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.