Join us for Part 3 of our Rising Leader Series led by Jeff Lovell and Becky Rivest of Rising Leaders Network. This session is focused on exploring how trust, character, and credibility shape your influence, and how to build intentional relationships that lead to greater influence and impact. Dinner is provided!

The Cap Times Power Hour, a quarterly executive series, features one-on-one future-focused conversations with Wisconsin’s top CEOs discussing business in our state.

3:30 P.M. / Check-In & Hors d'oeuvres
5 P.M. / Discussion

Brian Raffel
Studio Head
Raven Software

Brian Raffel is the Studio Head of Raven Software, a premier development studio now part of Microsoft Gaming through its 2023 acquisition of Activision Blizzard. With more than three decades in game development and studio leadership, Brian has been at the forefront of creating and shaping some of the industry’s most iconic titles.

Brian co-founded Raven Software in 1990 with his brother Steve, quickly earning acclaim with groundbreaking titles such as Heretic, Hexen, and Soldier of Fortune. In 1997, Raven was acquired by Activision, a partnership that positioned the studio to become a key contributor to globally recognized franchises. Today, Raven plays a central role in the ongoing success of Call of Duty, particularly with the evolution of Call of Duty: Warzone, the free-to-play battle royale that has captivated millions of players worldwide.

Over the years, Brian has guided Raven’s growth into a studio renowned for its creativity, technical expertise, and collaborative spirit. His leadership has ensured Raven’s enduring influence within the Activision portfolio, and now as part of Microsoft Gaming’s global development network.

Moderator: Mark Richardson, president of Unfinished Business Consulting and CEO of GigBlender.

Mark has spent the past 10 years helping professionals transition in their careers and organizations attract and acquire talent of color.

Join us for Part 2 of our Rising Leader Series led by Jeff Lovell and Becky Rivest of Leaders Rising Network. This session is focused on developing a deeper self-awareness and uncovering patterns that affect how you lead, communicate, and respond under stress. Dinner is provided!

Join your fellow Magnet Members for our Fourth Madison Magnet Business Book Club. We will be reviewing and discussing the book; The ONE Thing by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan. Read the book in advance and come with your thoughts and questions! You can find it at most Public Libraries and online. Well meet at a the Leopold's Book Nook. See you there!

From Renter to Revenue: Intro to Investment Properties

Ready to turn rent checks into revenue streams? Join us for an energetic evening designed for young, modern professionals curious about building wealth through real estate. Whether you’ve been eyeing your first rental, fascinated by the idea of flipping homes, or eager to explore strategies like the BRRRR method (Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance, Repeat), this event is your perfect starting point.

We’ll cover the fundamentals of getting started with investment properties, share insider insights, and set you up with practical steps to begin your journey toward financial freedom.

Enjoy a relaxed, social atmosphere with hors d’oeuvres and refreshments while connecting with like-minded professionals who are ready to take their first step from renter to revenue.

Hosted by Lauren Stark, Realtor with Sprinkman Real Estate and Kylie Ahrens, Loan Officer with Guild Mortgage

Join us for Part 1 of our Rising Leader Series led by Jeff Lovell and Becky Rivest of Leaders Rising Network. This session is focused on discovering how to stay energized, manage your well-being, and bring your best self to every environment — professionally and personally.

The Cap Times Power Hour, a quarterly executive series, features one-on-one future-focused conversations with Wisconsin’s top CEOs discussing business in our state.

3:45 P.M. / Check-In & Hors d'Oeuvres
5 P.M. / Discussion

Joe Hamilton
CEO | Entrepreneur | Visionary Leader
Vortex Optics

Joe Hamilton knows what it takes to build something extraordinary. From stocking shelves in his family’s small retail store in Madison, Wisconsin, to leading Vortex Optics—the world’s leading brand in hunting, shooting, and outdoor optics.

As CEO of Vortex Optics, Joe helped transform a small, family-run business—founded by his father—into a globally recognized powerhouse and has propelled Vortex beyond products and into an iconic lifestyle brand.

Moderator: Mark Richardson, president of Unfinished Business Consulting and CEO of GigBlender.

Mark has spent the past 10 years helping professionals transition in their careers and organizations attract and acquire talent of color.

