Wisconsin REALTORS® Association: Message from the CEO

Message from the CEO

Celebrating a titan: Mike Mooney’s legacy in Wisconsin real estate

 November 04, 2024
Mooney

Over the years, the WRA has honored some of the most impactful individuals in our industry with the WRA Lifetime Achievement Award. This distinction is reserved for those whose careers have left a profound, lasting imprint on the association, the profession and the real estate industry. This year, we are proud to present Mike Mooney with this prestigious award for his remarkable 57-year career.

The WRA Lifetime Achievement Award is a special, episodic recognition given only to those whose extraordinary careers have elevated the real estate industry through both personal and professional accomplishments. Past recipients include respected figures such as Otto Bytof (2012), Jim Imhoff (2017), Terry Hilgenberg (2018), Norm Flynn (2019), Becky Merwin (2020), Dave Stark (2021), Bill Malkasian (2022) and Mike Theo (2023). Like these leaders, Mike has helped shape our industry and ensured its future success.

Mike’s journey to becoming one of Wisconsin’s real estate titans began with humble beginnings. Before entering the industry, he held various jobs — restoring cabins at a family resort in Oneida County, collecting garbage in Wauwatosa, and working as an ironworker in Milwaukee. These early experiences shaped his work ethic and resilience, which fueled his real estate career.

Following in his father’s footsteps, Mike started as a residential broker, quickly transitioning into commercial real estate development. His sharp strategic vision and business acumen helped him become Wisconsin’s largest business park developer. Over his career, he has developed more than 20 business parks, generating over $2 billion in tax base and creating more than 30,000 jobs. Additionally, he has contributed to the development of 50 residential subdivisions worth another $1.5 billion.

As the co-founder and chairman emeritus of MLG Capital, one of Wisconsin’s leading private equity real estate investment firms, Mike oversees more than $6.4 billion in assets. However, his influence extends far beyond business, leaving a lasting mark on the real estate community through his advocacy for the industry.

Throughout his career, Mike has been a passionate advocate for economic development and private property rights. He has tirelessly championed policies like tax increment financing, regulatory reform and affordable housing. Mike has served on numerous legislative task forces and testified at hearings, and he has served as the WRA’s “secret weapon” in the Capitol helping to advance sound public policies.

One of Mike’s greatest contributions has been fostering unity within the industry. He has brought together various real estate and economic development groups, such as the WRA, CARW, NAIOP and the Wisconsin Economic Development Association, believing that “we are stronger together than we are individually.” This collaborative spirit is unique to Wisconsin, and much of it is due to Mike’s leadership.

Despite his success, Mike has always remained humble. His advice — “Never be afraid to fail. There’s more to learn from failure than from success” — resonates with everyone who has had the privilege of working alongside him.

As we honor Mike Mooney with the 2025 WRA Lifetime Achievement Award, we celebrate not just his career, but his unwavering commitment to improving our industry and our state for future generations.

Tom Larson
WRA President & CEO

Copyright 1998 - 2025 Wisconsin REALTORS® Association. All rights reserved.

Privacy Policy   |   Terms of Use   |   Accessibility   |   Real Estate Continuing Education 

WRA Class Rules and Cancellation Policy

WRA classroom policy

  • Check-in opens 30 minutes before class (may vary depending on location).
  • Late students are not allowed into class.

WRA cancellation and refund policy

Virtual/live classes 

  • The WRA reserves the right to cancel the course or event if not filled. Should a course be cancelled, registration fees will be refunded in full.
  • Student cancellations must be in writing prior to the start of the course or event and will be refunded minus a $25 cancellation fee. Some conferences and conventions have additional cancellation and refund restrictions.
  • Registrations cannot be transferred between students or attendees. 
  • Sales pre-license attendance policy: Attendance is mandatory. Missed hours must be made up and cannot be made up until conclusion of the classroom portion of the course. All make-ups must be completed within seven days after the conclusion of the classroom portion of the course. An individual will not receive a certificate of completion for the course until missed hours are completed. An absence of more than two days will result in termination of enrollment in the course with an option to attend the course at a later date or transfer to a distance learning format, which may involve a transfer fee. If absence results in termination of enrollment, no refund will be issued. 
Distance learning programs
  • Sales and broker pre-license students have six months from the date of registration to complete the course.
  • Student cancellations for distance learning programs must be in writing within two weeks of registration and prior to accessing the course work. Students will be refunded minus a $25 cancellation fee.
  • Course materials must be returned at a student’s expense and in reusable and resalable condition. The request for cancellation will not be processed until materials have been received by the WRA.
  • Registrations cannot be transferred between students.

Other WRA products and publications

  • WRA products and publications must be returned at student’s expense within two weeks of purchase. Refunds will not be processed until materials have been received by the WRA in reusable and resalable condition. 

 Technical colleges

  • Returns may be made for a 100 percent credit if made within 30 days of purchase. There will be a 15 percent restocking fee on returns made after 30 days but before 60 days from the date of purchase. No credit will be given on orders 60 days or older or on outdated materials. Technical colleges will be notified of pending publication changes 60 days prior to publication. All products must be returned in reusable condition. 
Special events (WRA Annual Convention, REALTOR® & Government Day, etc.):
  • Special events including the ones listed above may have additional cancellation restrictions. Consult event details on event webpage(s) for policy information. 

Extension policy

  • If additional time is needed to complete a pre-license course, WRA students can purchase a 30-day extension for $30. Pre-license extensions are available for students up to 6 months from expiration date, and multiple 30-day extensions are permitted. 

The WRA reserves the right to revise these policies at any time without prior notice. 

View Terms and Conditions 

Continue

Shopping Cart

There are currently no items in your shopping cart.
 Check Out

Exhibitor Information