Perlick Corp. Seats Next CEO

Effective July 1, Theodore “TJ” Perlick Molinari will become CEO as well as a fifth-generation leader at Milwaukee-based Perlick Corp.

Perlick Molinari earned a bachelor’s degree from Columbia University, a law degree from Marquette University Law School and an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. Before joining Perlick, he was a nationally recognized trial attorney.

After returning to the family business, Perlick Molinari gained experience across various facets of the organization—first by answering service calls and entering orders, then advancing through leadership roles in customer service, operations, strategy, legal and sales. Most recently, he was vice president of channel strategy and general counsel.

As CEO, he will guide Perlick’s long-term vision and strategy, reporting to the Board of Directors and serving as the company’s principal representative to industry partners, vendors and other key stakeholders.

“Carrying on the legacy of my great-great-grandfather is the greatest honor of my career,” he says. “Perlick has always stood for performance, integrity and hospitality, and as a family member, I feel that responsibility every day. I’m proud to lead our team into a future focused on innovation, sustainability, continued excellence and developing our team’s capabilities to support our success as a Milwaukee institution and destination place to work, live and grow.”

Company Creates New Role

Perlick also has introduced a new leadership role: president and general manager. Jeff Schwager, who has served as interim CEO and president, will hold the newly created position through the end of the year. A search for a permanent president and general manager is planned, with the goal of filling the role by Jan. 1, 2026.

Perlick Corp. manufactures commercial and residential bar and beverage equipment.