NIMESH ‘NEMO’ RUPAREL: STORE DIRECTOR OF ANTETOKOUNBROS, FOUNDER OF THE MILWAUKEE SWAP

In this episode of Spearhead Conversations, host Xavier Mercado talks with entrepreneur Nimesh Ruparel, known as “Nemo,” about his inspiring journey. Nimesh shares his pivotal role in Antetokounbros, home of a lifestyle brand created in partnership with the Antetokounmpo family, where he helped design the store and shape its merchandise strategy with a focus on community and legacy.

He reflects on his academic path at MATC and UW-Milwaukee, where he earned a marketing degree and an entrepreneurship certificate while balancing fatherhood, work, and education. During this time, he honed his skills in business planning, sales, and marketing.

Nimesh also discusses founding The Milwaukee Swap, Wisconsin’s first sneaker convention, which grew from a small Facebook group into a community of nearly 60,000 members. Its 2012 launch event drew hundreds of attendees.

Throughout the episode, Nimesh shares insights on overcoming challenges, fostering connections, and building purposeful brands, offering valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs.