A Day in the Life of Mike McVey, Inbound Business Dev. & Ops Manager at Zywave
Meet Mike McVey, an Inbound Business Development & Operations Manager at Zywave, a thriving software company headquartered in Milwaukee. Born and raised in Milwaukee, Mike has worked at Zywave for over six years, transitioning from the hospitality industry into the tech world.
He loves the fantastic food, first-rate restaurants, vibrant culture, and summertime festivals that Milwaukee has to offer. Join us as he shares a glimpse into his life, living and working in tech in the incredible city of Milwaukee.
Milwaukee, or as the locals often call it, “Small-Waukee,” is a city of opportunity, growth, and strong community spirit. With its big-city attributes, several major universities, and a thriving entrepreneurial scene, Milwaukee is the perfect place for growth and innovation. Mike attended the University of Wisconsin—Milwaukee and is proud to work for an amazing SaaS company that started and remains headquartered in his beloved hometown.
Here’s a snapshot of a typical day in Mike’s life:
Morning
6:30 a.m.
Rise and Grind
Mike’s day begins with a bike ride along the picturesque Lake Michigan shoreline. On the way back, he stops at his favorite local coffee shop, Valentine Coffee in the Historic Third Ward, for a morning caffeine boost. He listens to his favorite podcasts while sipping his brew and preparing for the workday ahead.
8:00 a.m.
Morning Commute
Mike heads to the office to work alongside coworkers. He works a hybrid schedule, so he’s in the office two days per week. His 25-minute commute takes him from his home in the Historic Third Ward to Zywave in Wauwatosa, a suburb of Milwaukee. When not in the office, he enjoys working from Riley’s Social House’s patio or balcony in the Third Ward to feel the warm sunshine on his skin while he works.
9:00 a.m.
Weekly Team Meeting
Mike attends a standing meeting with team leads to discuss the status of inbound lead generation, partner relationships, and sales goals for the cloud-powered solutions they offer to companies.
10:30 a.m.
Focus Block
During this dedicated time, Mike focuses on several important tasks as an Inbound Business Development & Operations Manager. Mike reviews and updates the customer relationship management (CRM) system to further streamline his team’s efforts to ensure accurate and up-to-date information on leads, contacts, and opportunities based on their team meeting readout. This helps his team better prioritize and manage their sales pipeline, leading to increased revenue and customer satisfaction. Mike analyzes data from these current inbound lead generation campaigns to track their effectiveness and progress. He compiles a comprehensive report with key performance indicators (KPIs) such as lead conversion rates, response times, and customer acquisition costs.
Afternoon
12:30 p.m.
Lunch Break
Mike and a group of his coworkers head to a popular local sushi restaurant, where they savor fresh sushi rolls and indulge in vibrant conversation. They take this opportunity to catch up on each other’s lives, share stories from their weekends, and discuss summer vacation plans, reinforcing their strong workplace relationships. After lunch, the group returns to the office, engaging in a friendly competition at the office’s dedicated recreational area. Whether it’s an energizing game of shuffleboard or an intense ping pong match, these activities serve as a fun break from the work routine, helping to boost morale, foster team bonding, and sharpen focus for the rest of the day. Refreshed and invigorated, Mike and his coworkers head back to their desks, ready to tackle the afternoon’s challenges with renewed energy.
1:30 p.m.
One-on-One Meetings
In the afternoon, Mike holds one-on-one meetings with his direct reports, focusing on individualized attention and open communication to ensure their professional growth and development. He reviews their progress on current projects, discusses short-term and long-term goals, and addresses any challenges they face. Mike provides constructive feedback, collaborates on tailored action plans, and inquires about resources or training they may need. These meetings foster a strong sense of trust and mutual respect, helping to create a positive and productive work environment.
Evening
5:00 p.m.
Workday Wind Down
As the workday winds down, Mike reviews his to-do list and prioritizes tasks for the next day. He then wraps up any last-minute emails, updates the progress of ongoing projects, and adds notes to the CRM system as needed. With his workday wrapped up, Mike closes his laptop, says “See you tomorrow” to his coworkers, and heads home to get ready for a fun night in Milwaukee’s Deer District.
6:00 p.m.
Dinner & Drinks in the Deer District
There’s no better way to spend an evening than in Milwaukee’s Deer District, especially before a Bucks game. Mike and his friends gather at Good City Brewing, their go-to spot for delicious food and locally crafted beers. They enjoy sharing mouthwatering apps and various microbrews, all while engaging in lively conversation and soaking up the energetic atmosphere. With their spirits high and appetites satisfied, the group heads to the Fiserv Forum, anticipating an exciting night of basketball action and cheering on their beloved Bucks.
7:00 p.m.
Cheering on the Bucks
As the game begins, energy levels soar inside and outside the stadium, with fans anticipating a thrilling match. Mike and his friends settle into their seats and soak in the electrifying atmosphere. They watch in awe as the Bucks, led by their star player Giannis Antetokounmpo, skillfully make their way around the court. Amidst the roaring cheers and enthusiastic high-fives, Mike and his friends revel in the excitement of the game and celebrate each score.
10:00 p.m.
Relax and Unwind
Following the exhilaration of a big win, Mike heads home, his spirits high and heart filled with pride for his hometown team. He takes time to unwind and reflect on the day’s events, appreciating the balance between his professional and personal life. To ensure a good night’s sleep and recharge his energy for another productive day at work, Mike uses a calming routine, perhaps reading a book, listening to soothing music, or practicing mindfulness. As he drifts off to sleep, he looks forward to another day of continued success in the world of SaaS in Milwaukee.
Weekdays vs. Weekends
On weekends, Mike makes the most of Milwaukee’s attractions, including beach volleyball at Bradford Beach, cultural festivals at Summerfest Grounds, chilling at Humboldt Park, touring local micro-breweries, tailgating at American Family Field before a Milwaukee Brewers game, and exploring the Milwaukee River.
If you still need to experience the delights of Milwaukee, take Mike’s advice and dive into the city’s rich culture, sports, and community spirit. There’s something for everyone in this incredible city!