Milwaukee Magazine | 2015 Exceptional Women

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

路 2015 路

Exceptional Women

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

· 2015 ·

Exceptional Women Nearly 100 years ago, women across the country were fighting for the right to vote. Fast forward to now, women not only cast votes, but also run C Suites and make big business decisions on a daily basis.

Utter determination and poise have catapulted society’s modern woman. In this issue of milwaukee magazine, we recognize our local ladies’ efforts in business, entrepreneurship and philanthropy with this special advertising feature, “Exceptional Women.”

Creative direction & photos by: Dale Stenbroten

Kitty Tierney

owner, ImpressIons day spa Choose a job you love and you’ll never have to work a day in your life. Impressions’ mission, “Making you and the world beautiful” is evident in everything Kitty Tierney does. She is the heart and inspiration of Impressions.

Kitty’s passion for the beauty business, her community and her team is evident by numerous awards and achievements. She has proven that leading a staff with demonstrated organization and tools will create success and an environment of fun and satisfaction.

She has been rewarded by employee longevity and professional respect.

Mentoring and the satisfaction of success makes each day a joy. Her motivation and energy inspire her staff.

Kitty is enthusiastic about her work and giving back to the community with passion, dedication and inspiration.

Women in business must learn how to be simultaneously confident, gracious and tough. It is easy to see why she is considered exceptional.

ImPressIons day sPa 11134 N. Cedarburg Rd., Mequon 262-242-4620 impressionsdayspa.com

70 Milwaukee Magazine February 2015

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Exceptional Women

Barbara Bachman

owner, Warren Barnett Interiors

Emily Bachman

director of design, Warren Barnett Interiors Warren Barnett Interiors is a vision turned reality.

Michael and Barbara Bachman owned Thomasville Home Furnishings for nearly 15 years before making the transition into a high-end showroom. This family business had visions of something greater, something they felt Milwaukee was lacking. Three years ago, their daughter, Emily, joined them in the quest to make Milwaukee’s homes beautiful. Emily formerly lived in Montana and Portland, Ore., working with interior design firms, before moving home to join the business.

Every person that walks through the door at Warren Barnett Interiors is greeted by an actual interior designer, not a sales person. The goal is to help people transform one of their most important investments, a home, into their home.

Barbara and Emily are influential, and so important to this process. They work closely with every designer and client, ensuring the end result is absolutely perfect for each individual.

Warren Barnett Interiors 14755 W. Capitol Dr., Brookfield 262-790-1111 warrenbarnett.com

February 2015 milwaukeemag.com 71

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Exceptional Women

Traci Dalsin

president, Sara Investment Real Estate, LLC Commercial Investment & Property Services Expert Traci Dalsin has a skill for uncovering commercial real estate opportunities that are as unique as the investors and tenants she serves. As newly appointed president, her focus—and that of her team—is to create a perfect match for retailers, manufacturers and business professionals, and to nurture a relationship with each of Sara’s investors and business associates across the Midwest.

Her recent work in acquiring a five-building campus known as The Tannery in the Fifth Ward adds nearly 250,000 square feet to Sara’s investment portfolio, creating an impressive blend of restaurants and dynamic business spaces in Walker’s Point.

When asked about what drives her in her new role as president, Traci replied, “Trust, communication and hard work. Before we develop real estate opportunities, we develop relationships. That’s been a constant since Eric Schwartz put [his wife] Sara’s name on the door 18 years ago, and what will assure our continued success.”

Sara Investment Real Estate, LLC 6264 Nesbitt Rd., Madison 608-852-8777 sarainvest.com

72 Milwaukee Magazine February 2015

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Exceptional Women

Dr. Kathleen Stokes M.D. & Dr. Gretchen Zirbel M.D. Affiliated Dermatologists S.C. is one of the largest independent dermatology practices in southeastern Wisconsin. Our physicians provide highly skilled and sensitive care for patients of all ages. We diagnose and treat a wide range of dermatological problems from the routine to the complex.

