The Upswing

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.

This week on The Upswing, WTMJ’s Jeff Sherman takes a look back at some of his favorite conversations from 2026 so far. Revisit Cheryl Nenn on Milwaukee’s push to become a swimmable city, Martin Moore on who deserves to be represented in downtown murals, and Tedd Lookatch on the collaborative spirit that gives Milwaukee an edge. The show also returns to Steve “Saz” Sazama’s reflections on 50 years of Saz’s, plus recent conversations with Tristen Shorter about the future of Milwaukee County Parks and Purslane chef Mary Kastman on earning national recognition for her East Side restaurant. It’s a celebration of the people, businesses and ideas helping move Milwaukee forward.

🎙️ The Upswing is presented by Horicon Bank.

This week on The Upswing, WTMJ’s Jeff Sherman spotlights two Milwaukee success stories centered on long-term investment and community impact. First, Purslane chef-owner Mary Kastman discusses her restaurant’s recognition as one of America’s top Mediterranean destinations, the realities of running an independent restaurant, and why Milwaukee continues to be a great place to build a culinary business. Then, Tristen Shorter of the Milwaukee Parks Foundation shares the organization’s vision for investing $10 million in Milwaukee County Parks by 2029, expanding community engagement, and ensuring the parks remain vibrant for generations to come. Jeff also closes the show with insights into evolving social media trends and a note of gratitude following the latest U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals rankings.

🎙️ The Upswing is presented by Horicon Bank.

This week on The Upswing, WTMJ’s Jeff Sherman welcomes Ryan Laughlin, CEO of PLM Paving, and Mike Blaney of America Sports Construction for a conversation about the business behind the surfaces we often take for granted. From parking lots and drainage systems to the growing demand for pickleball and padel courts, they explain how quality construction, long-term planning, and strong customer relationships drive their work. The discussion also explores workforce challenges in the skilled trades, the growing role of AI in construction, and how technology is improving everything from GPS precision to site planning. Jeff wraps up the show by revisiting last week's conversation on the future of murals in downtown Milwaukee.

🎙️ The Upswing is presented by Horicon Bank.

This week, The Future of Almost Everything returns to The Upswing as WTMJ’s Jeff Sherman and Martin Moore explore how technology, media, and culture are shaping the future. They discuss the rise of artificial intelligence, whether it’s time for a “return to IRL,” Netflix’s evolving strategy, and why the Milwaukee Bucks’ return to local television could strengthen the team’s connection with fans. The conversation also examines Milwaukee’s public art, the lasting legacy of Giannis Antetokounmpo, the need for more murals honoring influential women, and whether nonfiction storytelling can continue to thrive in the age of AI and podcasts.

🎙️ The Upswing is presented by Horicon Bank.

This week on The Upswing, WTMJ’s Jeff Sherman welcomes Milwaukee Riverkeeper Cheryl Nenn to discuss Milwaukee’s new membership in the Global Swimmable Cities Alliance and what it means for the city’s future. Nenn explains how years of improving water quality have positioned Milwaukee to join the international movement, while outlining efforts to make local waterways safer and more accessible through projects like additional safety ladders and greener riverfronts. She also shares how residents can play a role in protecting Milwaukee’s rivers and beaches, reinforcing that creating a swimmable city is a community-wide effort.

🎙️ The Upswing is presented by Horicon Bank.

This week on The Upswing, WTMJ’s Jeff Sherman explores two stories centered on growth and innovation. First, Tommy Pennington and Kevin Schmoldt, franchise owners of 7 Brew, discuss the drive-thru coffee chain’s expansion across Wisconsin, their community-first approach to site selection, and how new locations can help drive business for surrounding retailers. Later, Thomas Fisher of Platform94 joins the show following Summerfest Tech to discuss helping companies scale internationally, what Milwaukee can learn from its sister city of Galway, Ireland, and what it will take for the region to become an even stronger technology hub.

🎙️ The Upswing is presented by Horicon Bank.

This month on Marquette on the Move, WTMJ’s Jeff Sherman welcomes Marquette University President Kimo Ah Yun, Rose Howard, and Sarah Pancheri for a conversation about the unique connection between Marquette and Milwaukee. The group explores how the city’s festival culture, volunteer spirit, and sense of community create opportunities for students to engage beyond campus and become active citizens of Milwaukee. They also discuss the impact of mentorship, the value of first jobs and internships, and recent investments supporting Marquette students, including a new endowment honoring former Brewers owner Bud Selig. The episode wraps with Summerfest memories, plans for the summer ahead, and reflections on what makes Milwaukee such a special place to live, learn, and connect.

🎙️ The Upswing is presented by Horicon Bank.

This week on The Upswing, WTMJ’s Jeff Sherman welcomes back Tedd Lookatch, managing partner at the ERA Group, for a conversation about business, community, and making smart decisions in a changing economy. They discuss the opportunities and challenges that data center growth presents for Wisconsin businesses, the pressures facing nonprofits, and why Milwaukee’s collaborative culture continues to be one of its greatest strengths. Drawing from Lookatch’s experience as a music reviewer, the conversation also explores the health of Milwaukee’s music scene, the return of the Gobbler Theater in Johnson Creek, and the role local venues play in building community. The episode closes with practical advice on reducing phone costs and getting more value from the technology we use every day.

🎙️ The Upswing is presented by Horicon Bank.

This week on The Upswing, WTMJ’s Jeff Sherman welcomes Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity CEO Brian Sonderman for a conversation about one of the region’s most pressing challenges: housing. Sonderman explains why housing is fundamentally a public health issue and discusses the collaborative efforts among nonprofits, businesses, developers, and government to expand homeownership opportunities in Milwaukee. He also shares his unique journey from CPA to minister to nonprofit leader, along with insights into Habitat’s work helping families achieve the dream of homeownership. The episode also highlights Habitat’s longstanding partnership with the Milwaukee Brewers, volunteer opportunities throughout the community, and how supporting Habitat ReStores helps local families in need.

🎙️ The Upswing is presented by Horicon Bank.

This week on The Upswing, WTMJ’s Jeff Sherman welcomes Martin Moore of Koss Headphones for another edition of The Future of Almost Everything. The conversation explores the intersection of creativity, leadership, and artificial intelligence, including why human imagination still matters in an AI-powered world and where businesses should draw the line when using generative tools. Jeff and Martin also discuss Milwaukee’s recent recognition as one of America’s most creative cities, the future of consumer technology, and whether original ideas can still thrive in a culture dominated by sequels and remakes. The episode wraps with summer bucket lists, Wisconsin burger talk, and a look at how rising costs are shaping everyday decisions.

🎙️ The Upswing is presented by Horicon Bank.

This week on The Upswing, WTMJ’s Jeff Sherman welcomes Tina Jones, executive director of Girls on the Run Southeastern Wisconsin, for a conversation about confidence, mentorship, and the connection between physical activity and mental well-being. Jones shares how the organization helps girls build resilience through movement, previews the upcoming non-competitive 5K at American Family Field, and reflects on the importance of positive female role models during adolescence. Later, Wisconsin Brewing Company Brewmaster Kirby Nelson joins the show to discuss the legacy of Schlitz, brewing the final batch of the iconic beer in Verona, and how beer culture and preferences continue to evolve across Wisconsin. Jeff closes the episode with a business and career takeaway inspired by The Devil Wears Prada.

🎙️ The Upswing is presented by Horicon Bank.