April 2020 Accelerate Magazine

WAUKESHA COUNTY BUSINESS ALLIANCE, INC. | WAUKESHA.ORG Describe your company. The Milwaukee Bucks have been a Wisconsin mainstay since the team’s founding in 1968, and after a record- setting 51st NBA season, in addition to hosting a myriad of concerts and family shows at the world-class Fiserv Forum, the organization is forging a promising new path both on and off the court. Owned by Wes Edens, Marc Lasry, Jamie Dinan and Mike Fascitelli, along with a diverse group of local minority shareholders, the Bucks have a long history of basketball success in Milwaukee, having won the 1971 NBA Championship in just their third season. Overall, the Bucks have appeared in the NBA postseason 31 times with 14 division titles and two conference championships. Following a monumental 2018-19 season, in which the team finished with the best record in the league and reached 60 wins for the first time since 1981, the Bucks are poised for continued success. Off the court, the organization opened a world- class arena, Fiserv Forum, which anchors the 30-acre Deer District, a hub of the community that is quickly becoming Milwaukee’s premier sports and entertainment destination. Fiserv Forum has hosted a multitude of major sporting events, concerts and family shows in its inaugural year – a clear testament to the Bucks’ commitment to becoming a preeminent sports and entertainment company. What is the most important lesson you’ve learned in your career? Put yourself in new or unique situations and challenge yourself to grow. What is your personal key to success? Find balance between your personal and professional responsibilities but above all, prioritize happiness. What’s the first job you ever had? Data entry for Guaranty Bank when I was in high school (Homestead in Mequon). What book are you currently reading or would you recommend? I’m currently reading “Becoming Kareem – Growing up on and Off the Court.” What is something unique about you? I have a couple things. My first job after college was being an NBC page (think Kenneth from the show 30Rock). And I have been to over 50 Phish concerts around the country. What is your favorite pastime? Besides being with my family and coaching my kids in sports, my favorite pastime is traveling. I love seeing the world! • ARVIND GOPALRATNAM Executive Director, Milwaukee Bucks Foundation EXECUTIVE PROFILE 28