Named three times as one of Milwaukee Magazine’s “Top Docs” and every year since 1996 in Who’s Who in American Medicine, Dr. Stokes is recognized as one of southeast Wisconsin’s most outstanding dermatologists. Dr. Stokes is Clinical Associate Professor of Dermatology at the Medical College of Wisconsin. She has practiced with Affiliated Dermatologists S.C. since 1991.

and a Guest Lecturer at Marquette University.

Dr. Stokes, Dr. Zirbel and all of the physicians at Affiliated Dermatologists provide the newest proven methods of complex disease treatment. The Skin and Laser Center operates under the direction of these board-certified Dermatologists.

New patients are welcome at our new 4th location in Germantown.

Affiliated Dermatologists S.C. 13800 W. North Ave, Suite 100 I Brookfield I 262-754-3388 Dr. Zirbel joined Affiliated Dermatologists S.C. in 1994. In addition to general 1455 W. National Ave. Suite 190 I New Berlin I 262-901-2850 dermatology, she contributes her expertise in pediatrics and surgery to the 1111 Delafield St. Suite 308 I Waukesha I 262-542-4251 practice. She is Clinical Assistant Professor at the Medical College of Wisconsin affiliatedderm.com

February 2015 milwaukeemag.com 73

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Exceptional Women

Kelly Grebe

chief legal and corporate affairs officer, MillerCoors For Kelly Grebe, being chief legal and corporate services officer at MillerCoors means a lot more than practicing law. In a city long dubbed “Brew City,” being head beer lawyer alone puts Kelly on this list.

Kelly graduated from the University of Wisconsin Law School in 1993 and spent four years at Quarles & Brady, which she credits for providing hands-on law experience and opportunities.

Growing up just outside of Milwaukee, she couldn’t refuse an offer from, at the time, Miller Brewing Co. She’s been there ever since and now serves as the top executive at MillerCoors Milwaukee office.

As if overseeing a 13-lawyer, eight-paralegal department in a highly-regulated industry while ensuring a productive, safe and ethical environment for employees isn’t enough, Kelly is no stranger to community involvement. She sits on the Milwaukee Brewers advisory board and on the Children’s Hospital Foundation board, an organization for which she’s advocated and supported for years.

And as a mother of four boys, Kelly and her husband, Michael, are dedicated to their kids – attending numerous sporting events throughout the year – with some theater thrown in for balance.

MillerCoors 3939 W. Highland Blvd., Milwaukee 414-931-2000 millercoors.com

74 Milwaukee Magazine February 2015

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Exceptional Women

Suzanne Powers

Milwaukee’s Leading Real Estate Broker Suzanne Powers is the CEO | Broker Owner of Powers Realty Group, Inc., a start-up that brings a sophisticated, personal and edgy boutique real estate experience to Milwaukee’s North Shore area.

Powers’ love for the consumer and hard work are the driving forces behind her success. “I placed all my emphasis on building the culture of the company and delivering that to the public,” says Powers. “The chemistry of our team, and the sense of family that we bring to our business, is magic. Powers Realty Group is authentic and special, and the customer feels that synergy with us.”

Powers is now expanding to their second location in Mequon.

Suzanne Powers is Wisconsin’s top producer for 2014 and has been Milwaukee’s No. 1 agent since 2007. “The hard work and sleepless nights are all worth it,” says Powers. “Pursuing this dream has been one of the greatest loves of my life.”

Powers Realty Group Inc. 4214 N. Oakland Ave., Shorewood 414-963-0000 powersrealty.com

February 2015 milwaukeemag.com 75

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Exceptional Women

Heidi Darrow Mains

Producer of Events, Films, and Online & Retail Boutiques

Heidi Darrow Mains is a mother of four teenagers, a friend, a community volunteer, a charitable fundraiser, a board member, an entrepreneur, an event and film producer, a business woman, a mentor and a Milwaukee leader.

