE BRIGGS CHESTER ISON

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Toppers Pizza Face of Pizza HEADQUARTERED IN WHITEWATER, this pizza company strives to be different – in both its toppings and culture. Targeting college towns and late-night pizza lovers by staying open until the wee hours of midnight to 3 a.m., Toppers prides itself on its selection of toppings, including buffalo chicken, mac ’n’ cheese, tater tots, bacon, Wisconsin cheese curds and the gluten-free cauliflower crust. The company has 70 locations, 14 of which are in the Milwaukee area.

“Milwaukee is our largest market,” says marketing manager Simona Ebner, “and we’re Wisconsin’s largest pizza company.” The company is invested in building a strong culture for its team members here. Many corporate-office employees began their career as delivery drivers and took advantage of Toppers’ leadership and training programs.

“Scott Gittrich, our founder and CEO, set up Toppers Pizza to be an alternative to the big-box places,” Ebner says. “We’re just a little more fun.”

Toppers Pizza 262-473-6666, toppers.com

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