Tom Olson

Tom Olson. Photo courtesy of NEWaukee.

Where do you work and what makes your role awesome?

I work for Good Karma Brands as a Partnership Development Manager out of our ESPN Milwaukee office. Good Karma Brands is primarily a Sports Marketing company specializing in customized digital, event, and radio solutions for our local partners. We are the largest owners and operators of local ESPN affiliates across the country with ESPN offices in Milwaukee, Madison, Cleveland, West Palm, D.C., and Baltimore. In my role, I manage a sales team that is responsible for prospecting and making connections with local businesses across each of our ESPN markets to see if we can help their business reach their marketing goals. My role is awesome because not only do I get to work on a great team, but I also have the flexibility to assist in other areas of our company, such as our wireless and events divisions. My favorite event to help execute is the Wisconsin Sports Awards, which I am so excited is going to be returning to Milwaukee in August!

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

I have lived in Milwaukee on and off for the last eight years. I began my collegiate career at UW-Whitewater, but ultimately transferred to UW-Milwaukee in the Summer of 2010 to seek out additional professional development opportunities. I knew that I wanted to work in sports and I felt that moving to Milwaukee provided me the best opportunity to gain some experience in the industry. I was lucky enough to intern at ESPN Milwaukee while I attended UW-Milwaukee, and was fortunate to earn a full-time opportunity immediately following graduation.

What is one word that you would use to describe Milwaukee?

Home

My favorite restaurant is Pizza Man on Downer Ave. I personally think that the pizza is the best thin crust pizza that I have ever had. They even have buy one get one large pizza on Wednesday – you can’t beat it!

What is your biggest hope for this city? 

My biggest hope for the city of Milwaukee is that it will one day become much less segregated than it currently is today. Milwaukee continues to be one of the most segregated cities in the entire country. If we are going to become more integrated as a community, we must be willing to get outside of our comfort zones and make a conscious effort to better understand and appreciate our differences.

What’s your favorite hidden gem or secret fact about the city?

My favorite hidden gem in the city is the table-top beer tappers at Pourman’s on Water Street. It’s such a unique experience to be able to grab a table, choose from a variety of four rotating taps, and pour your own beer. If you have not had the chance to check out Pourman’s, make sure to stop by and say hi to the owner, Ben Hebl. Ben and his staff will make sure to make you feel right at home!

What do you think is going to be a game changer for the city in the year of 2018?

The Wisconsin Entertainment and Sports Center will be a complete game changer to the city in 2018 and for generations to come. The new arena is much more than just the new home of the Milwaukee Bucks. This development will be sure to revitalize Downtown Milwaukee and will provide the city of Milwaukee with opportunities that would have never been possible before.