Thank You, Tom and Lisa, for Making a Difference in Our Community!
Tom and Lisa Kelenic have shown what’s possible when vision and dedication come together. Their efforts to create spaces for young athletes and families have left a lasting impact, and we are so grateful for their contributions to our community.
A graduate of New Berlin Eisenhower and UW-Oshkosh, I’ve always been passionate about the game of baseball and the dedication it demands. During college, I pursued that passion wholeheartedly, but when that chapter ended, I assumed my role in the game was over. As our children grew older and began playing softball and baseball, I noticed the need for safe, high-quality playing fields in our communities. Most complexes only had one or two fields, forcing families to split up just to get their kids to games and practices.
This is where my role back in baseball was re-sparked, but it’s about more than baseball. It’s about connection, opportunity, and fostering a shared sense of pride. With the DockHounds’ schedule and following our two sons who both play, baseball consumes most of our life. It’s a full-time passion, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. However, I still make time to enjoy my love for the outdoors and hunting. Being outside, whether on the field or in nature, has always been a way for me to recharge and connect with what I love most.
About Tom and Lisa Kelenic
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
Tom, Lisa, daughter Taylor, and son’s Jarred and JT.
Q: Please tell us about your life and what you do (whether working in our community, a business owner, volunteer, etc.). How did you choose that path?
In 2011, my wife and I and a few others, took a leap of faith and built our first baseball complex with 10 fields in Waukesha. One of the first of its kind in the area. Not only did this provide kids with the opportunity to play the game, but it also brought families together. Parents repeatedly thanked us for creating a space where they could enjoy meals together and watch all their children play in one location.
Building on that success, we added a performance training center and an indoor baseball park. I’ve always believed there’s incredible young talent in Wisconsin, and I’m committed to providing opportunities for them to compete at a national level. Our own children have been fortunate to play this sport at various levels after high school. Our oldest son, for example, played with Team USA in high school and worked his way through affiliated ball to his current role with the Atlanta Braves. Through his career, my family and I have had the opportunity to travel to numerous stadiums across North America. We’ve seen the good and the bad, and one thing stood out about the best ones—they were backed by strong, supportive communities.
This sparked the next step in my baseball journey: creating a high-quality stadium that not only provides aspiring athletes with the chance to pursue their dreams at the highest level but also serves as a space that brings communities together. Now we have WBC Park and the Lake Country Dockhounds.
Q: What do you love most about what you do?
Finding a way to help young or seasoned athletes push themselves to achieve their unlimited potential and putting WI on the sports map.
Q: What was the most difficult challenge in getting to where you are now or in your life?
The same challenges all business owners experience – balancing risk, managing setbacks, and pushing forward even when the path ahead wasn’t clear.
Q: What is the most rewarding part?
Seeing the smiles on fans and hearing them plan their next visit to WBC Park.
Q: What are some of your future goals? Do you have anything exciting coming up that you would like to share?
As we continue to build a talented and competitive team, we’re also focused on expanding the events at the ballpark to make it a year-round destination venue. Our goal is to create a place where families, fans, and the community can gather for not just baseball, but a variety of experiences throughout the year.
Q: What advice would you give to someone interested in doing something similar to what you have done/are doing?
If you are committed to your passion, keep pushing. There were many people who told me along the way it could never be done. We built a fan-based business venue during COVID in twelve months.
Tom and Lisa Kelenic & Our Community
Q: What is your favorite thing about our community, favorite thing to do, or something unique about our community that you love? (Feel free to share as much as you’d like!)
The strong baseball history in the Lake Country area is what attracted us to this area when we were exploring possible sites for the stadium. The blend of rich tradition and a relaxed, community-centered lifestyle creates an ideal atmosphere for both the game and the people who love it.
Q: Who is an interesting person you’ve met here in our community, and how have they inspired you?
Old school baseball enthusiasts – love hearing their stories.
Q: Do you have a favorite coffee shop, cocktail shop, or restaurant?
DockHaus – at WBC Park.
Q: What 3 words would you use to describe our community?
Community driven, fun, coveted.
For Fun
Q: What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I am big Johnny Cash fan.
Q: What is your favorite book, TV show, movie, poem, or song? Why?
Yellowstone.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My wife.
Q: If you were a drink (can be a coffee drink, alcoholic, non-alcoholic, etc.), what would you be?
Blantons.
Q: If you could have lunch with anyone, who would it be with? Why?
George Steinbrenner – hear the stories of what it took to build their dynasty and create a level of success that others strive to achieve. Plus I am a sucker for stories of iconic players back in the day.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Exploring Alaska – set to go their April!
Q: What makes you the happiest?
Smiles on fans faces and winning.
Q: Any general life advice you would like to share?
My mantra & advice I give to our staff – “Be Better” – on the field, in sales, in fan engagement, as a person. We can always strive to be better today than we were yesterday.
Where to Find Tom and Lisa Kelenic
Nice To Meet You:
I believe in positively impacting my clients and the community I live in, which is why I jumped at the chance to be an ambassador with “The Faces of Lake Country”. It’s a perfect blend of why I enjoy being a Realtor with Shorewest, Realtors, and everything I love about living in Lake Country.
I truly enjoy being a part of this community and helping others along the way. Prior to real estate, I was an Office Supervisor for the City of Waukesha Park & Recreation Department. During this time, I had the opportunity to work with many business owners and serve the general public. It was there that I realized that it really does take a village to make a community great and each and every one of us plays an important role.
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