What is your name and position in the company/business? Chad Randick, President & CEO
What year was your company started/founded? 1974
Where was the business located when it started? Ames, Iowa
When did it relocate to its present location? 1984
Is there any interesting story or detail about your company’s early days that are fun to share? Our company began producing product out of a Quonset hut in Ames, and when we outgrew that facility, purchased the Triangle Mall in Nevada and converted that structure into a manufacturing facility.
Do you know how many employees your business started with when it first opened? 5
How many employees do you have now? 525
What types of jobs are there within your business? Joining the Burke Team has never been easier. We are hiring for all shifts and many different skill sets and interests. Currently, we have several opportunities in our maintenance department for anyone who possesses mechanical and electronic aptitude. There are operator positions throughout our line for those who pride themselves on attention to detail and consistency. For those who have a great team spirit and a desire to join a great team, there is a place waiting for them at Burke Corp.
Where can people review current job openings with your business? www.BetteratBurke.com
In the simplest of terms, what does your company do? Manufacture precooked and individually frozen (IQF) crumbles, meatballs, and diced products that are sold to pizzerias, restaurants, schools, manufacturers, and more.
What are some ways your business and its employees have engaged with members of the community? We support large organizations like United Way, Boys and Girls Club, as well as local community efforts such as Adopt a Highway (Rte 30), Food Drives-Community Cupboard, Clothing Drives-Harmony Closet, Hunger Donations, Cultivating Hope Farms, Nevada Schools, the Nevada Community Garden, Lincoln Highway Days, Nevada Rodeo, Main Street Nevada, Runners United Nevada, and a local Make a Wish fund in honor of a Maxwell resident, just to name a few. We pride ourselves on contributing to those efforts that impact our employees directly. For instance, we recently supported family members of our employees via a contribution to an Eagle Scout Project and the support of a FIRST Lego League team.
What do you believe your business is best known for? creating customized formulas for our customers that replicate products that they are currently cooking onsite
Is your business looking toward any big changes in the near future?
We have recently completed our expansion and are excited to see this $150 million investment in our team and community come to fruition.
Did the pandemic have any major effect on your business, either positive or negative? Our diversified business model allowed us to hold our own as our customers struggled with various aspects of the pandemic. While some of our restaurant customers saw a decrease, we were able to continue to meet the needs of increased demand from our retail customers.
Why is Nevada/Story County a great place for your business to be?Story County, and specifically the Nevada area, is a locality with the same values on which Burke was founded and continues to operate. As a corporate citizen, we prioritize involvement in our surrounding neighborhood, and Nevada is committed to growth and improvement just as we are.
What’s the best way for people to learn more about your business – do you post on social media or keep up a website? We do maintain social media presence on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram under Burke Corporation. Our company website can be found at www.burkecorp.com., and our open job postings can be found at www.BetteratBurke.com.