This episode features the panel discussion from the 2022 Future 50 program. Panelists representing Wixon, Bliffert Lumber, Mars Solutions Group, BevCo and Doral,  the five fastest growing companies in southeastern Wisconsin, discuss some of the secret sauce that went into the incredible growth their businesses have experienced over the past three years. 

Andrew Weiland and Arthur Thomas of BizTimes Media get together to discuss the news of the week, including FPC Live's proposal for a new music venue in the Deer District clearing its first hurdle by getting approval from Milwaukee's plan commission. Andrew and Arthur discuss some of the arguments surrounding the project and news that FPC Live plans to also partner with the the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra to bring concerts to the Bradley Symphony Center. 

Insider Story Spotlight:

• Tall Guy and a Grill Catering emerges stronger from pandemic, raises tide for local entrepreneurs 
• A Brief Case: When hiring at a startup company, how do you get potential employees to buy into your vision and make the leap to join you?
• Biz Compass: What’s the most challenging aspect of being an entrepreneur?

Big Story:

• Deer District concert venue complex narrowly clears initial government hurdle
• MSO strikes deal with FPC Live to bring concerts to Bradley Symphony Center

Frank Cumberbatch, vice president of engagement at Bader Philanthropies,  joined Marquette University president Michael Lovell and BizTimes Media managing editor Arthur Thomas on the latest episode of Leadership Lens to talk about leadership styles, community engagement and much more. Lovell and Cumberbatch have worked together in a number of areas, including in founding SWIM or Scaling Wellness in Milwaukee, an initiative aimed at making Milwaukee the most trauma informed city in the country. 

Andrew Weiland and Arthur Thomas from BizTimes Media get together to discuss the news of the week, including The Milwaukee Rep's plans for a $75 million "new" theater complex. The plans came to light with the announcement of a $10 million, 20-year sponsorship by Associated Bank, which has its primary Milwaukee presence just north of The Rep's current theater. The Rep plans to stay at the same location, but will completely remake its three theaters. Andrew and Arthur discuss how the plan marks another major project remaking Milwaukee's cultural assets, following the Bradley Symphony Center and the planned move of the Milwaukee Art Museum.

Insider Story Spotlight

• Use of electric and hybrid vehicles in Wisconsin has grown significantly, but still less than 2% of state total
• 2022 BizTimes Future 50 Winners

Big Story

• Milwaukee Rep plans to build new $75 million theater complex

Andrew Weiland and Arthur Thomas from BizTimes Media get together to discuss the news of the week, including a plan for the Brady Street BID to study pedestrianizing Brady Street. Andrew and Arthur discuss what's pushed the study forward, potential considerations for the idea and the possibility of other streets in Milwaukee being closed to traffic. 

Insider Story Spotlight

•  Couture construction reaches above-ground phase
• Wisconsin lost 2,800 private sector jobs in August as state’s recovery lags 

Big Story

• Brady Street BID to study closing street to vehicles
  
  

Andrew Weiland and Arthur Thomas of BizTimes Media get together to discuss the news of the week, including the passing of Herb Kohler, the man responsible for transforming the Kohler Co. and the landscape of golf in Wisconsin. Andrew reflects on some of the memories and insights from covering Kohler, including a 2007 interview.

Insider Story Spotlight:

• Atlanta company acquires downtown Milwaukee Fairfield Inn & Suites in sheriff’s sale
• Wisconsin banks saw continued loan growth in second quarter

Big Story

• Commentary: The wisdom of Herb Kohler
• Royal Flush (2007 Q&A with Herb Kohler)
• Herb Kohler dies at 83
• Gary D'Amato: 'To me, he was just Herb, a friend of the game': Herbert V. Kohler Jr., whose empire transformed golf in Wisconsin, dies at age 83
• Viewpoints: Kohler led new era of labor relations
  
  

Patrick Rath, president and chief executive officer of the United Performing Arts Fund, and Tim Mattke, CEO of MGIC and chair of the UPAF board, joined BizTimes Media managing editor Arthur Thomas to talk about how UPAF and the performing arts groups it supports are navigating the continuing effects of the pandemic. While government support and reserve funds helped groups navigate the first couple years of the pandemic, those resources are increasingly tapped out. 

Peggy Troy joined Marquette University president Michael Lovell and BizTimes Media managing editor Arthur Thomas to discuss what it has been like leading a health care organization over the past few years, the current workforce challenges in health care and the importance of having a dedicated children’s hospital in the region. 

She also addressed her approach to leadership and how she goes about shaping culture in a large organization. 

Andrew Weiland and Arthur Thomas of BizTimes Media get together to discuss the news of the week, including The Bartolotta Restaurants' plans to open a new restaurant in the former Seven Seas building on Nagawicka Lake in Delafield. Seven Seas closed at the end of 2020 and after plans for an assisted living facility were shot down by the city, new property owners floated plans for a restaurant and banquet facility run by Saz's. Those plans didn't come to fruition and the Bartolotta plans were announced this week.

Insider Story Spotlight

• Stella & Chewy’s launches first national marketing campaign
• The Water Council adds new programs to help companies tackle modern water challenges

Big Story

• Bartolotta to open new restaurant at former Seven Seas building on Nagawicka Lake
• Shuttered Seven Seas restaurant in Delafield could reopen under new proposal
• Weissgerber’s Seven Seas restaurant to close permanently
  
  

Andrew Weiland and Arthur Thomas of BizTimes Media get together to discuss the news of the week, including Milwaukee Tool opening its new hand tool manufacturing facility in West Bend. The plant marks the return of manufacturing to the region for the company's flagship brand and executives are already talking about planning to expand the facility in the near future. Milwaukee Tool's parent company also reported its first half results this week and the Milwaukee brand saw sales increase nearly 26%. 

Insider Story Spotlight:

• Brown Deer apartment complex sold for $39.1 million
• Rising supply, labor costs add $74 million to Kenosha County solar and battery project
  
  

Big Story

• Milwaukee Tool opens West Bend plant
• Milwaukee Tool’s sales up 25.8% in first half of the year