If there’s anyone who knows the power of people and the importance of community, it’s Wes Shaver. In fact, he’s part of not one, not two, but three Milwaukee organizations whose core pillars are built around connection.
From founding Revolve Experience Marketing and Revolve Ventures to serving as the President of Milwaukee Pride, Wes proudly spends his days planning entertaining experiences for locals and visitors alike to help bring Milwaukee together.
Dive into his story below!
What is your background?
I grew up in the suburbs of Cleveland, Ohio, and moved to Milwaukee in 2003 to pursue my undergraduate degree. After graduating in 2007, I remained in the city while earning my master’s degree as my career in hospitality and the food and beverage industry began to take shape. Milwaukee immediately felt familiar to me. Like Cleveland, it’s a city built on hardworking people, strong neighborhoods, a beautiful lakefront, and a deep sense of civic pride. What started as a place to attend college quickly became home, and more than two decades later, I’m grateful to have built both my career and my life here.
Any stories from your youth that define your path?
Looking back, my childhood was defined by curiosity. I loved the performing arts, but I also spent weekends racing stock cars beginning at age 15. It was an unusual combination, but it exposed me to very different groups of people and taught me that every community has its own culture, traditions, and shared experiences.
Coming to Milwaukee to pursue a theater degree reinforced something I’ve carried with me ever since: no matter who we are or where we come from, we all want to feel connected. Finding a sense of belonging, building meaningful relationships, and creating memorable experiences are essential to personal growth. It’s a philosophy that has guided both my personal life and my career, and one that continues to inspire the work I do today.”
Where did you study (if you did higher education)?
Cardinal Stritch University; I have a Bachelor’s in Theater and a Master’s Degree in Sport Management with a focus on end-game entertainment and programming
What do you do for work now?
Today, I lead three organizations that reflect my passion for hospitality, marketing, and community engagement. As the owner of Revolve Experience Marketing, I partner with hospitality and lifestyle brands to develop strategic marketing, branding, and communications initiatives. I also founded Revolve Ventures, an event production and management company focused on creating destination experiences, including the Freshwater Food & Wine Festival and the upcoming Rock & Roll Fest, debuting in 2027. In addition, I have the privilege of serving as President & CEO of Milwaukee Pride, Inc., the parent organization of PrideFest, where I oversee one of Wisconsin’s largest and longest-running cultural celebrations. Together, these roles allow me to combine entrepreneurship, marketing, event production, and community leadership to create experiences that bring people together and contribute to Milwaukee’s continued growth.
Can you talk a little bit about your career journey?
My career has been anything but traditional. After graduating from college, I pursued stand-up comedy and produced a weekly comedy showcase at Mi-Key’s on Cathedral Square from 2008 to 2011. That experience introduced me to the hospitality industry and sparked a passion for creating memorable guest experiences through live entertainment and events.
From there, I built my career in Milwaukee’s hospitality industry, working with SURG Restaurant Group and Wild Planet Hospitality Group before becoming a co-owner and operator of Black Sheep, where I helped lead the business from 2015 to 2019 while overseeing multiple food and beverage operations.
In 2019, I made the decision to focus full-time on my marketing and consulting business, partnering with many of Milwaukee’s most respected brands to help them grow through strategic marketing, communications, and experience-driven initiatives.
Alongside that work, I’ve had the privilege of serving as President of Milwaukee Pride, Inc. since January 2017, leading one of Wisconsin’s largest cultural organizations and producing PrideFest at Henry Maier Festival Park. In 2025, I expanded my work by launching Revolve Ventures, an event production and management company focused on creating large-scale festivals, destination experiences, and community-driven events. Today, my work combines hospitality, marketing, business strategy, and event production—all centered around bringing people together and creating meaningful experiences.
Can you talk more about your community involvement or volunteer experience?
I’ve always believed that leadership extends beyond the workplace and into the community. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I’ve dedicated much of my career to advancing inclusion and equal opportunity, including the privilege of producing PrideFest, Wisconsin’s flagship LGBTQ+ celebration. I’m also proud to serve on the Boards of Directors for Skylight Music Theatre, the Harry & Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center, and Luther Manor. These experiences have reinforced my belief that strong communities are built through service, collaboration, and creating spaces where everyone has the opportunity to belong and thrive.
What are some ways you have impacted the community in your line of work?
What I’m most proud of isn’t just the events I’ve helped produce or the economic impact they’ve generated; it’s the people. Whether it’s creating spaces where everyone feels welcome, helping local businesses thrive, supporting nonprofits, or opening doors for someone to grow professionally, I’ve always believed that meaningful work is measured by the positive impact it has on others. The relationships I’ve built throughout my career are what I value most, and I hope to continue using my work to strengthen our community for years to come.
What do you like about living in Milwaukee?
I love the life you can have in Milwaukee. Our city center features: award-winning restaurants, great bars, theater and live music experiences that span from “first gigs” to world-class performances with world-class performers, professional sports, almost 100 festivals throughout the year, and stunning green spaces. Then, if you take even a 15-mile drive around the city, you have parks, golf courses, lakes, and more all waiting for you. And if you love to travel – flying out of General Mitchell is a breeze, and you have access to anywhere in the world from here. It’s just a great place to live.
What do you want to see for Milwaukee’s future?
I would love to see Milwaukee continue investing in two things that shape every great city: its people and its infrastructure.
First, I believe we need to make a renewed investment in Milwaukee Public Schools. A strong public education system is fundamental to developing healthy minds, confident young people, and future leaders. Every child deserves access to quality education, enriching experiences, and opportunities that help them thrive.
Second, we need a long-term, sustainable commitment to maintaining and improving our infrastructure. Our roads, sidewalks, freeways, and access points should reflect the pride we have in our city and support the residents, businesses, and visitors who rely on them every day.
Milwaukee has incredible assets; from our lakefront to our neighborhoods and cultural institutions. By investing in both our children and the places that connect us, we can build a stronger, more welcoming city for generations to come.