(Note: Photo taken before COVID-19 and Perlick’s mask policy was put in place)

Many of us are looking for ways to give back to the community, especially during these difficult times. The subject of today’s Perlick Profile has been serving his community for years, and we want to tell his story. Today we meet Product Engineer Jeff Burnett!

Jeff was born in Caledonia, Wisconsin, which is south of Milwaukee in Racine County. His family moved just west of there to Raymond when Jeff was about 6 years old, and he still lives in Raymond with his wife Lori and their children Gary and Samantha. Jeff has been with Perlick for almost 5 years.

Jeff is very friendly and knowledgeable, and willing to take time to help any of his coworkers. Let’s learn more about Jeff!

What are your main duties as a Product Engineer at Perlick?

Jeff: I work on both underbar and beverage dispensing, and we will be starting the redesign of the underbar product line.

What made you want to get into Engineering? What do you love most about your job?

Jeff: When I graduated from high school I started working as a machinist but always tried to make things better, so I went to college for Mechanical Design.

What do you like most about working at Perlick?

Jeff: I like that Perlick is not so big that we are all just a number. I hope that we can make this the best place to work.

You have another job outside of Perlick. Tell us about that.

Jeff: I am also a volunteer firefighter and EMT in the village where I live. I have been doing that for about 12 years.

(Jeff and his son on a call)

Why do you enjoy volunteer firefighting?

Jeff: I started firefighting to help people in my town.

Isn’t it hard getting up in the middle of the night, or being interrupted for a call? Why do you do it?

Jeff: It is sometimes hard getting up all hours of the night and being called at dinner. It seems like just when you have something to do is when the call comes in. I believe that you need to help others, and this is my way. I remember when my son was in tee ball playing a game next to the fire station and a call came in and my son asked why I was not going. I said I was watching his game and my 6-year-old told me to go because someone needs me.

Why is it important people give back to the community, especially during a time like this?

Jeff: My son’s response is the thing that keeps me going. When I see people on a call, it is at a bad time for them, and you can just tell that they are thankful for what we do. I stopped one day on Good Hope Road for a car accident and helped the people until MFD got there. The people were so grateful that they sent my Chief a letter thanking me. It shows that people are thankful for what we do.

You are also on the Perlick Engagement Committee – why is that important to you?

Jeff: I left a place I worked for 20 years to come to Perlick as it was a family-owned company. I believe Perlick can be one of the greatest places in Milwaukee to work and that is why I help with the engagement committee.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

Jeff: Most of my spare time is spent going to the sporting events that my children are in. We also like to do family things like camping and hiking. But when I have time after all of that I restore old trucks and drive them around. I also have Lionel trains that were my dad’s from when he was a kid.

Finally, we always ask this one, being a bar equipment company – what’s your favorite drink? ?

Jeff: Jack and Coke

Thank you Jeff for your dedication to Perlick and the community. You are truly an example of living the Perlick Values every day.