Meet Wes

Higher Education

Wes Shaver earned his degrees at Cardinal Stritch University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Wes holds a Bachelors of Arts in Theater and a Masters of Science in Sport Management, with a focus on end-game entertainment and hospitality. In 2012, Wes along with colleague, Joey-Lyn Bialkowski launched an innovative Sport, Event & Hospitality Management program for Concordia University’s School of Business. Wes served as the lead faculty member for the program and taught at both the undergraduate and graduate levels through 2016. Wes currently visits Concordia University twice a year to participate in the Sport & Entertainment Summit and serves as a professional liaison to the faculty and students.

Upper Management

Wes cut his teeth in the Milwaukee hospitality industry with SURG Restaurant Group, focusing on brand & concept development; as well as entertainment and programming. In 2009, Wes produced a professional stand up comedy program in partnership with Jack Daniel’s entitled “The Stand Up at the Skylight Room” as well as helped launch “BYE BYE LIVER : The Drinking Play” into a multi-city brand and experience. Wes also brought a variety of live music to the group including internationally known acts such as Passion Pit and Vampire Weekend. From 2011 to 2017, Shaver helped form Wild Planet Hospitality Group. During his tenure as Director of Marketing and Sales, Shaver was on the team that grew the portfolio from one location to nine. Wes’ experience in event marketing proved beneficial as he grew partnerships with I-Heart Media and saw the likes of Country music stars Randy Hausser, Gary Allen, Jon Pardi, Cole Swindell, Love & Theft, Joe Nichols and more perform at Red Rock Saloon. In addition, Wes helped creatively grow the group’s revenue model with programming and promotions that set Wild Planet Hospitality apart from the competition.

Ownership and Beyond…

As an owner/operator, Wes Shaver co-owned Black Sheep, a boutique wine bar & restaurant in Milwaukee’s historic Walkers Point. Wes also was the concept creator behind the mid-century, Palm Springs inspired Polynesian concept The Love Shack. In addition, Wes was on the team that rejuvenated the historical Schwabenhof in 2017 and guided The United Donauschwaben of Milwaukee into a self-sustaining food and beverage operation for their restaurant & bar facilities.

Since starting his career in 2008, Wes has developed and opened over 20 food and beverage operations in the greater Milwaukee area.

Since leaving his ownership role, Wes turned his focus and energies to building his consulting firm. In this new role, the work allows for creative, constructive, and challenging opportunities while also serving the business community in a new and innovative approach that sets Wes’ client list apart from traditional agencies.

Leadership & Community Engagement

Mr. Shaver also serves as President & CEO of Milwaukee Pride Inc., the parent organization for the internationally known, Milwaukee LGBTQ+ festival, “Pridefest,” which serves 45,000 attendees annually and operates with a (now) million+ dollar budget for a three-day event. Wes has served as President since January 2017; prior to that, he served as Development Director, focusing on fundraising and sponsorship development. Since 2017, Milwaukee Pride has grown not only the festival experience to welcome the most diverse and inclusive list of artists to date, but also, increasing re-investments back into the community. In 2019, Milwaukee Pride re-invested over $47,000 back into programs and organizations to serve LGBTQ+ people.

Wes was a member of the Biz Time’s 2020 inaugural class of Notable LGBTQ Executives serving Wisconsin and included in the Milwaukee Business Journal’s 40 under 40 Class of 2022, was named a Wisconsin Titan of Industry for the Class of 2023 as a top 100 Titan, and was recently given the Leadership Award from Vivent Health. Wes also serves as the Marketing Committee Chair for Visit Milwaukee.