Big Moves in Oak Creek
Why Derse’s New HQ Signals More Than Just Growth
If you’ve driven through Oak Creek lately, you’ve probably felt it; that buzz in the air that something big is brewing. And now, it’s official: Derse, a national leader in experiential marketing and face-to-face exhibit solutions, is planting deep, transformational roots in Southeastern Wisconsin.
This isn’t just another corporate relocation. This is a 31-acre headquarters that unites legacy operations from Milwaukee and Waukegan into one forward-looking hub. It's a signal. A signal that innovation, skilled trades, and high-quality jobs are staying local and scaling fast.
As Derse CEO Brett Haney put it:
“This new facility is about building capacity for growth but also supporting our people and the incredible work they do every day.”
Let’s unpack what that really means for workers, businesses, and the future of Oak Creek.
A Headquarters with Purpose
Located in the Oakview Business Park, the new facility is Derse’s largest capital investment in nearly 80 years. The move isn’t just logistical; it’s strategic. By bringing its Milwaukee and Waukegan teams under one roof, Derse is betting on synergy, creativity, and efficiency.
At full buildout, more than 600 employees will call the new campus home. But it’s the new jobs being created that have the workforce community talking.
These aren’t just any jobs. They span everything from:
Skilled trades (carpenters, fabricators, warehouse pros)
Creative design and digital media
Sales, client services, and project management
IT, operations, and automation
Administrative, HR, and finance roles
This is the kind of talent ecosystem that supports both innovation and inclusion, two things Southeastern Wisconsin is doubling down on.
Trades, Training and Talent
For construction professionals, this project is already a boost. As Derse breaks ground in 2026, local contractors and tradespeople will be in high demand through the anticipated 2027 move-in.
But it doesn’t stop at the build.
Derse is working closely with local tech colleges, universities, and workforce boards to create pipelines that support long-term talent development. That means:
Internships and apprenticeships for high school and college students
Upskilling programs tied to evolving exhibit technologies
Partnerships that align training with real-world job demands
Southeastern Wisconsin has been quietly building a national reputation for workforce innovation, and Derse is leaning in hard.
Why Oak Creek?
Oak Creek isn’t just a dot on the map. It’s becoming a magnet for modern business. With its strong civic leadership, investment-ready infrastructure, and access to skilled talent, the city is primed for next-gen growth.
Andrew Vickers, Oak Creek’s City Administrator, said it best:
“Derse shares Oak Creek’s strong vision for progress, continuous improvement, and customer service. Derse is that impactful community and corporate partner we envisioned for this site.”
The HQ project will also bolster Oak Creek’s commercial tax base, funneling resources back into schools, infrastructure, and community initiatives. In short, it’s a win-win.
Small Business, Big Ripples
A company like Derse doesn’t grow in isolation. It requires an ecosystem—suppliers, logistics partners, fabricators, creatives, IT consultants, hospitality pros. That means small businesses across the region stand to benefit in a big way.
From event services to digital marketing, this expansion is a chance for entrepreneurs and local vendors to grow alongside a national powerhouse.
It’s also a reminder that workforce development isn’t just about finding workers. It’s about building resilient networks that support business at every stage.
Designing for Innovation
The physical space itself tells a story. This new HQ isn’t just rows of desks and warehouses. It’s designed to fuel creativity and collaboration.
We’re talking:
Open, collaborative workspaces
Innovation labs and production studios
An experience center for clients and partners
Wellness amenities for employees
Sustainability built into every level
This is where people will come not just to work, but to invent, iterate, and push the boundaries of experiential design.
Serving Local and Global
Derse currently supports over 500 clients and more than 8,000 events annually across the globe. This expansion lets them do that more efficiently and more impactfully from the heart of Wisconsin.
With central operations in Oak Creek, Derse will reduce logistics costs, improve supply chain agility, and bring departments closer together, literally and figuratively. The result is better client service, faster execution, and greater innovation.
A Privately Held Company with a Public Impact
In a world of mergers and private equity rollups, Derse stands out. As a privately held company, it’s choosing long-term vision over short-term profit. That means reinvesting in people, culture, and community.
The company has made it clear. This headquarters is about more than efficiency. It’s about anchoring their future in a place that values the same things they do: workforce opportunity, authentic relationships, and sustainable growth.
A Regional Moment Worth Celebrating
Milwaukee 7 Co-chair Gale Klappa put it simply:
“This decision reflects the exceptional business climate in our region, our skilled workforce and our proven track record of helping home-grown companies scale and succeed.”
This is the kind of momentum that should energize anyone invested in Southeastern Wisconsin’s future, whether you're in economic development, education, local government, or simply a neighbor who wants to see your community thrive.
What's Next?
Derse’s Oak Creek HQ is scheduled for move-in by 2027, but the impact starts now. Local jobs. Supplier opportunities. Talent partnerships. And a reaffirmed commitment to Wisconsin’s workforce.
If you're a student, a job seeker, a small business, or an employer looking to plug into something bigger, this is your moment.
To stay updated on opportunities and developments like this, connect with us at Milwaukee Workforce Hub | Your Path to Employment https://milwaukeeworkforcehub.com/.
Derse’s new HQ isn’t just about space. It’s about shaping what’s next. For events. For jobs. For Wisconsin.
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