Heidi’s current projects are Denim Bar MKE, a retail blue jean bar, and Stella’s Trunk, an online boutique collection of high quality, artisan-created goods. Denim Bar MKE features a literal 22-foot bar, shelved with more than 1,500 pairs of jeans. At Stella’s Trunk, Stella (Heidi’s muse) shares her best luxury gift item finds online.

Giving back is one of Heidi’s passions. She has served on the boards of Junior Achievement, Children’s Service Society, Milwaukee Art Museum Friends of Art, and many more.

“Having had the opportunity to work with Heidi on and off over the past 20 years, I have always found her to be a creative problem solver with a can-do attitude,” says Jack Kosakowski, president at Junior Achievement USA. “Most importantly, she delivers on her promises.

Heidi is a high energy person and a pleasure to work with.”

Retail Boutique: Denim Bar MKE 317 North Broadway, The Historical Third Ward 414-319-0030 denimbarmke.com

Online Blog & boutique stellastrunk.com

76 Milwaukee Magazine February 2015

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Exceptional Women

Maureen Stallé & Martha Olla Milwaukee’s Premier Real Estate Team Maureen Stallé and Martha Olla share a love of real estate, the local community…and DNA. The sisters grew up in Milwaukee and that history, passion and common bond have served them and their clients well. They continue to rank in the top one percent of successful real estate agents on Milwaukee’s North Shore.

“We compliment each other,” said Olla. “We bring

our own set of strengths to the team, this has proven to be a very valuable asset to our business.”

are contagious,” said Stallé. “This team has that in spades and that’s why we are growing so rapidly.”

The two are joined by some of Milwaukee’s topvolume agents based in their highly visible Keller Williams Realty office on East Silver Spring Drive in the heart of Whitefish Bay. The KW model of an agent-centric, education-based, technology-driven culture suits the team well. “Energy and enthusiasm

The Stallé Realty Group Keller Williams Realty 205 E. Silver Spring Drive Whitefish Bay, WI 53217 414-967-7900 StalleRealty.com

February 2015 milwaukeemag.com 77

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Front row, seated: Jenny Fenzl; Nicole Bulanda; Katie Conley; Krissy Fischer; Ashley Grube Second row, standing: Kate Rasman; Dana Serrano; Alyssa Bovorasmy; Kelly Wiza; Melanie Harris; Janice King; Erica Storm Third row, on ladders: Allison Kitzerow; Rachel Buchholtz; Kimberly Beagley; Ellen Kloth Not pictured: Lisa Schildt, Elizabeth Brooks and Michelle Jackson

78 Milwaukee Magazine February 2015

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Exceptional Women

Zywave Team

Software solutIons for

Insurance Brokers

Driving Zywave to continued success are its female leaders, who comprise nearly 50 percent of the management team.

From proposing innovative ideas for new technology solutions to inspiring their teams to develop cutting-edge software products and being thought leaders in the insurance industry, these Zywave women are taking this growing Milwaukee company to new heights.

At every level, they are set up for success as they work side by side, always challenging each other to improve the company, the community and themselves.

To learn more about Zywave and explore employment opportunities, visit zywave.com.

Erica Storm, Director, Legal Content, 5 years of management experience: “One of the things I value about Zywave is the ability to take a leadership role in creating our products. Zywave employees are given the responsibility and freedom to make things happen.”

Rachel Buchholtz, Team Leader, Talent Recruiting, less than a year of management experience: “I never thought I’d be managing a team so early in my career. Thankfully, I’ve had the opportunity to work with two amazing female managers who have guided and mentored me through the challenges.”

ZyWave 10700 Research Dr. 414-454-6100 zywave.com

February 2015 milwaukeemag.com 79

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Exceptional Women

Bradley Brumder Wabiszewski Integrity with Personalized Service

Bradley Brumder Wabiszewski epitomizes integrity, energy, hard work and creativity in every detail of your real estate transaction.

