Why Do Business in Northeast Wisconsin? Ask These Owners
From Green Bay Packers sports culture to the picturesque lighthouses and artisan shops in Door County to options for surfing, sailing and golfing in Sheboygan County, the 18-county Northeast Wisconsin region has everything you could want when choosing a place to live.
And, unlike many other regions, it also has everything you could want when choosing a place to start a business. Think networking opportunities, community support, incubators, coworking spaces, access to venture capital and much more.
Thriving entrepreneurs Corey Behnke and Vicki Wilson love doing business in Northeast Wisconsin. Behnke co-founded LiveX, a full-service broadcast design and production company in 2015 in Manhattan, then added a second location in Green Bay, his hometown, in 2020. Wilson, founder and president of Door County Coffee, launched her coffee roasting business in – you guessed it – Door County in 1993.
Meet Corey Behnke
Producer and Co-Founder, LiveX
Why did you expand your business in Northeast Wisconsin?
I was born in Green Bay and spent much of my life in cities like New York and Los Angeles. After working in livestreaming production for years, I saw an opportunity to expand LiveX when I realized I could work remotely at a high level without needing to be in a major metropolitan area.
Green Bay offered a perfect balance – a great community, lower costs and a more manageable lifestyle for my family. It was a bet on the growing remote work trend, which paid off.
What resources helped you get started?
The area’s infrastructure was key. Wisconsin’s fiber optic network, which provides dedicated internet lines, was vital for our livestreaming services. Additionally, being part of the Green Bay Chamber of Commerce has been great for networking and gaining visibility within the local business community.
How has your business grown since you started?
LiveX has grown tremendously. We’ve expanded our capabilities with four remote master control rooms, and we’ve been fortunate to work with high-profile clients, including the Democratic National Committee, Major League Baseball and top Fortune 1,000 companies.
Why would you recommend Northeast Wisconsin to other businesses?
Northeast Wisconsin is a great place to find reliable employees with strong work ethics. Plus, it’s centrally located near Door County and Lake Michigan, offering a high quality of life. You can work in a fast-paced industry while enjoying the peace and recreational opportunities of the Midwest.
What advice would you give other entrepreneurs?
Take advantage of the area’s resources and networking opportunities – there’s a surprising amount of talent and manufacturing know-how here that can benefit your business.
Meet Vicki Wilson
Founder and President, Door County Coffee
Vicki Wilson
Why did you launch your business in Northeast Wisconsin?
My family and I lived in Green Bay then and frequently visited Door County on weekends. I loved the area’s charm and lifestyle and saw an opportunity in the coffee roasting business, which was far less popular 32 years ago.
Door County offered great schools, a strong work ethic and a small-town feel, perfect for raising a young family. It just made sense to start our business here, and 32 years later, we’re still thriving.
What resources helped you get started?
When I first started, the Door County Economic Development Corp. was in the early stages of creating an incubator for startups. They were incredibly supportive, and their guidance in those early years laid the foundation for our growth.
How has your business grown since you started?
We began with zero sales, operating out of a 3,000-square-foot warehouse in Forestville, a community in Door County. Today, we’ve expanded to a 40,000-square-foot facility and employ 75 people. We’ve gone from local sales to national and even international accounts, selling coffee in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and South Korea. We also sell e-commerce across all 50 states. Our growth is due to a focus on variety and innovation, introducing seasonal offerings and unique products like our Wisconsin Supper Club Series and ready-to-drink cold brews.
Why would you recommend Northeast Wisconsin to other businesses?
Door County in the Northeast Wisconsin region is a community that genuinely embraces startups. From the local pride to the strong work ethic, it’s a fantastic place to grow a business. The people here are hardworking and dependable and treat each other like family.
Learn More About the New North
Find more information about the cool people, stuff and places that make up the New North region, click here.