Marquette University High School proudly congratulates alumni and parents named to BizTimes Media’s Wisconsin 275: Most Influential Business Leaders list. This recognition highlights their leadership, innovation and commitment to excellence in their respective fields. 

John Neis ’73
John Neis is a partner at Venture Investors and has spent decades supporting early-stage companies, particularly in health and life sciences. His work helps innovators turn promising ideas into solutions that reach the marketplace.

Dave Spano ’83
Dave Spano is the President and CEO of Annex Wealth Management, one of Wisconsin’s largest wealth management firms. A trusted voice in the financial sector, Dave frequently shares his expertise on investment strategies and financial planning through community outreach and media appearances.

David Krutz ’83
David Krutz serves as firm managing partner of Michael Best & Friedrich LLP. In addition to helping lead the firm’s strategic direction, he is recognized for his experience advising clients on complex legal matters.

Paul Eberle ’83
Paul Eberle is President and CEO of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. He has held leadership roles across Wisconsin’s legal and professional services community and is known for building teams focused on service and impact.

Joel Brennan ’88
Joel Brennan is a Wisconsin civic and business leader whose work has focused on economic development, innovation and community impact. He has served in senior leadership roles in both regional organizations and state government.

Kevin Honkamp ’90
Kevin Honkamp is the president of Brookfield-based Hydrite Chemical Co., one of the largest independent manufacturers of chemicals and related services in the United States. He has helped guide the company’s continued growth and customer-focused approach across industrial markets.

Jim Villa ’90
Jim Villa is the chief executive officer of NAIOP Wisconsin, the state chapter of the Commercial Real Estate Development Association. He is a longtime leader in Wisconsin’s commercial real estate community and civic initiatives.

Eric Schmidt ’93
Eric Schmidt is president and CEO of CG Schmidt Inc., a Milwaukee-based construction management firm. He has helped lead complex projects across Wisconsin, partnering with organizations to bring major developments from planning through completion.

Joel Plant ’95
Joel Plant is chief executive officer of Madison-based Frank Productions, one of the country’s leading concert promotion companies. Frank Productions has a national footprint, producing and promoting events in arenas, theaters, clubs and other venues across the U.S.

Joe Kirgues ’01
Joe Kirgues is the co-founder of gener8tor, a nationally recognized startup accelerator. Through gener8tor, he supports entrepreneurs and helps grow companies and jobs in Wisconsin and beyond.

Andrew Steinhafel ’04
Andrew Steinhafel is president of Steinhafels Furniture, continuing a multi-generation family legacy in Wisconsin retail. He helps lead the company’s focus on customer experience, growth and community presence.

In addition, the Wisconsin 275 also included several leaders who are parents of alumni and parents of current students, including Pat English, Mary Ellen Stanek, Nic Wahl, Anne Zizzo, DeVona Wright Cottrell (board member), Todd Adams, Greg Wesley, Rick Barrett, Mark Irgens, Andrew Wronski, Sharad Chadha, and Tracy Johnson.

Congratulations to all on this well-deserved recognition.