When it comes to selling or buying a home, we are all unique with different needs and expectations. As a real estate professional, Bradley’s mission is to offer you the best possible service and make your transaction smooth, efficient and satisfying. Bradley provides clients with her full attention and is dedicated to taking the stress out of home buying and selling with her calm, organized and personalized service.

The First Weber Group North Shore Office 4650 N. Port Washington Rd., Glendale 414-839-2731 firstweber.com

80 Milwaukee Magazine February 2015

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Exceptional Women

Jeanette Dvorak

CO-OWNER OF BANGLES & BAGS & OWNER OF MAINSTREAM BOUTIQUE opening March 2015 Every time a customer walks through my door, I get a feeling of excitement, and it’s because I know that special feeling of shopping at a new store. My mission is to share that feeling with every customer.

I’ve always had a passion for fashion, shopping and adapting to the latest trends. In pursuit of this passion, I studied merchandising and marketing and did lots of shopping. Working various sales, marketing and buying positions gave me the expertise I needed to start my own business. Now, I run successful accessory boutiques in Milwaukee, Cedarburg, and Wauwatosa.

I invest in my employees, who are the face of my business, so they can create a unique shopping experience for every customer.

I’m excited to open my new store in March, Mainstream Boutique, a women’s fashion boutique next to Bangles & Bags in the Third Ward.

Stop in any of my stores and tell me what you think. My hope is that each time you do, you experience that same exciting feeling.

Bangles & Bags 414-273-4534 feelfabulousforless.com 159 N. Broadway, Milwaukee Mainstream Boutique 414-273-1720 mainstreamboutique.com

February 2015 milwaukeemag.com 81

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Pictured: Kerry Barlow, Wells Fargo; Christy Brown, Girl Scouts of Wisconsin Southeast; Julie Cashman-Kuhn, Experis; Marybeth Cottrill, Northern Trust; Nola Hitchcock Cross, Cross Law Firm; Erickajoy Daniels, Brady Corporation; Jacquin Davidson, BizStarts Milwaukee; Sharon deGuzman, Baird; Jennifer Dirks, TEMPO Milwaukee; Patty Flowers, American Red Cross in Southeastern Wisconsin; Laura Gough, Baird; Lindsay Hammerer, KPMG; Nancy Hernandez, ABRAZO; Jayne Hladio, US Bank; Rose Spano Iannelli, Spano Pratt Executive Search; Kimberly Kane, Kane Communications; Phyllis King, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee; Tracy Klein, Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren; Caroline Krider, US Bank; Mary Linehan, Northwestern Mutual; Laura Lukas, Johnson Controls; Linda Mertz, Mertz Associates; Darci Miller, AnchorBank; Linda Newberry-Ferguson, Rehabilitation Hospital of Wisconsin; Vinita Paul, Heartland Advisors; Amy Pechacek, Milwaukee County; Paula Pergl, LauberCFOs; Emily Phillips, Baird; Shontra Powell, Johnson Controls; Lori Richards, Mueller Communications; Amy Rislov, Aurora Health Care; Katie Roell, TEMPO Milwaukee; Betsy Ross-Bothe, Aurora Health Care; Lynn Sprangers, Mount Mary University; Mary Ellen Stanek, Baird; Ann Stadler, Marcus Theaters; Julie Swenson, Renaissance Theaterworks; Ellen Trytek, CliftonLarsonAllen; Marilyn Vollrath, Vollrath Associates; Sara Walker, Associated Bank Photo location courtesy of Renaissance Place

82 Milwaukee Magazine February 2015

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Exceptional Women

40 Faces of TEMPO Milwaukee Women’s Leadership Organization

TEMPO Milwaukee, celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2015, is an organization of exceptional women leaders throughout the Milwaukee area.

With approximately 300 members who hold CEO, executive and leadership positions, the women of TEMPO Milwaukee are significant contributors to the local community and economy. They influence millions of dollars, manage thousands of people, mentor hundreds of individuals and serve on dozens of boards and membership organizations. TEMPO Milwaukee’s mission is to further the impact of women leaders in the community, focusing on its values

to advocate, elevate and accelerate. It is an organization dedicated to shaping the climate and culture of the community by paving a path for success for future generations of women leaders.

