Front Office - Forward Madison FC

Jim Kacmarcik

Owner

Jim Kacmarcik is president of Kapco, Inc., a diverse group of businesses based in Grafton, Wisconsin.

Kapco formed in 1972 and Jim grew up in the business and joined his father, Tom, in 1985 a full-time role. In addition to exceeding client expectations, Jim exhibits a strong commitment to giving back to the community through a range of philanthropic endeavors, charitable events, and volunteer opportunities for employees and local volunteers.

A natural entrepreneur, Jim has formed and funded start-up companies that match his passion for music, sports, and automobiles. KNE (K-Nation Entertainment) and Given Music Publishing are focused on entertainment.

A sports fan, Jim is president and majority owner of the Northwoods League collegiate wood bat team, the Lakeshore Chinooks. On the professional level, Jim is an active member of the Milwaukee Bucks local investor group as a minority owner of the team.

Central to Jim’s life—and above all other considerations, is his love for family, country, faith, and appreciation for the blessings he has received. Along with his wife Laura and five children, Jim Kacmarcik is always looking forward to the next chapter in his life.

Steve Schmitt

OWNER

Steve Schmitt’s passion for the game and extraordinary attention to customer service are two big reasons why Big Top Baseball has become a mainstay across the entire state of Wisconsin and beyond. Also the owner of the Shoe Box and Rookies Sports Bar in Black Earth, WI, Steve is actively involved in the community and is a huge St. Louis Cardinals fan. He is also the owner of the Madison Mallards and Kenosha Kingfish of the Northwoods League.

CONOR CALOIA

Chief Operating Officer

Conor Caloia is one of the founders and owners of Forward Madison FC and oversees the day-to-day operation of the business as Chief Operating Officer.

Along with Vern Stenman, Caloia oversees the Madison Mallards of the Northwoods League. In 2019, their events attracted nearly 700,000 visitors to their venues with a staff of more than 1,200 employees.

Caloia started his career in sports as a public relations intern for the Madison Mallards in 2003. Caloia also spent time as the Director of Marketing at the Western Athletic Conference and Director of Operations of the Wilmington Sharks of the Coastal Plain League.

Caloia is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a B.A. in Journalism-Strategic Communication and an M.B.A. He lives in the Madison area with his wife Rachel and two kids.

Vern Stenman

President

As the President of Big Top Sports + Entertainment Vern’s role includes management and part ownership of Forward Madison FC, the Madison Mallards, Kenosha Kingfish and Green Bay Voyageurs. Stenman and his partners also launched and subsequently sold the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters & Green Bay Booyah in the NWL. His innovative promotional ideas and steady vision have contributed to the his teams consistently leading their respective leagues in attendance. Prior to Madison he was an intern and later Asst GM for the St. Cloud River Bats before taking a position with the NHL’s Minnesota Wild in their inaugural year. Stenman and his wife Kallie have two children, daughter Chloe Mae, and son Bode and live in the Town of Dunn, WI. He is originally from St. Cloud, MN.