Marla Poytinger is the dynamic co-founder, owner and CEO of Bars & Recreation - the parent company for a group of Milwaukee-based entertainment brands including AXE MKE, NorthSouth Club, Nine Below, Amped, Game Show MKE, and The New Fashioned.

Since 2012, Marla has grown Bars & Recreation from a 2,600 square foot painting studio into a hospitality, entertainment and real estate empire that does everything from axe throwing, to meetings and catering, to commercial property development. Under her leadership, Bars & Recreation continues to redefine what "blow your mind" hospitality experiences look like for guests and the employees who work to support her vision.

Marla holds an MBA in arts administration and non-profit management from UW-Madison School of Business. She is a member of TEMPO Milwaukee and holds a Real Estate Salesperson License. In August 2024, she was named as one of the Top 20 Women to Watch in Hospitality by the Wisconsin Restaurant Association.

Marla resides in Pewaukee, Wisconsin with her husband, Bars & Recreation founder, David, and their three children.

Athena’s areas of expertise include business planning, strategy, management, human resources, and finance.

She loves helping clients understand their financials and identify actions to achieve their goals. She listens carefully and asks questions to find ways to advocate for their success. Athena celebrates when clients share that they feel more focused and confident after working together.

One part of her job she truly enjoys is championing business owners’ efforts and noting the resulting positive impacts to their families, employees, customers, community, and local economy. Aspects of her job that are very meaningful to Athena are supporting business owners to access financing for business growth and asset building as well as helping them to identify and achieve their goals.

Outside of her professional role, she supports economic development activities and enjoys hobbies including traveling, reading, running, biking, drinking coffee, and practicing yoga.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from UW-Milwaukee and studies in International Relations and Conflict Resolution.

Emily is the Vice President of Development at Land By Label. She navigates projects through every stage of the development process, from analyzing site feasibility and due diligence to executing entitlement and permitting strategies. Emily supports project concepts by managing design, marketing, schedules, and budgets, and conducting critical financial analysis. With over a decade in the industry, she has worked on more than 1,600 Class A multifamily units in Southeastern Wisconsin. As part of the development team, Emily contributed to several key projects in the City of West Allis: The West Living, a 177-unit luxury apartment development at the northwest corner of 66th and National, across from The West Allis Farmers Market; the Aurora Healthcare Clinic on 66th and Greenfield; and The Apiary, an upcoming 248-unit, highly-amenitized luxury apartment development along 70th. Each of these developments exemplifies a collaborative, creative public-private partnership with the City of West Allis. Her past roles include seven years as a Senior Development Associate for Mandel Group and four years as a Development Project Manager at Wangard Partners.

Emily graduated from Marquette University with degrees in Economics and Spanish.

Carrie is the co-owner of Carrie’s Crispies, the Midwest's only dedicated Rice Crispie Treat business she runs with her husband, Brian, in West Allis, Wisconsin. They started their venture in 2015 and opened a brick-and-mortar store in 2020. Over the years, their business has grown significantly, now offering direct sales at their storefront, catering, wholesale, and fundraisers. In their first year, they sold 5,000 rice crispie treats, and in 2024, they sold over 100,000 rice crispie treats.

Before transitioning to full-time work at Carrie’s Crispies in 2021, Carrie earned her teaching degree from UW-Oshkosh in 2008 and went on to get her master’s at UW-Whitewater in 2017. She spent seven years teaching at Greenfield High School, both before and after her master's program. Carrie now enjoys running a thriving business while raising her two young sons and living in Greenfield.

Lisa Coons grew up in West Milwaukee and has been a West Allis homeowner for 12 years. She is the owner of Transaction Skate Shop for 12 years and My Aunties Kitchen food truck for two years.

For Lisa, living in West Allis and owning a business has felt like a privilege, thanks to the City's friendly faces and sense of belonging.  She is grateful for her time here and is excited to continue investing in this incredible community she calls home.

Sandy Hurtado is the owner of Las Cazuelas - Chilaquiles & Taco Bar, a new and vibrant Mexican restaurant bringing authentic flavors and a welcoming atmosphere to West Allis, WI. Specializing in chilaquiles with seven different handmade sauces, the restaurant brings innovation to traditional Mexican cuisine.

With over 20 years of experience in corporate finance, accounting, and cash management, she is now channeling her expertise into the world of hospitality and entrepreneurship.

Stepping into the restaurant industry without prior experience, Sandy is redefining what it means to be a first-time business owner, leveraging her background in financial strategy, operations, and leadership to build a thriving brand.

Sandy holds a degree in Public Accountant and Finance from Tecnológico de Monterrey in Mexico and has led large-scale financial initiatives, including global cash flow forecasting and SAP implementations for multinational corporations. Now, as she transitions into entrepreneurship, she is dedicated to inspiring others to take bold steps toward their dreams.

She resides in West Allis, WI, and is committed to creating a restaurant that not only serves incredible food but also fosters connection and opportunity within the community.

