Meet… Bill Burch! Bill is the Director of Warehouse Operations in Wisconsin for Standard Electric. He works out of our Milwaukee, WI location. Get to know Bill!
What’s your management philosophy?
My management philosophy has always been a belief that straight-forward, sincere, and open communication, with having data to support facts and decisions, help to take steps in a better direction and get the answers for immediate concerns, as well as for continuous improvement discussions.
Who has been your most effective manager, and what did you appreciate about them?
The most effective manager that I have worked with was when I was at the ACS Group. I very much admired how he carried himself. He was very involved at all levels of production. He actively listened to obtain facts, which resulted in asking the needed questions to improve processes. I appreciated his approach to all matters on how he remained calm, but firm while instilling a feeling of confidence in management staff to have an opinion, make changes and improve processes. He is an excellent role model.
What would you name the autobiography of your life? Why?
Trying to be creative here… I’d name my Autobiography, “One Day at a Time” = A simple phrase used so often, but is a true reflection of moments in my life, both personal and professional; Countless occasions where I’ve needed to ‘Take a deep breath, focus and keep going’.
What’s your favorite indoor/outdoor activity? Why?
Baseball… It’s been in my bloodline since birth. My grandfather (Robert Kelley) is in the Wisconsin Baseball Hall of Fame - he was the Head of the Umpires Association in Wisconsin; back when ballgames were played at the old Borchart Field. I grew up with a love for the game. I had a great High School Baseball Coach at Whitnall (Tom Grafenauer) where I was a captain of the Team. I played baseball morning, noon & night, 7-days a week! That continued thru my Army days. As I became a father, I enjoyed coaching my son throughout his youth baseball days. As he grew older, I had a season ticket package at Brewer games going to games with my son & others. These days, it’s about the only TV that I watch, and I still go to a good number of games throughout the year.
Ten years ago, are you where you thought you would be now? How is it alike and how is it different?
No, but thinking 10-years in advance would go against my Autobiography, “One Day at a Time” 😊 Change is good! I am living my happiest life these days!
Who inspires you? Why?
In addition to my parents’ life-long living examples… My children (Jessica & Nicholas) have always been an inspiration for me to be a better man; to provide and set an example of hard work, perseverance, and constant love. My Best Friend and Love, Lesli and her son, Braden have been a huge inspiration in my life! Braden was born with SMA and is disabled. He is now 15 years old… we call each other Best Pals! To experience life with them has been incredibly rewarding!
What’s the best meal you’ve ever had?
I’ve been Blessed to have a lifetime of Amazing Meals!!! My Best Meal is my next one 😊 I am Always thankful for what I have!
What was the first concert you attended?
I was in the Army when I went to my first concert = December 13th, 1991. I saw Van Halen at the Miami Arena with my Army friend, Randy! We had floor seats, 10th row!!
I’ve seen a ton of concerts since; Lesli and I most especially enjoy Zac Brown Band, Chris Stapleton, Luke Combs, Kenny Chesney, Garth Brooks, Eric Church, Darius Rucker, Florida Georgia Line, and of course the immortal Jimmy Buffett (RIP)
What is your favorite part of working at Standard Electric? Why?
I have most enjoyed the ‘positive’ and professional atmosphere at Standard Electric. The people are very nice and welcoming. There is a Team Atmosphere across all areas of the business. Working together with one common goal.
What’s something most people don’t know about you?
While my eyesight is lousy and anybody who is around me will always see me with readers… one thing people may not know about me is that my hearing is exceptional – most likely why I was good at my job in Army Intelligence, Intercepting Morse Code transmissions while monitoring the Drug Trafficking in the Gulf of Mexico while I was stationed in Key West, FL.
If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would do?
If I won the lottery, after dancing the Irish Jig for a lengthy time (lol) I’d honestly be a little boring at first, paying off the house, etc. But ensuring a secure lifestyle for my family would be my top priority.
What is your personal philosophy? How has this guided you?
My personal philosophy… “Be All You Can Be”… it’s really not just an Army Slogan. I believe this is an individual choice, to push and strive to do great things! If you don’t like something, change it; if you can’t change it, then change the way you think about it.
If you could meet anyone, living or dead, who would you meet? Why?
My grandfathers… I wasn’t fortunate enough to grow up with either of them. My mother’s dad passed away before I was born and my father’s dad passed away shortly after I turned one, when he made me a red toy box for all of my toys… I still have it to this day!
What is your favorite TV show or movie?
I think the only time I turn on television these days is to watch a sporting event… I wish there were more time in the day to watch movies, although my all-time favorite movie is ‘The Usual Suspects’ from 1995. I enjoy Suspense/Dramas the most.
Standard Electric Supply Co. is a family-owned distributor, built on delivering outstanding service. For over 100 years, Standard Electric has been the best at what they do; delivering top-quality products, outstanding service, and providing value-added services to customers across the Midwest. Visit standardelectricsupply.com to see how Standard Electric can become the solution to your needs.
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