In this engaging episode of Wealthyist, host Anthony Mlachnik (Senior Wealth Advisor at Annex Private Client) sits down with Joan Nesbitt, Vice Chancellor for University Advancement at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM). With over 30 years in higher education fundraising—including more than a decade in a similar role at Missouri S&T—Nesbitt shares insights from the front lines of partnering with ultra-high-net-worth individuals, families, and philanthropists to create lasting impact through education.

The conversation opens with Nesbitt's journey from Oklahoma roots (complete with a relaxed attitude toward Midwest tornado warnings and tennis during sirens) through Missouri to her current role in Wisconsin. She reflects on her accidental entry into fundraising in the 1980s and the shift from smaller nonprofits to better-resourced higher ed environments.

Key topics include:

• Evolving donor strategies: Most annual gifts still come simply as checks or credit cards from income, but high-capacity donors leverage sophisticated vehicles like stock donations, charitable remainder trusts, donor-advised funds, and planned/legacy giving tied to life events (e.g., business sales, liquidity events, or RMDs).
• Shifting alumni engagement: The old assumption of natural alumni loyalty has faded, especially among younger graduates burdened by student debt. Millennials and Gen Z prioritize broad societal impact, justice, and fairness over "helping someone just like me." Nesbitt discusses how UWM is adapting with personalized digital strategies and even piloting AI-driven platforms for scalable, avatar-based donor engagement (surprisingly appealing to those over 50).
• The power of storytelling and experiences: Annual galas, alumni awards, and heartfelt reflections highlight how connections—with professors, mentors, dorm friends, or campus moments—create enduring emotional ties. Donors often express genuine humility and surprise when recognized.
• Major gifts and ultra-wealthy mindsets: Nesbitt recounts standout stories, including a record-breaking $300 million gift (in ETFs) from a billionaire engineer who wanted transformative impact beyond "just a building." She emphasizes holistic donors who blend cash, time, volunteering, corporate resources, and networks. Even during UWM's 414 Day giving campaign, a major donor made seven targeted gifts across challenges, showing deep alignment with personal values.
• Sports, NIL, and the "front porch" of the university: Athletics draws attention and enrollment for many schools, but Nesbitt notes it varies by institution (less central at her prior engineering-focused school). She stresses operating with integrity amid the "Wild West" of NIL, keeping student-athlete education and experience first while collaborating across advancement and athletics.
• Personalization as the secret sauce: Whether for philanthropy or wealth management, success comes from understanding individual goals, values, and passions. Sophisticated donors leverage giving to amplify networks, teach family members, and create community connections—much like high-net-worth clients intentionally align time, relationships, and resources.

Nesbitt closes by inviting listeners to explore UWM's role as a community-engaged institution (recognized by the Carnegie Foundation) that transforms potential into opportunity through education, workforce development, and public events.

The episode offers wealthy listeners practical takeaways on intentional philanthropy, legacy planning, and building meaningful impact—while drawing thoughtful parallels to personalized wealth strategies. It's a warm, insightful look at how ultra-wealthy families turn resources into societal transformation, with a forward-looking nod to AI's role in advancement.

A great listen for anyone interested in higher ed giving, donor psychology, or blending personal values with strategic generosity.

In this remote episode of Wealthyist, recorded live from Jet OUT’s new hangar in Waukesha, Wisconsin, host Anthony Mlachnik (Senior Wealth Advisor at Annex Private Client) sits down with Evan Rossiter, Sales Director at Jet OUT — a Milwaukee-based private aviation company.

Evan clearly explains Jet OUT’s co-ownership model: it’s not traditional fractional ownership (like NetJets), not a jet card, and not aircraft management. Instead, it’s structured like tenant-in-common real estate — multiple co-owners share one Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen2 jet, but Jet OUT owns and operates the entire fleet. Co-owners simply call and fly. JETOUT handles all maintenance, piloting, flight planning, and heavy lifting.

