Jim Wintzer, President
Jim’s desire to grow and improve applies to more than manufacturing. From a family-owned rendering business, Jim was accustomed to being in a plant environment at an early age. His summers spent unloading trucks in the early morning hours, to operating machinery and other equipment, helped pave his way through college at Wittenberg University.
Shortly after college, Jim accepted a position in a management development program that would foster his ambition to take on challenges that solved problems by enhancing processes. This opportunity was with a multinational conglomerate that manufactured sporting goods, relays and controls for aerospace, fire protection equipment, and even oxygen masks in airplanes. This exposed Jim to the multiple functions within a business and understand the business landscape holistically. From industrial engineering, labor relations, accounting, marketing, purchasing and operations management; Jim had an opportunity to partake in each function. During this time, Jim decided to further his knowledge and received his Master’s in Business Administration from the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.
Jim’s love for continuous improvement has allowed him to advance professionally and stay relevant even through turbulent economies. Since 1993 when he assumed the role as president of Advance Industrial Manufacturing, he has had managed all phases of the business, and continues to lead and share his experience with the team. His emphasis on relationships, cost savings, identifying efficiencies in processes and projects, has allowed him to connect with those he serves on a personal level.
“I feel responsible to make sound decisions because this business provides for many people. Not just our clients and partners, but for our team members and their families too.”
When Jim is not hard at work at the plant, he is either spending time with his family grilling out, golfing, or enjoying the water while boating. He also has the unique talent to create big splashes off diving boards; his ‘Pineappler’ method worthy of winning competitions at his local swimming pool. His advice to those in the manufacturing industry is to keep up with technology, work hard and smart, and never give up.
Persistence, Calvin Coolidge
Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence.
Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent.
Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb.
Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts.
Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.