If you ask MMAC member Craig Ruhland what gets him out of bed in the morning, he’ll likely tell you it’s his passion for building and fixing things.
As the founder of Ruhland Consulting, he draws on more than 20 years of project management experience to help companies of all sizes execute transformative projects despite aggressive timelines, unclear paths, gaps in expertise or other barriers to success. Ruhland has worked across the Midwest and beyond, collaborating closely with leaders in healthcare, insurance, pharmacy benefits, technology, financial services and manufacturing.
When asked why he chose to operate out of Milwaukee, Ruhland’s answer was simple.
“Milwaukee has been known to do big things,” he said.
He pointed to the city’s rich history of innovation, the approachability of its people and its palpable sense of community. Milwaukee has supported not only the growth of his consulting business but also his efforts to apply his problem-solving expertise to a cause he cares deeply about: sustainable trail riding.
Ruhland is on the board of Metro Mountain Bikers (MetroMTB), a volunteer-led nonprofit organization dedicated to Milwaukee’s mountain biking community. MetroMTB maintains more than 30 miles of trails throughout southeastern Wisconsin and continually looks for opportunities to expand the trail system and promote the sport.
“Parks and trails give people an opportunity to get away from the stresses and strains of daily life. There’s good research behind that, but you don’t really need research when you get that feeling of peace and tranquility from being out in nature,” he said.
To secure approval for a new trail project, MetroMTB submits a project request to its partner, Milwaukee County Parks. MetroMTB then maps out the desired path, builds a coalition and garners the support of community members. Each new trail is an additional opportunity for residents and visitors to feel connected to the region and see southeastern Wisconsin not only as a place to live and work, but also to play.
“Milwaukee has become the center of urban adventure,” said Ruhland.
Heritage Park in Washington County is one example of the sport’s growing appeal. According to Ruhland, riders from Indiana and Michigan are headed across state lines to experience this park’s trails.
“Five years ago, this was the county’s lowest performing park,” he said.
MetroMTB is finding ways to produce similar success stories across the region. For instance, the organization is working on a plan to reopen a jump line at Crystal Ridge in Franklin that would run adjacent to the Kegel Alpha trail.
Ruhland hopes that over the next 10 years, MetroMTB can build out another 50 miles of trails. He’d also like to strengthen partnerships with local businesses and the broader community, creating opportunities for stewardship programs, fundraisers and other initiatives that support the mountain biking community.
To learn more about MetroMTB, visit https://www.metromtb.org
