In seventh grade, Brennan Seehafer of Manitowoc started off a production corporation and introduced a important present to the city’s Capitol Civic Centre. He expended several hours planning, securing sponsors and providing system ads to offset the risk. The present was a success.
“I normally savored preparing and management in the tunes marketplace,” he stated. “It was thrilling to strategy and host gatherings. And, I even now obtained my schoolwork performed.”
He shaped Brennan Seehafer Productions in 2007, and continued to program exhibits immediately after transferring to Nashville following graduation. While there, he was an apprentice for the State New music Affiliation and toured with Luke Bryan for a several yrs. He also continued to increase his generation business and makes and encourages 40 to 50 displays a year.
The just one alter is his house base is back again in Manitowoc.
“I went to Nashville to practical experience new issues, but I realized that there was a void in Manitowoc,” Seehafer said. “There was no bar on the waterfront, and I considered that presented a exclusive chance.”
In 2018, he resolved to go forward with his aspiration. He acquired land on the waterfront from Manitowoc Business and set out to show that he could operate a successful bar. For the reason that he was just commencing out, loan companies preferred to see some background in advance of presenting a bank loan. Seehafer was up to the challenge.
Utilizing transport containers, he developed a seasonal location named The Wharf that swiftly turned identified for totally free leisure, a diversified beverage menu and excellent aesthetics. With a large, outdoor patio, the bar grew to become a destination through the COVID-19 pandemic, simply because clients felt extra safe sitting down outdoor. Results swiftly adopted, and he started to program for a thing greater.
He experienced numbers that proved his potential as an proprietor, but nevertheless wanted a company approach. For aid with that, he took a business approach class as a result of the UW-Inexperienced Bay Smaller Business enterprise Improvement Centre.
“That course was pivotal, and it’s presented all close to Wisconsin,” Seehafer explained. “If you full your approach, you basically get your funds back. With the help of Dave Stauffacher and Tara Carr of SBDC, I had a very good prepare to carry to the bank.”
The most difficult aspect of creating the prepare, he famous, was estimating the revenue that would arrive from introducing a food stuff menu. That was new for him, and he went by a calendar and looked at just about every day of the year to come up with averages that even more proved the power of the prepare.
Individuals attempts came to fruition when Seehafer secured a bank loan to create a $1.8 million facility with a state-of-the-artwork retractable roof system, massive pass-through overhead doors for truthful temperature occasions, an event area with a separate bar location and a food-truck style kitchen area. There is a eco-friendly house for property online games, and the patio can accommodate up to 900 people.
He describes it as “a exceptional amusement experience in Manitowoc, compared with any other. This venture remodeled a after unused place along the Manitowoc River into an all-year amusement venue. Patrons love the relaxed, nautical-themed ambiance and out of doors patio with are living leisure.”
The Wharf also gains from staying next doorway to the S.S. Badger, the ferry that runs from Manitowoc to Ludington, Michigan.
But, as the business has grown Seehafer understood demand for function house exceeded the ability to meet up with individuals requirements. With his spouse, Shilah, managing The Wharf, he established his sights on a third business enterprise — the conversion of a downtown warehouse into a location for internet hosting occasions.
The Location at Union Square, a 5,000-square-foot facility positioned about one block from The Wharf, opened late in 2021 and attributes a contemporary, industrial style that preserves the initial brick walls, superior ceilings and uncovered beams.
Seehafer claims it is a complete-service party area for hosting marriage ceremonies, receptions, corporate functions, conventions, holiday getaway parties and other gatherings. Wedding preparing and coordination companies are available. It has a capability of 300, and Seehafer is individually involved in organizing.
“I do all of the reserving and programming for the talent at The Wharf, Location at Union Square, and manufacturing enterprise,” he reported. “I really do not retain observe of my hrs — I would dislike to know.”
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The Wharf is internet hosting much more than 125 absolutely free events and 10 ticketed gatherings this calendar year. Then, there are the large selection of party bookings at the Location and his functions with Seehafer Productions that have him touring around the country. As the enterprises have grown, he workers about 35 people today at The Wharf, 12 at The Venue and three with the output firm. He also makes use of independent contractors.
“We are fortuitous that we are well-staffed for the summer time and haven’t experienced any troubles,” Seehafer stated. “Part of it is the way we address our workforce — it is like a large family. We all dangle out and take pleasure in every single other’s firm.”
Enjoyment is a phrase that would seem to determine all of Seehafer’s endeavors.
“I adore functioning with persons, and when I see the pleasure that an occasion brings, it feels good to have gone with them through the course of action. And, with The Wharf, we have made a position wherever men and women can occur and chill out from the tension of everyday living and really feel like they are on vacation,” he said.
Tina Dettman-Bielefeldt is co-owner of DB Industrial Actual Estate in Inexperienced Bay and previous district director for Score, Wisconsin.
