NCG Hospitality: The Trade Milwaukee, an Autograph Collection Hotel coming to Deer District, welcomes new team members

MILWAUKEE, Wis. (October 2022) — The Trade Milwaukee, a premiere hotel under construction in Deer District, continues to build its staff with new hires joining the sales team in preparation of its expected Spring 2023 opening.

Rich Lundt, General Manager for The Trade Milwaukee, is excited to welcome Samantha Sullivan to the team as Director of Sales. An alumna of Iowa State University, Sullivan jumped into the hospitality industry as part of Marriott’s Voyage Global Leadership Development program before holding various positions with Marriott International in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, San Antonio and Portland.

In 2019, Sullivan moved to Milwaukee to be closer to family and held a position where she worked with East Coast Association Companies for the Marcus Hotel & Resorts Area Sales Team, selling luxury and convention hotels in Milwaukee, WI.

“My passion for hospitality lies in the memories that each and every person develops by walking into the hotels I work for and serve,” Sullivan said. “Every impact our customers receive will inevitably change their experience at our hotel, so as the Director of Sales for The Trade Milwaukee, I’m eager to make everyone’s time at our hotel — whether they stop by for a signature cocktail during happy hour before heading to Deer District, or choose to host their event in our indoor and outdoor meeting spaces — the best it can be.”

Working in conjunction with Sullivan, Emily Rauber joins the team as a Senior Sales Manager. In her role with The Trade Milwaukee, Rauber will be responsible for fostering customer relationships, generating business and managing key accounts. 

Rauber brings with her more than 16 years of extensive experience in the hospitality industry. With a career start at the Hilton Cocoa Beach Oceanfront Hotel, a move back to Wisconsin brought her to The Madison Concourse Hotel & Governor’s Club for a twelve-year tenure. Most recently, she served as the Director of Sales for The Brewhouse Inn & Suites in Milwaukee.

“As a Wisconsin native, and an avid fan of the Milwaukee Bucks and Marquette Golden Eagles, I couldn’t be more excited to bring my knowledge and expertise to The Trade Milwaukee’s on-site team,” said Rauber. “I’m eager to work alongside the Director of Sales and achieve the hotel’s goals while we build key relationships within the community.”

The Trade Hotel, slated to open in early 2023, will boast 207 luxury guest rooms and suites, featuring California King beds, heightened ceilings and state-of-the-art finishing. A destination rooftop restaurant and lounge will offer breathtaking views of the city, while the ground-floor signature restaurant will honor Milwaukee’s rich history and local fare through an innovative yet approachable culinary experience. The Trade Hotel will also feature more than 9,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor gathering space, as well as meeting packages that can accommodate up to 300 guests. 

“When I was named as the general manager of The Trade Milwaukee, I was keen to build a team of people who are ready to bring this hotel to life pre-opening,” said Rich Lundt, General Manager. “Samantha and Emily will help us achieve our goal of being the best hotel in Milwaukee, in the state of Wisconsin and beyond.”

“Samantha and Emily’s shared dedication and commitment to excellence will be a perfect complement to NCG’s mission and core values of delivering meaningful experiences,” said Jeff Lenz, President and Chief Asset Offer of NCG Hospitality. “We are thrilled to have them on board the on-site team as we all look forward to the highly-anticipated Spring 2023 opening of The Trade Hotel, one of NCG Hospitality’s premiere properties.”

To learn more about The Trade, visit thetradehotel.com