Frohmader is more than a year into his role as Colliers International | Wisconsin’s first CFO.
A swimming scholarship at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee led him to the area from Madison, his hometown.
His longtime interest in math and business led him to earn a bachelor’s degree in accounting and a master’s degree in taxation, and to begin his career as a certified public accountant at Baker Tilly Virchow Krause LLP.
Frohmader’s career choice was also inspired by his dad, who was an accountant himself.
Switching from working for an accounting firm that serves multiple companies to handling finances as a member of a specific company has allowed him to be involved with that company’s day-to-day operations. “My desire was to be part of a business and help make business decisions.”
Frohmader is energized by the resurgence of development in downtown Milwaukee and throughout southeastern Wisconsin. “It’s not just the big marquee stuff, it’s the ripple effect that it has on the community, housing, retail – it’s all-encompassing.”
When he is not working, Frohmader spends time with family, staying busy at home with his three- and five-year-old sons and his black lab. He also enjoys all things outdoors.
He values relationship building, both personally and professionally, and has found it helpful throughout his career. Mentorship is also important: “It’s amazing how a lot of industry veterans are willing and able and cherish the opportunity to impart their knowledge.”
He takes his coffee black, “with a shot of espresso if I’m moving slow.”
Credit: Jake Hill
Ryan Frohmader
Chief financial officer, Colliers International | Wisconsin
833 E. Michigan St., Suite 500, Milwaukee
Industry: Commercial real estate
Employees: 150