Key highlights include:

• Strategic expansion — Bases in Milwaukee, Southwest & East Florida, Scottsdale, and Dallas (with 6 more CJ4s arriving in 2026, bringing the fleet to ~16 aircraft).
• The efficiency niche — Matching co-owners flying the same day or opposite directions (especially Midwest-to-Florida runs), which reduces costs and boosts utilization.
• Time as the ultimate luxury — Dramatic contrast vs. commercial travel: 15-minute airport arrivals, no TSA, direct flights to smaller airports, and multi-stop business days that let executives be home for dinner.
• Real-world use cases — Business owners hitting 3–4 cities in one day; families reaching second homes in Florida or Arizona; even light-hearted stories like flying pets solo.
• Entry points — Ideal for 4–5+ round trips per year; a shorter “dip-your-toe” one-year program is also available.
• Community & lifestyle angle — Like-minded co-owners often connect (when desired), and different paint schemes on each jet preserve anonymity.
• Future outlook — Continued growth in private aviation driven by commercial frustrations post-COVID and TSA issues; possible larger aircraft coming.

Anthony ties the conversation back to wealth management: how high-net-worth clients are “time poor,” and how strategic choices like smart private aviation can protect family time, reduce stress, and align with values — exactly the kind of lifestyle optimization Wealthyist explores.

In this episode of Wealthyist, host Anthony Mlachnik interviews Jim Villa, CEO of NAIOP Wisconsin (the Commercial Real Estate Development Association). With 35 years in public policy, politics, and economic development—including roles under Governor Tommy Thompson and Scott Walker—Villa offers a grounded, insider perspective on commercial real estate as a vehicle for wealth creation and community impact.

Key Highlights:

• Jim’s Background & NAIOP’s Mission: Villa leads efforts focused on public policy advocacy and developing the next generation of leaders (under 35). He stresses that "policy matters"—tracking local and state policies gives better market insight than national headlines.
• Core Challenges in Commercial Real Estate: Talent/people shortages remain the #1 issue, ahead of financing and permitting. Long-term strategies are essential to weather economic cycles.
• Office Sector Trends: Post-COVID hybrid work (accelerated but not created by the pandemic) continues. Demand persists for Class A spaces with premium amenities, technology, huddle areas, and “Starbucks-like” environments in vibrant locations. Downtown Milwaukee (e.g., BMO Tower) is strong; suburban markets are rebounding. Conversions and rehabs are more common than new builds.
• Multifamily & Housing: High-end luxury apartments in Milwaukee are filling slowly due to conservative absorption rates. Major shortage of workforce housing (for teachers, firefighters, service workers) amid high construction costs. Wisconsin saw some of the nation’s steepest rent/housing price spikes but remains more affordable overall than coastal markets.
• Investment Appeal of Wisconsin/Midwest: Viewed as a stable, “durable,” and good-value tertiary market. Less volatile than Sunbelt hotspots like Texas. Strong local investor participation, cautious development practices, and tangible community impact make it attractive for long-term holds. Post-COVID, some coastal capital has shown interest due to affordability and consistency.
• Strategies for Wealthy Investors:
  • Diversification alongside other assets.
  • Tax tools like 1031 exchanges, Opportunity Zones, and bonus depreciation (strengthened in recent legislation).
  • ESG/impact focus: Local developers often deliver community benefits (childcare, retail, neighborhood revitalization) beyond pure financial returns.
  • Partner with trusted local professionals and align with overall tax/estate plans.
• Future Outlook: AI-driven demand for data centers and energy generation will be critical. Wisconsin’s reliable power is a competitive advantage. Emphasis on creating “places” not just “spaces,” legacy-building, and balancing innovation (e.g., tech in buildings) with practical needs.

Villa portrays commercial real estate as more than an asset class—it’s economic development that creates jobs, shapes communities, and builds lasting generational wealth when approached thoughtfully with the right team and long-term mindset. The episode is especially relevant for Midwest investors who prefer tangible, drive-by assets and balanced portfolios.