CARW

The Commercial Association of REALTORS Wisconsin

SIOR Great Lakes Regional Event in Milwaukee – Wisconsin on Full Display

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This past week, CARW members and SIOR designees proudly welcomed the SIOR Great Lakes Regional Event to Milwaukee. It was an exciting opportunity to bring national attention to the city’s commercial real estate market and showcase everything that makes the region a powerful destination for business and investment.

SIOR Wisconsin had the distinct honor of hosting the Event, welcoming more than 100 commercial real estate professionals—including brokers, developers, owners, investors, and contractors—from across Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin.

Over the course of 24 impactful hours, attendees engaged with industry thought leaders, explored the economic vibrancy of the Milwaukee region, and forged lasting professional connections.

Milwaukee on Full Display:

With Milwaukee as the backdrop, the event showcased the city’s dynamic commercial real estate market and its collaborative public–private spirit. Thanks to the invaluable support of our economic development partners, attendees experienced firsthand the strengths and opportunities that define the region.

Special thanks to The Trade Hotel | Milwaukee for serving as a vibrant and welcoming conference hub.

Event Highlights Included:

  • A welcome address from Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, who emphasized the region’s accessibility, infrastructure, and strong record of collaboration between public and private sectors.

  • A thought-provoking industry panel featuring Brad Sweeney (STAG Industrial, Inc.), Chris Carlino (Scannell Properties), and Wade Goodsell (Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce), moderated by Jeff Hoffman, SIOR, CCIM (Cushman & Wakefield | Boerke). Topics included cap rates, tariffs, supply chain challenges, and the evolving investment landscape.

  • A city tour led by Claire Koenig (Visit Milwaukee) and Sam Leichtling (Milwaukee City Development)—a standout experience for many. Attendees explored Milwaukee’s historic Third Ward, saw major headquarters such as Milwaukee Tool and Enerpac, learned about urban redevelopment in the Menomonee Valley, and got a taste of the city’s rich cultural fabric.

  • A behind-the-scenes tour of American Family Field, highlighted by insider stories from Michael Cosentino and Steve Ethier—and a surprise glimpse of Milwaukee Brewers players fresh off a 12-game winning streak.

  • An elegant dinner at Bartolotta’s Lake Park Bistro, where chef Paul Bartolotta shared the story of the restaurant and its proud place in Milwaukee’s culinary scene, followed by an exceptional dining experience overlooking Lake Michigan.

  • A relaxed evening of cigars and Old Fashioneds, enjoyed on the patio as nighttime croquet played out on the lawn of Lake Park—a perfect Wisconsin summer night.

A Lasting Impression

SIOR Wisconsin is proud to have facilitated this unforgettable experience, shining a light on the strength, potential, and hospitality of the Milwaukee region.

A heartfelt thank you goes to the SIOR members and partners who made the event possible, including Matthew Osowski, SIOR; Mitchell Starczynski, SIOR; Marc Veras, SIOR, CCIM; Jeff Hoffman, SIOR, CCIM; Kelly Miller, CAE, CEM, CMP; Mike Ohmes, SIOR, CCIM; Amanda Hoffman; and Alexis Strode.

We are confident this event will lead to future visits, stronger connections—and continued investment in the Great Lakes region.

See full gallery of photos HERE.

Thank you to all of our amazing sponsors who can be viewed HERE
Top level sponsor video can be seen HERE

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A full recap of the panel presentation is included below:

Thank you to everyone who attended the SIOR 2025 panel discussion, and a special thank you to our expert presenters—Wade Goodsell (Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce), Chris Carlino (Scannell Properties), and Brad Sweeney (STAG Industrial)—for sharing their valuable perspectives. We also extend our gratitude to moderator Jeff Hoffman for skillfully leading the conversation and keeping the discussion engaging and insightful.

The panel opened with a candid discussion about the ongoing uncertainty in the industrial real estate and manufacturing sectors, emphasizing that volatility is the new normal. Wade Goodsell highlighted the dynamic environment shaped by geopolitical, economic, political, and technological forces, noting a clear bifurcation in how different sectors and company sizes are experiencing current market conditions. While some industries—like energy, data centers, and defense—are thriving, others, particularly those tied to agriculture and off-highway sectors, are facing headwinds. Tariff policy was a major theme, with panelists noting that while many manufacturers feel short-term pain from tariffs, there is broad support for them due to their perceived long-term benefits for national security and economic interests. The conversation also touched on the complexities of USMCA tariffs and the challenges of goods entering through backdoor channels. On the capital markets front, Brad Sweeney described a year marked by volatility in interest rates and capital deployment, with many REITs and private investors taking a cautious approach. However, there is optimism that the market is stabilizing, and opportunities exist for those willing to be creative and strategic.

Chris Carlino discussed the shift from speculative development to build-to-suit projects, driven by larger firms moving forward while smaller companies remain cautious. He emphasized the importance of detailed project scopes and early engagement with developers to streamline timelines and control costs. Labor challenges, once the top concern, have eased somewhat, with many companies turning to automation and technology investments. Healthcare costs have now overtaken labor as the primary concern for many industrial operators. The panel also addressed the growing demand for energy, particularly from data centers, and the need for utilities and municipalities to collaborate with developers to meet these needs. The conversation highlighted the importance of proactive engagement with utility providers and the evolving strategies around power allocation and infrastructure investment.

Finally, the panel explored the impact of AI on the industry, with examples of how companies are leveraging AI for data analytics, underwriting, and operational efficiency, while acknowledging that human oversight remains essential.  Panelists expressed cautious optimism about the future, citing the resilience of the U.S. economy, the ongoing trend of onshoring, and the potential for industrial markets to return to equilibrium as supply pipelines adjust. The importance of aligning tax, regulatory, and energy policies to support American enterprise was underscored as a key factor for continued growth. Thank you again to our presenters and to Jeff Hoffman for making this a truly informative and energizing event. We appreciate the thoughtful questions from the audience and look forward to continued collaboration and discussion as our industry navigates these dynamic times!