Greg Marcus on big ideas, Brewers pride, and making memories

This week on The Upswing, WTMJ's Jeff Sherman welcomes Greg Marcus, chairman, president and CEO of The Marcus Corporation, for a conversation about entrepreneurship, community and the business of creating memories. Marcus shares the story behind the upcoming David Baum Spirit of Entrepreneurship Summit, lessons learned from decades of experimenting with new business ideas and why bringing people together remains central to his company's success. They also explore the future of movie theaters, holiday traditions at Marcus properties and the 20th anniversary of Milwaukee's Mason Street Grill. Plus, Marcus reflects on the Brewers' unforgettable World Series championship celebration and shares advice for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to turn their ideas into reality. The Upswing is presented by Horicon Bank.

This week on The Upswing, WTMJ's Jeff Sherman welcomes Taylor Hibl, COO of Sussex-based Exterior Pros, to discuss the challenges and opportunities of running a family-owned home remodeling business. Hibl shares her journey into the family business, the importance of building a strong workplace culture, and how Exterior Pros is connecting with younger customers and employees. She also explores the state of the home remodeling industry, offers practical advice for homeowners preparing for winter, and discusses changing design trends. Plus, Hibl shares the story behind Exterior Pros' new partnership with the Milwaukee Bucks and how the company continues to grow despite rising costs and economic uncertainty. The Upswing is presented by Horicon Bank.

This week on The Upswing, WTMJ’s Jeff Sherman welcomes Bryan MacKenzie, owner of 1st & Bowl in Wauwatosa, to discuss bringing the unique combination of football and bowling from Detroit to greater Milwaukee. MacKenzie shares how the business has expanded beyond its signature game with pickleball, cornhole, a Nerf arena and other activities designed for families, friends and corporate events. He also discusses the creativity and flexibility required to run a local entertainment business, from rising operating costs to new ventures like mobile basketball and pizza promotions. The conversation also highlights 1st & Bowl’s partnership with Special Strong, which helps make fitness more accessible for people with adaptive needs. Jeff wraps up the show with producer Jaslyn Snell to discuss a potential Starbucks-Chipotle merger and recent roller coaster closures at Six Flags. The Upswing is presented by Horicon Bank.

This week on The Upswing, WTMJ’s Jeff Sherman welcomes back Martin Moore of Koss for another edition of The Future of Almost Everything. Jeff and Martin explore how technology is changing workplace norms, from voice prompts replacing keyboards to the benefits and drawbacks of phone-free events. They also discuss how national brands can connect locally, then brainstorm ways newcomers to Milwaukee can build community through networking, volunteering and getting outside their comfort zones. Plus, they tackle AI-powered personal assistants, data privacy, unwritten job interview rules, iced coffee and a few other signs of where work and technology may be headed next. 🎙️ The Upswing is presented by Horicon Bank.

This week on The Upswing, WTMJ’s Jeff Sherman celebrates 10 years of Third Space Brewing with co-founder and president Andy Gehl. Gehl looks back at building the Milwaukee brewery and its statewide distribution network, while discussing how Third Space is adapting to changing drinking habits with offerings like its new 3.0 beer. He also shares lessons from opening the Innovation Brewhouse in Menomonee Falls, the story behind Marquette Golden Ale, and what’s next for flagship beer Happy Place. Plus, Gehl previews Third Space’s 10th anniversary celebration and explains why his definition of success goes beyond business: “Your life cannot become your business.” 🎙️ The Upswing is presented by Horicon Bank.

This week on The Upswing, WTMJ’s Jeff Sherman welcomes Wes Shaver, president and CEO of Revolve Ventures, to preview the inaugural Freshwater Food & Wine Festival, coming to the Summerfest grounds Sept. 19-20. Shaver shares how his career in Milwaukee’s entertainment and festival scene helped shape the new event and explains how Freshwater will showcase local chefs and restaurants while creating new opportunities for them beyond the traditional summer festival season. He also discusses the festival’s unique tasting format, sustainability efforts, charitable component, and his vision for eventually growing Freshwater into a Great Lakes regional event. Jeff wraps up the show with Starbucks’ Snoopy ambitions and a Netflix recommendation centered on community and doing good. 🎙️ The Upswing is presented by Horicon Bank.

This month on Marquette on the Move, WTMJ’s Jeff Sherman reconnects with Marquette University President Kimo Ah Yun as a new academic year gets underway. Dr. Ah Yun reflects on welcoming the Class of 2030, helping first-year students find community, and what both students and parents experience during the transition to college. He also shares highlights from his summer trip to Rome, including meeting Pope Leo XIV with fellow Catholic and Jesuit university leaders and visiting the original home of Marquette’s Joan of Arc Chapel. Back in Milwaukee, the conversation turns to keeping graduates connected to the city, Marquette’s partnership with Children’s Wisconsin, plans for future campus housing, and hopes for the upcoming basketball season. 🎙️ The Upswing is presented by Horicon Bank.

On this football and fitness edition of The Upswing, host Jeff Sherman speaks with Dr. Kate Essad, a neurologist with Aurora Health Care, about the facts and myths surrounding concussions, head injuries and CTE. As fall youth sports begin, Dr. Essad explains what parents, coaches and student-athletes should know following a possible concussion. She stresses a simple guiding principle: “When in doubt, sit it out.” Dr. Essad emphasizes that concussion recovery should be individualized, with a student’s return to school taking priority before a return to play. When it is time to get back on the field, she says, young athletes should do so with confidence in their recovery. Later, Jeff welcomed Dr. Ryan Pollay, co-founder of Kaizen House of Athletics, a new fitness and wellness concept expected to open at Bayshore Town Center on Nov. 1, 2026. Pollay says Kaizen is intended to be more than a place to work out. The adult-focused concept aims to bring people together through fitness, social connection and wellness - creating the kind of community people typically seek at a neighborhood coffee shop. A full cafe experience will be available, but the broader vision is a one-stop destination for fitness-minded adults on Milwaukee’s North Shore. While Kaizen won’t offer hot yoga onsite, Pollay says the collaborative nature of the organization seeks to develop partnerships with businesses that provide specialized fitness classes and experiences. He says the goal is to create a welcoming, home-like environment for serious adult fitness clients while building a stronger sense of community. Sherman ended the show with his thoughts on Downtown Milwaukee’w Water Street entertainment district.  The Upswing is presented by Horicon Bank.

This week on The Upswing, WTMJ’s Jeff Sherman welcomes Alverno College President Christy Brown for a conversation about the future of higher education and Alverno’s role in greater Milwaukee. Brown discusses preparing graduates to contribute from day one, building AI and problem-solving skills, and why Alverno’s distinctive ability-based learning model remains relevant today. She also addresses the college’s financial challenges and long-term sustainability, along with new partnerships with Milwaukee-area schools and employers. Brown shares how her commitment to women in leadership and expanding access to education shapes her vision for Alverno’s future. 🎙️ The Upswing is presented by Horicon Bank.

This week on The Upswing, WTMJ’s Jeff Sherman welcomes back Milwaukee Business Journal senior reporter Rich Kirchen to break down some of the biggest business stories shaping southeastern Wisconsin. They discuss the Wisconsin Center District’s search for a new CEO and what it could mean for downtown development, along with challenges at Molson Coors, UMB’s Milwaukee footprint, and recent activity involving local manufacturers. Rich and Jeff also examine the uncertainty surrounding tariffs, including whether companies like Harley-Davidson could receive refunds — and whether any savings might eventually reach consumers during the holiday season. 🎙️ The Upswing is presented by Horicon Bank.