Hospitality | Sports
President – business operations
Milwaukee Brewers | Milwaukee
Rick Schlesinger oversees business operations for the Milwaukee Brewers, valued at $1.28 billion according to Forbes. With more than 2.4 million fans attending Brewers’ home games annually, the franchise has focused on the fan experience and improving ballpark amenities. Notably, Schlesinger oversaw the 2021 transition of the name of the team’s home from Miller Park to American Family Field, under the reported $4 million annual naming rights deal with the Madison-based insurance company.
Education: Bachelor’s, University of Wisconsin-Madison; J.D., Harvard University
What was your first job and what did you learn from it?
"Garbage man for the Village of Bayside. I learned to show up for work every day and give your best effort every day."
What piece of advice has had the most significant impact on your career?
"Respect your place of employment, and act ethically."
If you could have dinner with any two business leaders you, who would you choose?
"Fred Smith, founder of FedEx, and Howard Schulz, CEO of Starbucks. I spend money with these two companies on a daily basis, and I would like to learn how they have managed to grow their operations while maintaining quality and customer service."
What are some of your favorite destinations/places to visit?
"Napa Valley and Hawaii."
What is one book you think everyone should read?
"The Gathering Storm," by Winston Churchill
What’s your hobby/passion?
"American and European history."
What is your favorite Wisconsin restaurant and what do you order there?
"Carnevor. Filet mignon."
What would people be surprised to learn about you (fun fact)?
"I collect Chevrolet Corvairs."
What was your first car? How long did you drive it for?
"1977 Chevrolet Monza."
If you could take a one-year sabbatical, what would you do?
"I would have trouble taking a sabbatical."
What’s the toughest business challenge you’ve ever had to overcome?
"Navigating through the 2020 season with no fans during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic."
What advice would you give to a young professional?
"Be curious and do more than expected."
What has been your/your company’s most significant success over the last 12 months?
"Return to normal operations after two seasons impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic."
Is there a nonprofit cause that has special meaning to you?
"Brewers Community Foundation, since it is so connected to what we do at the Brewers."
Biggest risk you’ve ever taken: "Quitting a high-paying law firm job to work for The Walt Disney Company in motion picture finance and development."
Why has you most excited about the future?
"Our country and our people. As Winston Churchill said, 'We invariably do the right thing after first exhausting all other alternatives.'"
