Martin Gfesser has been with Trendler for nearly three decades and currently serves as the President. In his free time, he enjoys fishing, golfing, and spending time with his family.
Q. Tell me a little more about your personal and professional background
I was born and raised in the suburbs of Chicago, IL. I graduated from the University of Wisconsin Platteville in 1989 with industrial technology degree. I've beenmarried for 23 years to the love of my life, and I have a daughter who is in college studying to become a lawyer.
Q. What are three adjectives that best describe you?
Three adjectives that best describe me are hands-on, open-minded, and well-rounded.
Q. When did you begin your career at Trendler? Tell me about your current role and responsibilities.
I started my career at Trendler in the tool and die department, and I’ve always been interested in engineering and design work. I designed my degree at UW-Platteville to encompass all the different areas of Trendler’s business, so when I graduated, I became VP of Operations and was able to hit the ground running. While VP of Operations, I redesigned and redeveloped all of the routings of our product line to streamline operations. I was elected President of Trendler by our board in 2007, where I’m involved in every area of Trendler's business from product development and engineering, cash management, primary vendor contacts, customer relations, and corporate culture enhancement.
Q. What motivates you? What makes you excited to come to work every day?
I enjoy being involved in all business areas and performing and training our valued employees. There’s always a new challenge, and for me, that's what keeps me on my toes as I tackle solving any hurdles that come my way. There is nothing more satisfying than facing an issue, solving it, and learning from it.
Q. What has been your proudest professional accomplishment?
I never thought I would become President of Trendler. I knew I had the manufacturing skill set among others, but accounting and finance were two skills I thought I was never strong. However, collaborating with lawyers, bankers, and other individuals who possess those skills, accounting, and finance, is second nature to me. I’d also say ever since I became President of Trendler, I've kept the company profitable every year
Q. In your opinion, what’s the best thing about Trendler?
Trendler's company culture empowers our employees to be their best selves, and we grow as a company by learning from our success and our failures. If my employees aren’t making mistakes to me they are not putting themselves out there and trying.
Q. Outside of the office, what do you like to do?
I enjoy playing golf, fishing, playing video games, and spending time with my family.