Perlick Taps Fifth Generation Family Member as Next CEO
In naming Theodore “TJ” Perlick Molinari as its next CEO, Perlick Corp. is continuing its tradition of family ownership and leadership that began with the Milwaukee manufacturer’s founding in 1917.
A fifth-generation family member, Perlick Molinari brings a combination of personal connection and professional breadth to the CEO role. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Columbia University, his law degree from Marquette University Law School and a Master of Business Administration from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. Before joining Perlick, he was a nationally recognized trial attorney, earning distinctions such as Super Lawyers’ “Rising Star” and being named among the Top 100 Trial Attorneys by the National Trial Lawyers Association.
After returning to the family business in 2014, Perlick Molinari gained experience across nearly every facet of the organization — starting by answering service calls and entering orders, then advancing through leadership roles in customer service, operations, strategy, legal, and sales. Most recently, he served as Perlick’s vice president of channel strategy and general counsel.
In his new role, Perlick Molinari will guide Perlick’s long-term vision and strategy, reporting to the board of directors and serving as the company’s principal representative to industry partners, vendors, and other key stakeholders.
“Carrying on the legacy of my great-great-grandfather is the greatest honor of my career,” Perlick Molinari said. “Perlick has always stood for performance, integrity and hospitality, and as a family member, I feel that responsibility every day. I’m proud to lead our team into a future focused on innovation, sustainability, continued excellence, and developing our team's capabilities to support our success as a Milwaukee institution and destination place to work, live and grow.”
To support its next phase of growth, Perlick has also introduced a new leadership role: president and general manager. Jeff Schwager, who has served as interim CEO and president, will step into this newly created position, continuing to bring valuable insight and steady leadership to the organization. The company plans a formal search for a permanent president and general manager, with the goal of filling the role by Jan. 1, 2026. Schwager will remain in the role through the end of the calendar year to ensure a smooth transition and will return to his seat on the Perlick Board of Directors thereafter.