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**Video** Lindenberg Assumes Ownership of Wave
MILWAUKEE – James M. Lindenberg injects an entrepreneurial spirit and renewed energy into Milwaukee Wave professional indoor soccer, as he becomes the seventh owner of the 25-year-old franchise.
Lindenberg, 50, founded World Class Wire and Cable, a value-added distributor of wire, cable and tubing, in 1994. He sold the company last October to Anixter Inc. He operates a business consulting firm and a real estate brokerage and is an active community supporter. Owning the Wave represents a completely different kind of challenge, but also great opportunity, he said.
“When I learned the Wave needed new ownership, I spoke to many people in and out of the organization,” Lindenberg said. “I was struck by the passion that surfaced over and over again on behalf of the Milwaukee Wave, and I was amazed at the amount of community work they do. I kept hearing how sad it would be if the Wave left.
“The Wave has been taken for granted for a long time,” he added. “We should remember this day, and never let that happen again.”
Lindenberg built World Class Wire and Cable into an industry leader on a foundation of customer service, and intends to apply those same principles to the Wave.
“I may be the owner, but the Wave is really Milwaukee’s team,” Lindenberg said. “We want not only the community’s support, but also their input and feedback about the complete fan experience in and out of the arena. Our goal, every day, is to identify the wants and needs of our customers, and service them to the best of our abilities.”
Lindenberg assumes control from Charles Krause, who has owned the team individually or within his family for seven years.
“I would like to thank the Krause family, and Charlie in particular, for the energy, time and resources they have devoted to the Wave over the last seven years,” Lindenberg said. “Charlie is extremely passionate about the Milwaukee Wave and wanted to make sure the team endured.
“I also want to thank all the employees, vendors, investors and partners of World Class Wire and Cable. Their hard work and dedication helped make this day possible, and I am grateful to them,” he added.
The Wave have signed a letter of intent to play this season in the National Indoor Soccer League, featuring longtime rivals Baltimore and Philadelphia. A complete schedule will be announced in late summer or early fall. Keith Tozer returns for his 18th season as head coach, with a streak of 16 consecutive years finishing at or above .500.
The “Save the Wave” season ticket drive aims to collect 2,000 new season ticket pledges in support of the new ownership. To date, more than 800 total pledges have been received. To pledge, call 414-224-9283, e-mail save@milwaukeewave.com or visit milwaukeewave.com and click on the “Pledge Now” link. No payment is required at this time.
The Milwaukee Wave professional indoor soccer team is the longest-running soccer franchise in continuous operation in North America. The team celebrated its Silver Anniversary last season, and operates the largest summer soccer camp program in Wisconsin. For more information, visit milwaukeewave.com
