January, 2003
Meet Bill M.
by: Steve Brose

Bill M. has been the sales manager at Indepak since May of 1984.  He met owner Dave Aho and his family when he was contracting to complete the building of their home in Corbett, Oregon.  He got a tour of the company before he left to complete a job in California.  When it was finished, he called again and found there was a need for a sales person.  Bill re-visited and was hired.  To quote Bill, "I fell in love with thermoforming.  It was like my life had been a preparation for it.  I had a background in chemistry and physics, and was fascinated with plastics in college.  I had been selling all of my life, so it was a good match.  After all of these years, it's still a passion and exciting to work with customers."  Bill worked alone in sales at Indepak for many years.  He says that today, it is a pleasure to have a sales staff and share the workload with such a great team.  

Bill was born in Missouri and raised in Nebraska.  He is a loyal Corn Huskers fan!  He was blessed with tremendous parents and taught a strong work ethic.  Today, he lives in Portland, Oregon and says that he is so close to Indepak that if he falls out of bed, he would be near his desk at work.

Bill has many interests including photography, woodworking, sewing and quilting with a programmable sewing machine, and music including studio work.  He says his number one interest is woodworking and has built fine furniture, but music is for recreation.  With the owners approval, he plans on teaching woodworking classes after work and building things like jewelry boxes, desks, and things that take laminating, joining, "fairly exotic stuff."  Bill says he doesn't have a normal living room at home.  Instead, he has a grand piano, a Hammond C-3 organ, and a Yamaha full keyboard.  Upstairs, there is a music studio with recording equipment.  Bill plays many instruments and records his own music.  Church activities are a major part of his life.

In retirement (soon), Bill wants to travel, but stay connected and productive without the stresses of working.  He hopes to have some kind of role in sales or research.  

Bill pays tribute to owners Dave and Jan Aho for their spiritual focus that allows us to grow spiritually "on the job."  "It is special and there is genuine caring."  "They have always been there for me and others."  "Things like celebrations, surgeries, marriages, deaths, tough times - tears and laughter."

Co-worker comments:
"Extremely gifted in working with the concepts of creating solutions for customers needs.  Never intimidated, looks at big issues as challenges, and has a very successful track record.  One of the main people responsible for our past successes and growth of the company."

"Bill's gentle guidance inspires his co-workers to undertake great effort and enjoy the accomplishments that are achieved as a result.  I marvel at his influence on the success Indepak has enjoyed over the years."

"Works very hard and committed to Indepak and it's customers.  I admire him and his dedication!"

Thanks for letting us feature you this month Bill.  It is nice to learn of your many interests and talents.  You are a key person at Indepak and respected by employees and customers.

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