Why I Love Running a Business in Greater Green Bay, WI
Greater Green Bay, WI, provides a conducive environment for businesses to thrive. This region of two cities, 13 towns and nine villages offers economic advantages, a supportive community and a high quality of life.
Corey Behnke, co-founded LiveX, a full-service broadcast design and production company in 2015 in Manhattan. The company primarily served clients in person, but when the pandemic hit, he and cofounder Rachel McCutchen saw their business change. Interested in adding a second location in Behnke’s hometown and developing their remote offerings, they expanded their New York City-based company to downtown Green Bay in 2020.
For entrepreneurs looking for a place where they can start or grow a business and find a balanced lifestyle, Greater Green Bay, WI, is the perfect choice. Read on to find out why Behnke loves this area, and you will, too.
What inspired you to start LiveX, and why did you choose Greater Green Bay, WI, as the second location for your business?
I started LiveX to pursue new opportunities and innovations in live streaming. After working as the head of production at Livestream.com in Manhattan for 23 years, I decided against moving to Brooklyn when the company relocated.
Instead, I saw a chance to create something new and meaningful. Choosing Greater Green Bay was influenced by my roots in Wisconsin and the practical advantages the area offered, such as lower business costs and office space.
How has opening a second location in Greater Green Bay, WI, impacted your business?
Opening a second location in downtown Green Bay enhances our efficiency and flexibility. In 2020, we initially signed a one-year lease on a 1,500-square-foot space in the Broadway District to test operations for our top three business needs – internet, infrastructure and talent. Not only did we find them all, but they’re more affordable.
For example, in New York, we were paying $1,800 per month for a primary dedicated internet line. Here, we’re paying not even $400. The reduced costs to do business, including more affordable office space, has allowed us to expand our operations.
There is also a tremendous number of talented professionals here. Many people in Wisconsin are in their first or second job within their vertical. But when they’re ready to move on, they must leave the area to stay in their career.
I realized that if remote broadcast was going to be a significant part of our business, there’s zero reason to do it anywhere else. We’ve been able to tap into this talent pool of professionals who may need some training but who understand the space and are eager to learn.
What are some exciting milestones for LiveX since moving to the region?
We didn’t move here because we saw an opportunity for a Wisconsin business. We moved here because of our love for the area and placed a bet going all in on remote work. Before the pandemic, remote services comprised about 10% of our business, then the demand for remote work surged, becoming the most significant part of our operations.
We have since built additional remote master control rooms to meet this growing demand. Our ability to deliver high-quality remote production services has been a critical factor in our continued success.
One of our significant achievements was serving as the streaming architect for the Democratic National Convention in August 2020. We successfully managed remote productions and contributed to memorable moments, like the 50 states roll call. This success led to collaborations with major brands and high-profile events.
What do you find unique about the business environment in Greater Green Bay, WI?
The business environment in Green Bay is supportive and collaborative. Unlike larger cities, I can interact with local representatives and community leaders. There’s a strong sense of community, and we’ve received great feedback and support from local businesses and residents.
But the quality of life is unlike anywhere else, making it an attractive location for entrepreneurs. Most people in our space work at the highest levels and live in substantial metropolitan areas. This makes raising a family or having a high quality of life difficult. I was fascinated by the idea that we could be in a place for people to pursue their careers and dreams of having an American lifestyle.
What advice would you give entrepreneurs considering starting a business in Greater Green Bay, WI?
Northeast Wisconsin is a fantastic place to start a business due to its diverse manufacturing and food companies and abundant talent. The region offers a temperate climate with beautiful spring and summer seasons, making it ideal for work and leisure. Entrepreneurs will find a supportive community and a high quality of life to help balance business demands. If you deep-dive into your area and examine the surrounding areas, there are numerous companies that can feed into your ecosystem.
What does the future hold for LiveX in the Greater Green Bay area?
We plan to expand our remote and cloud services and build more custom control rooms to enhance our flexibility and productivity. We also look forward to growing our local team and contributing more to the community. We aim to maintain our reputation for excellence while taking advantage of the unique opportunities that Green Bay offers.
This article is sponsored by Your Move Green Bay and the Greater Green Bay Chamber.