TEMPO Milwaukee 1555 N. RiverCenter Drive, Suite 210B Milwaukee, WI 53212 tempomilwaukee.org

February 2015 milwaukeemag.com 83

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Exceptional Women

Sydney Bea Leibsohn

The youngest philanthropist

Giving her birthday gifts to children in need was an easy decision for Sydney Bea Leibsohn, then seven years old. “All I want for my birthday is to make another little boy or a girl happy,” says Leibsohn. The idea of no gifts became an annual request. Last year, she turned her birthday into an incredible fashion show that featured Sydney’s friends as “models.” More than 100 people attended, raising $2,000 for the Wisconsin Humane Society. Sydney presented a big check towards the Humane Society’s spay and neuter program during its recent Gala. For her next birthday, says Leibsohn, “I am planning to raise at least $10,000 for Wisconsin Humane Society.” Leibsohn says she strives to be just like her mother, Anna Zuckerman, who is her favorite person in the world. “Mom and I are a team, and when you are a team, you can accomplish anything!” fundraising requests & appearances: Sydneybealeibsohn@gmail.com

84 Milwaukee Magazine February 2015

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Exceptional Women

Anna Zuckerman

president & CEO, AC Zuckerman enterprises As an entrepreneur and a top jewelry designer in the city, Anna Zuckerman spends her free time giving back to the community. When it comes to raising money, Zuckerman’s name comes up every time. In the past decade, she has raised nearly $1 million for various charities and nonprofit organizations. “I came to America for an opportunity, and now it’s my responsibility to give back and help the ones in need,” says Zuckerman.

With a ton of energy and contagious optimism, Zuckerman sets an example of what makes someone exceptional. “It is truly an honor to be named a woman of influence amongst such an elite group of business leaders,” says Zuckerman.

AC Zuckerman Jewelers 1340 W. Mequon Rd., Mequon 262-240-0111 aczuckermanjewelers.com

February 2015 milwaukeemag.com 85

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Nikki Panico

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Exceptional Women

executive director, Susan G. Komen® Southeast Wisconsin Nikki Panico is no stranger to breast cancer. She lost her mother and aunt within a month of each other to the disease, only to be diagnosed herself within the same year at her annual mammogram at only 39 years old.

Inspired by her experiences, Nikki joined Susan G. Komen Southeast Wisconsin four years ago. Under her leadership, the organization empowers area residents with information about the importance of early detection and breast health.

Since 1999, Komen Southeast Wisconsin has raised more than $11.3 million, with $8.3 million of that funding local programs right here in Southeast Wisconsin and $3 million helping fund national research.

Komen Southeast Wisconsin is part of the big picture to eradicate breast cancer, but it’s also focused on the local needs of its neighbors. The organization is dedicated to educating area residents about breast cancer through Kohl’s Conversations for the Cure, along with funding life-saving screening and treatment programs for those currently battling this disease.

Susan G. Komen Southeast Wisconsin 2025 W. Oklahoma Ave., Suite 116 414-389-4881 komensoutheastwi.org

Krista Verhein

Helping Milwaukee’s next generation of students and young leaders transition into the workforce is my true passion. I believe this is an important time for business development manager, Cisco Systems, Inc. them as they define who they are while creating their own independence. Our education system is one of the finest institutions, but there is a gap in practical Cisco Systems, Inc. application when transitioning into the real world. For this reason, I choose to N17 W24222 Riverwood Dr., Pewaukee | cisco.com mentor millennials. In return, I gain the insights of young leaders with diverse perspectives. Over the years, many people have mentored me, and I would not be here without them. This is my way of paying it forward. I am honored to be a small part on their road to success and contribute to the Milwaukee customer service representative, National Business Furniture community – one person at a time.

Allison Taylor

86 Milwaukee Magazine February 2015