Rivera & Associates

Michael Rivera’s journey with Rivera & Associates is truly commendable. Over the past 25 years, he has steered the firm’s success, leveraging his Milwaukee roots and strong relationships within the city.

Rivera established Rivera & Associates after graduating from Marquette University in the late ’90s. In its early years, the firm faced the challenge of marketing the 2000 Census to inner-city neighborhoods with historically low response rates. Rivera’s innovative approach involved creating doorknob flyers that residents could easily mail in. This strategy led to remarkably accurate Census counts in those neighborhoods.

Rivera’s firm has collaborated with prominent organizations, including Milwaukee Public Schools, Wisconsin Auto Dealers, Mitchell International Airport, Marquette University, GRAEF, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation and the City of Milwaukee.

The firm’s excellent work has earned it a strong reputation and a loyal client base. Rivera & Associates received an Outstanding Business Award Finalist recognition from the Wisconsin Governor’s Marketplace in both 2016 and 2020. The firm’s commitment to diversity and inclusion is evident, as it actively seeks a diverse staff to level the playing field and provide opportunities to minority populations.

The firm is currently working with the Milwaukee County Transit System on a strategic plan to market the new CONNECT bus rapid transit as well as with the City of Milwaukee to assist with communications in the lead pipe replacement project to improve everyone’s health and safety. Additionally, the firm is collaborating with Milwaukee Public Schools on its Long Range Facilities plan as well as working with MobiliSE on transit advocacy and improvement efforts.

Rivera has also created a marketing campaign, called “414 All,” centered around inclusion and acceptance in Milwaukee for all. It showcases Milwaukee as welcoming and inclusive of all ages, genders, religions, cultures, ethnicities, orientations and more.

“Milwaukee has long had to deal with a negative stereotype of being the most segregated city in the U.S. I believe my positive message would combat that negative stereotype and would attract more residents and businesses to our city,” Rivera says.