Marcus Discusses Entrepreneurship on The Upswing
Chairman Greg Marcus spoke with WTMJ's Jeff Sherman about building The Marcus Corporation from a single Ripon movie theater.
Updated on Nov. 7, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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Greg Marcus, chairman, president, and CEO of The Marcus Corporation, joined WTMJ's Jeff Sherman on The Upswing to discuss entrepreneurship, the Brewers' World Series championship, and shared experiences. The conversation traced the company's growth from one movie theater in Ripon, Wisconsin, into hotels, restaurants, and other ventures.
Why it matters
The discussion highlights how a regional business grew into a diversified Milwaukee-area enterprise, offering a local example of entrepreneurial development. It also previews the Baum Spirit of Entrepreneurship Summit, which honors David Baum and is presented with Marquette University.
The Baum Spirit of Entrepreneurship Summit is scheduled for November 18 at Hilton Milwaukee and is free to attend. No financial or operational metrics for The Marcus Corporation were cited in the broadcast extraction, and details on attendance capacity remain unannounced.
The players
Greg Marcus
Chairman, president, and CEO of The Marcus Corporation, a Milwaukee-based company that grew from a single Ripon, Wisconsin movie theater into a diversified hospitality and entertainment business.
Jeff Sherman
Host of The Upswing on WTMJ, the Milwaukee radio station where the entrepreneurship conversation aired.
The Marcus Corporation
Milwaukee-based company operating theaters, hotels, and restaurants, including Zaffiro's and Mason Street Grill.
The details
Marcus joined Sherman to discuss entrepreneurship and shared experiences, including the Brewers' championship. Zaffiro's theater dining, a Marcus Corporation success, and Mason Street Grill, celebrating 20 years as a Milwaukee gathering place, were also part of the company's local footprint.
Timeline
November 18: Baum Spirit of Entrepreneurship Summit at Hilton Milwaukee.
Market Landscape
The Marcus Corporation's path from one Ripon theater into hotels and restaurants reflects how regional Wisconsin hospitality firms have diversified beyond single-format entertainment. Its continued Milwaukee presence positions it within the city's competitive mix of locally owned dining and lodging operators.
Milwaukee residents interested in entrepreneurship can attend the free Baum Spirit of Entrepreneurship Summit on November 18 at Hilton Milwaukee. The event's free admission lowers the cost of participating in local business development programming.
The takeaway
Regional companies like The Marcus Corporation show how a single local business can grow into a multi-sector enterprise over decades. Readers interested in starting or growing a venture can use the Baum Spirit of Entrepreneurship Summit as a free entry point to local networks.
Further reading
For more local business coverage, see Openings & Closings in Milwaukee.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WTMJ.
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