For just the sixth time in their 107-year history – all in the last six weeks – The Rotary Club of Milwaukee hosted a virtual meeting, connecting business leaders to talk about how COVID-19 has impacted their businesses and how they are adapting to these unprecedented times.

For the meeting, I hosted a conversation with six Milwaukee area business leaders about their feelings on a range of issues related to COVID-19. We hit on controversial issues like whether Gov. Tony Evers’ extension of the Safer At Home order is a good idea and hear what international business is like for one company. 

It’s a full, packed show beginning with a conversation with Jim Barry, President of The Barry Company, about the state of commercial real estate. Then, we talk to Todd Bentley, President of Bentley World Packaging, putting this pandemic in perspective considering the history of a company that’s been family-owned since 1848. Next up is Mark Kannenberg, President of RBP Chemical Technology, to talk about chemical sales during these times, followed by Darren Miller, President of JM Construction, who discusses how their projects are proceeding despite COVID. Michael Sheppard, Managing Director of IronwoodDrive Financial Group, joined the show, letting us in on what it’s like to make financial decisions during these times. And finally, Julie Tolan, EVP and owner of Lauber Business Partners, talks leadership, consulting virtually and how her company has adapted.