Sarah Banach

Sarah Banach. Photo courtesy of NEWaukee.

What is your job and its responsibilities?

I am an Account Manager with Marcus Hotels and Resorts, proudly representing The InterContinental Milwaukee, The Hilton Milwaukee City Center and The Pfister Hotel. I handle the corporate market segment, working with companies to find the perfect fit for their meetings and events between our three unique Milwaukee properties.

How long have you lived in Milwaukee and what brought you here?

While attending college at UW-Whitewater, I like many others took a job to pay for school. I started cocktail serving at The Grand Geneva in Lake Geneva, little did I know where that would take me! I worked all through school, loving the people and the environment of the hotel, and after graduation was offered a position with Marcus Hotels in Milwaukee. I moved to Milwaukee in 2008 and started at the InterContinental Milwaukee. It was one of the best moves I’ve ever made since I now have been with Marcus Hotels for nine years, and met my husband while working at The InterContinental!

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

I don’t think there was a specific point, it all happened so naturally!

My mother grew up in Milwaukee and moved to Door County to take over my grandparents restaurant with my father. When my four brothers and I were growing up, they’d pile us all in the car for the ride to Milwaukee to visit family, and it was always so exciting! I had always loved coming to Milwaukee, and there was so much to do. When my career brought me to Milwaukee, then I met my husband, there was no doubt I wanted to stay where I already felt was home.

What strikes you as the most unique thing about Milwaukee?

The people! I’m continually surprised every day by the people I meet, or what I learn about the people I’ve known for years. Not only are Milwaukeeans your classic Midwesterns, sincere and genuine people, we are all so passionate about things we love.

You have people here that are passionate about simply Milwaukee, for what it is, and for what it will become. You have people passionate about art, history, music, culture, philanthropy, and so much more! The city is filled with those amazing people, and filled with what impact they’ve had. It’s a reason why Milwaukee is a remarkable city!

Favorite little known fact/secret/hidden gem in Milwaukee?

Walter Schroeder was an insurance and hotel magnate in Wisconsin. In the 1920 his company was asked to refinance a bond issue for the Wisconsin Hotel, the largest hotel in the state at that time, which was his entrance into the hotel business. In 1927 Schroeder built the Schroeder Hotel, now The Hilton Milwaukee City Center. His office was built on the 5th floor, and his living quarters on the 24th floor. Since it was during prohibition, he built secret compartments to hide his alcohol in his living area. Today, the office is the Founders Boardroom, and his living quarters is the Presidential Suite where the hidden chambers still exist!

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

Brunch! Anytime of the year, Sunday brunch is always the perfect idea. Who doesn’t love to catch mimosas and bloody marys with friends or family and catch up on life?

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

Since growing up in Door County, Milwaukee has always been the “big city”! I mean, there was a mall here! I loved growing up in Door County, but I am excited to start a family in Milwaukee where there are endless opportunities to succeed and get involved with what you love!