Heather Pechachek

Heather Pechachek. Photo courtesy of NEWaukee.

What is your job and its responsibilities?

I am the Marketing & Events Coordinator for Shepherd Express. My primary roles are to create and manage over a dozen annual events the Shepherd Express hosts, from a beer festival to a women’s expo, as well as create and manage the overall brand marketing for Shepherd Express. Our goal is to keep Shepherd Express relevant in the community by creating content and articles that consider with current news and entertainment, as well as changing market trends.

Was there a point where you decided this was the city you wanted to live in?

I think the turning point was probably about a year after I started working for Shepherd Express. I am originally from a small town in Ohio, so this job has allowed me to fully immerse myself in the culture of Milwaukee, and also meet some amazingly like-minded people who enjoy the city as much as I do.

What is your favorite Milwaukee event?

As an event planner, I check out a lot of Milwaukee events. My favorite is still State Fair! It’s like I’ve never left my house before with the amount of excitement I have for the fair. It brings out the kid and the small town farm girl in me all at the same time.

What is the most effective way to implement change in Milwaukee?

I think the most effective way to implement change in Milwaukee is to focus on a common goal and the solutions needed to make the change. Often times we find ourselves focusing on the problems and issues at hand, rather than focusing on a productive solution to make the changes the city needs. Surround yourselves with like minded people, spend the extra effort on being productive about the change, and be proud for the change you have made, no matter how big or small of an impact it may have.

What is the perfect thing to do in Milwaukee on a Sunday afternoon?

Being outside! No matter where—at a festival, on a patio having brunch, kayaking the river, volunteering, biking the Oak Leaf—take in the fresh air and sunshine while you can!

How does Milwaukee vary from other cities you’ve lived in/visited?

Milwaukee is continuously rebuilding and rebranding itself. It still has that hometown Milwaukee Pride, but is constantly finding ways to make the city a more unique place to live, work and play. From new to tried and true, Milwaukee has something for everyone.

Where do you see Milwaukee in five years?

In five years I see Milwaukee as a city that other cities envy. We will have even cleaner bodies of water, more businesses moving downtown, a stronger group of YP’s ready to lead the next generation, and a thriving metropolitan area full of unique events and activities.