Jamie Phoenix owns Ultratwist Vintage and is a certified personal stylist focusing on sustainability and personal expression. When it comes to fashion, whether she's working with customers in the shop or individual personal styling clients, Jamie's mantra is "Wear your personality!" The brick & mortar shop in West Allis, WI stocks true vintage, modern resale, and new retro clothing in sizes XS-5X, with a focus on classic silhouettes in bold prints and bright colours. While Ultratwist opened its doors in 2023, the business dates back to 2014 and has supplied vintage clothing for Hollywood & indie films, tv shows like The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, countless pinup photo shoots, and many more! Jamie recently published the e-book The Vintage Mix: How to Wear Vintage in Your Modern Life, a guide for people interested in adding retro style to their wardrobe - without feeling like it's a costume. You can find Jamie on socials (FB/ IG/ Bluesky) at @ultratwistvintage or visit Ultratwist at 7730 W. National Ave. 

Introducing Citlali Mendieta-Ramos, the visionary force behind the culinary delights of Antigua Latin Inspired Kitchen, Antigua Catering & Events, and Lola’s Empanadas. With a profound love for Latin cuisine deeply ingrained in her heritage, Citlali embarked on her entrepreneurial journey in 2006, establishing her iconic restaurant and catering business.

Drawing inspiration from the rich tapestry of Latin American flavors, Citlali curates a menu that celebrates the diverse and vibrant essence of Latin cuisine. Beyond the confines of her restaurant, Citlali's talent shines through her catering endeavors, where she brings the authentic flavors of Latin America to events of all sizes.

Citlali is a trailblazing force, dedicating herself to various leadership roles within the Wisconsin Restaurant Association and The Hispanic Collaborative. 2019 Citlali joined The Milwaukee Area Technical College Board of directors, where she represents employers with 15 or more employees, shaping the future of culinary education and industry standards.

Her exemplary contributions have garnered widespread acclaim, earning her accolades such as the Milwaukee Business Journal 40 Under 40 distinction and the prestigious Citizen of the Year award from the city of West Allis & West Allis/West Milwaukee Chamber of Commerce, among many other accolades.

Educationally, Citlali holds a Master of Business Administration from Alverno College and a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. She is also a Certified Professional in Catering and Event by the National Association of Catering & Events.

Lisa Sullivan has worked with the Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corporation (WWBIC) since 2010 supporting Wisconsin entrepreneurs with access to quality business and financial training and responsible capital.  WWBIC is a leading innovative statewide economic development corporation whose mission is “Putting Dreams to Work.”  Founded in 1987, WWBIC hosts six regional offices of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) across Wisconsin, plus a childcare-focused business center based out of their statewide headquarters in Milwaukee. Services provided to thousands of clients each year revolve around the “Four C’s”: Credit /Financial Wellness, Classes/Trainings, Capital/Lending and Connections/Coaching

She assisted WWBIC in developing a partnership with KivaUS in 2014 and is currently Director of Kiva Programming at WWBIC overseeing and working directly with borrowers and partners throughout Wisconsin supporting small businesses with an alternative access to capital through community-based crowdfunding.

She is a graduate of Marquette University – College of Business Administration, resides in Glendale, is a mom to four adult children and recently became a grandma.

Judy Timber - Co-owner, The Gage MKE/Co-Owner Double B's BBQ
Judy Timber is a Co-owner of The Gage and Double B's BBQ in West Allis, WI. The Gage wedding venue seamlessly combines old industrial charm with contemporary design. Judy's vision helps create unforgettable experiences, meticulously focusing on every detail of the spaces to ensure a perfect atmosphere for any event.

Judy designed the new location of Double B's BBQ and oversees all of the full-service catering for many events at The Gage. Judy aims to turn each celebration into a personalized experience, allowing clients to bring their vision to life. At The Gage and Double B's BBQ, we believe the magic lies in the details. We aim to provide an enchanting setting and delicious food that creates lasting memories for couples and their loved ones. Let's work together to make your special day extraordinary!

Nina Timber - Co-owner, The Gage MKE
Nina Timber, a spirited co-owner of The Gage MKE, is a leader at an excellent wedding venue and is actively involved in the catering deliveries at the family-run restaurant Double B's BBQ, both located in West Allis, WI. Her hands-on approach and dedication ensure that each event and delivery reflects the exceptional quality and commitment both companies are known for, enhancing the customer experience.

As a mother, Nina is a role model for her two daughters, Autumn and Adalyn. She instills in them her entrepreneurial spirit and passion for serving others, inspiring them to share her enthusiasm and ambition for the service industry.

Lucy, owner of Aroma Café, began her journey alongside her husband, Mateo, in their hometown of Barranquitas, Puerto Rico—or as they fondly call it, "La Isla del Encanto" (The Island of Enchantment). Their passion for coffee started with a small stand inside a mall and local gas stations, where they first began sharing their love for Puerto Rican coffee with the community.

After relocating to Wisconsin in 2017 following Hurricane Maria, Lucy and Mateo remained committed to their dream of bringing the rich flavors of Puerto Rico to a new home. Despite the many challenges along the way, their dedication, faith, and passion never wavered. Today, Aroma Café stands as a testament to their perseverance. A dream come true that allows them to share a taste of Puerto Rico with the Milwaukee area.