Connection in Action: Strengthening Talent and Retention in Milwaukee’s CRE Community
One word defined our first NextGen Alumni event: connection.
Nearly 50% of our active alumni joined us this week—reconnecting, building new relationships, and continuing conversations that began during the program. That kind of turnout isn’t just encouraging—it’s a clear signal that this network holds real value well beyond the cohort experience.
At its core, this is about more than an event. It’s about retention and talent. Milwaukee’s commercial real estate community continues to grow, and creating intentional opportunities for early-career professionals to stay engaged, build relationships, and see a future here is critical. The NextGen Alumni network plays a role in that—keeping talent connected, supported, and invested in this market.
A special thank you to our presenting sponsor, First-Ring Industrial Redevelopment Enterprise, Inc., along with Cushman & Wakefield | Boerke, Kahler Slater, Korb Architects, and Mid-America Real Estate for making this event possible.
We’re also grateful to our Alumni Subcommittee—Dylan Brown, Lindsey Coakley, and Michael A. Testa, CCIM, ARM—for leading this effort, and to Benjamin Van Handel for connecting us with Nō Studios.
And of course, thank you to our NextGen Program sponsors—Colliers, Gardner Builders, and Tri City National Bank—whose continued support makes this program possible.
This is just the start. We’re looking forward to building on this momentum with more alumni events throughout the year—continuing to strengthen connections and invest in the future of Milwaukee’s CRE talent.
Check out photos here – https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/vtqcvyu5rgkw7jrhcmdee/AEjfAXVFPbVA51uPH-qQtLA?rlkey=y97ksi3acn2fi12806rm6iecg&st=9qvj5g0h&dl=0