In seventh quality, Brennan Seehafer of Manitowoc began a manufacturing firm and introduced a big present to the city’s Capitol Civic Centre. He expended hours arranging, securing sponsors and offering software adverts to offset the hazard. The demonstrate was a accomplishment.
“I often liked arranging and management in the new music business,” he said. “It was thrilling to strategy and host situations. And, I continue to obtained my schoolwork done.”
He shaped Brennan Seehafer Productions in 2007, and ongoing to approach demonstrates after going to Nashville following graduation. While there, he was an apprentice for the Nation Music Association and toured with Luke Bryan for a couple several years. He also ongoing to increase his generation corporation and generates and encourages 40 to 50 demonstrates a calendar year.
The a person improve is his property base is again in Manitowoc.
“I went to Nashville to knowledge new points, but I realized that there was a void in Manitowoc,” Seehafer mentioned. “There was no bar on the waterfront, and I believed that supplied a exclusive prospect.”
In 2018, he resolved to go ahead with his desire. He purchased land on the waterfront from Manitowoc Enterprise and set out to establish that he could operate a prosperous bar. Because he was just starting up out, lenders desired to see some history right before presenting a financial loan. Seehafer was up to the problem.
Making use of shipping containers, he established a seasonal venue named The Wharf that rapidly became recognized for cost-free enjoyment, a diverse beverage menu and wonderful aesthetics. With a large, outside patio, the bar turned a destination through the COVID-19 pandemic, due to the fact prospects felt extra safe sitting down outdoor. Results speedily followed, and he started to system for some thing larger.
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He had figures that proved his means as an owner, but even now necessary a business enterprise program. For assistance with that, he took a enterprise strategy course through the UW-Eco-friendly Bay Smaller Company Advancement Centre.
“That class was pivotal, and it is made available all all-around Wisconsin,” Seehafer reported. “If you comprehensive your program, you really get your cash again. With the assist of Dave Stauffacher and Tara Carr of SBDC, I experienced a great approach to convey to the financial institution.”
The most hard portion of creating the program, he pointed out, was estimating the earnings that would occur from introducing a food menu. That was new for him, and he went by means of a calendar and appeared at each individual working day of the calendar year to come up with averages that additional proved the energy of the plan.
Those people initiatives came to fruition when Seehafer secured a financial loan to create a $1.8 million facility with a condition-of-the-artwork retractable roof program, massive pass-via overhead doorways for honest climate situations, an event house with a individual bar place and a food stuff-truck design kitchen. There is a green place for lawn video games, and the patio can accommodate up to 900 folks.
He describes it as “a unique enjoyment working experience in Manitowoc, in contrast to any other. This job transformed a the moment unused room alongside the Manitowoc River into an all-year leisure venue. Patrons delight in the relaxed, nautical-themed ambiance and outside patio with dwell amusement.”
The Wharf also added benefits from being up coming doorway to the S.S. Badger, the ferry that operates from Manitowoc to Ludington, Michigan.
But, as the organization has grown Seehafer recognized demand for event room exceeded the potential to satisfy these needs. With his wife, Shilah, handling The Wharf, he established his sights on a 3rd small business — the conversion of a downtown warehouse into a venue for internet hosting occasions.
The Venue at Union Square, a 5,000-square-foot facility positioned about 1 block from The Wharf, opened late in 2021 and characteristics a fashionable, industrial design that preserves the authentic brick walls, higher ceilings and uncovered beams.
Seehafer states it is a whole-assistance celebration room for hosting wedding ceremony ceremonies, receptions, company occasions, conventions, vacation parties and other situations. Wedding setting up and coordination products and services are provided. It has a capacity of 300, and Seehafer is individually involved in organizing.
“I do all of the scheduling and programming for the expertise at The Wharf, Location at Union Square, and generation firm,” he said. “I really don’t hold observe of my hours — I would hate to know.”
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The Wharf is internet hosting a lot more than 125 no cost occasions and 10 ticketed functions this yr. Then, there are the big variety of function bookings at the Venue and his occasions with Seehafer Productions that have him touring about the nation. As the organizations have grown, he workers about 35 people today at The Wharf, 12 at The Venue and three with the manufacturing firm. He also makes use of independent contractors.
“We are fortunate that we are effectively-staffed for the summertime and haven’t had any problems,” Seehafer mentioned. “Part of it is the way we treat our employees — it is like a big family members. We all dangle out and take pleasure in each and every other’s firm.”
Satisfaction is a phrase that looks to outline all of Seehafer’s endeavors.
“I adore performing with people today, and when I see the pleasure that an celebration brings, it feels wonderful to have gone with them by the system. And, with The Wharf, we have developed a put exactly where people can occur and unwind from the pressure of life and feel like they are on holiday,” he reported.
Tina Dettman-Bielefeldt is co-proprietor of DB Commercial True Estate in Environmentally friendly Bay and previous district director for Rating, Wisconsin.