Join your fellow Magnet Members for our Third Madison Magnet Business Book Club. We will be reviewing and discussing the book; The Power Of Instinct by Leslie Zane an Award-Winning Fortune 500 Brand Consultant. Read the book in advance and come with your thoughts and questions! You can find it at most Public Libraries and online. Well meet at a the Leopold's Book Nook. See you there!

Join us for 'Headshot to Hired,' a can't-miss opportunity to upgrade your personal branding with a new headshot, receive advice from a UW School of Business Career Coach, AND network with professionals from Madison Magnet, Urban League of Greater Madison, and StartingBlock: Madison's Startup Hub. This event offers invaluable insights for career advancement plus FREE, Professional Headshots for Magnet members. Non-members can still seize the opportunity to attend and opt in for a $30 headshot session. Don't miss this chance to boost your branding for more opportunities!

Tour local organizations with Madison Magnet! Join us for an introduction to various employers in our Madison community. This time we will be gathering at Overture Center of the Arts to learn more about their productions and gain a better understanding of their organization and brand. The event will also include a walkthrough of the organization’s facility.

Join your fellow Magnet Members for our second Madison Magnet Business Book Club. We will be reviewing and discussing the book; Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us by Daniel H. Pink. Read the book in advance and come with your thoughts and questions! You can find it at most Public Libraries and online. Well meet at a study room in the Madison Public Library-Central. See you there!

The Cap Times has established itself as a leader in presenting high-powered events that educate and entertain in the region. The Cap Times Executive Breakfast, a quarterly series, features one-on-one, future-focused conversations with Wisconsin’s top CEOs discussing business in our state.

This series is targeted for those who run a business (or aspire to), or those interested in understanding how major CEOs think. For each event, doors will open at 7 a.m. with time to enjoy coffee and network. The conversations themselves will run for one hour, starting at 8 a.m.

This event will feature Wendy Perkins, CEO of WPS Health Solutions.

If registration is full and you would like to attend, please email Joey Broms at director@madisonmagnet.org to arrange attendance.

You must register by April 9th.

Thank you to The Cap Times for sponsoring a table for Magnet members.

Come experience a rejuvenating session of Slow Flow & Yin at Dragonfly Hot Yoga. Leave feeling refreshed and recharged, with renewed focus and energy to thrive. You'll gain practical tools to reduce stress, sharpen concentration, and boost productivity through yoga, breath work, and mindfulness techniques.

Magnet Members are eligible for a discounted rate at Dragonfly Hot Yoga! https://www.dragonflyhotyoga.com/buy/discounts/

We strive to be an inclusive organization and encourage our members to engage with, learn from, and develop an understanding of others. We prioritize the safety of our community and expect behavior that exhibits respect for all people and supports these values at all Magnet gatherings.

Join your fellow Magnet Members as we kickoff the Madison Magnet Business Book Club. We will be reviewing and discussing the book; Measure What Matters by John Doerr. Read the book in advance and come with your thoughts and questions! You can find it at most Public Libraries and online. Well meet at a study room in the Madison Public Library-Central. See you there!

Tour local organizations with Madison Magnet! Join us for an introduction to various employers in our Madison community. This time we will be gathering at Epic to learn more about the field and gain a better understanding of their organization and brand. The event will also include a walkthrough of the organization’s facility.

Join us to hear from local small business owners as they share their journey to becoming successful entrepreneurs. From having a vision to owning the power and confidence to go for it, panelists will reveal exclusive insights on building a business! You won’t want to miss the opportunity to connect, learn, and be inspired by these young professional CEOs! Doors will open at 5:00 for pre-panel networking.

Special Thanks to our Sponsor: Wisconsin School of Business

Join Madison Magnet for a round of Speed Networking! Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with fellow young professionals to introduce yourself, talk a little business, and see if you can help each other. Maybe you find someone to do business with or simply make new friendly connections. Whatever your goal, please join us on Wednesday, September 25th at 5:30 for a fun, fast-paced event to build professional relationships!

We strive to be an inclusive organization and encourage our members to engage with, learn from, and develop an understanding of others. We prioritize the safety of our community and expect behavior that exhibits respect for all people and supports these values at all Magnet gatherings. 

Tour local organizations with Madison Magnet! Join us for an introduction to various employers in our Madison community. This is a great opportunity to hear from experts in many fields and get a better understanding of local organizations and their brands. The event will also include a walkthrough of the organizations facility.