“It’s a challenge and it’s a great opportunity,” he said. “It’s kind of a dream come true. It’s something that I’ve always aspired to be.

Wetzel said recently he was asked for four words to describe how he’s feeling in his first month at the helm.

“I’m humbled, excited, optimistic and proud,” he said. “I’m humbled for the opportunity to serve this company and its employees. I’m excited for the challenges ahead of us. I’m optimistic for the future with the awesome opportunities we have and the vision we’ve already begun.

“And I’m proud of the accomplishments we’ve made and we’re going to make in the future.”

Herb Homeyer founded Homeyer Precision Manufacturing in 1990 and will stay involved in the company as its CEO.

“Herb has entrusted us the executive leadership team, which consists of Gretchen Homeyer, Justin Homeyer, Walter Blocker and Tim Broughton, to manage the company,” Wetzel said. “He’s still the CEO and owner, but not involved in the day to day operations.”

Wetzel started his career in the industry in 1982 with Supreme Tool and Die Company. At Homeyer, he first worked as a sales manager before being named general manager and now president.

“I think they know me here, they trust me and they believe in what we’re trying to accomplish,” he said.

Wetzel said he has worked as a machinist, quality manager, production scheduler and sales manager. He thinks having served in a variety of different roles will serve him well as Homeyer’s president.

“It gives you a whole new respect,” he said. “It gives you knowledge of all the aspects of all of the business. You absolutely need to have that.”

Despite being the president for less than a month, Wetzel already has goals for the company.

“Our goal is to grow the company and be the best that we can for our customers,” he said. “We want to be among the top shops in the area. We want to be the shop that people chase. We want to be the shop that people look up to. No disrespect to anyone else, but that’s just what we aspire to be.”

Wetzel said another goal is to train the next generation to take over the family business once he’s ready to retire.

“I don’t know if this is necessarily a transition period, but it kind of is,” he said. “It’s a way to bridge the gap between Herb and the next Homeyers to run the business.”

By Joe Barker, Missourian Staff Writer

Credit: http://www.emissourian.com