In 2022, Rytec lost an influential and special member of our team, Tony Burbach – or ‘Tony B’ as we knew him. Tony was a trusted, respected and beloved member of the Rytec family and our Executive Leadership Team.
In 1990, Tony joined Rytec Corporation in Jackson, WI, as a Sales Manager and was ultimately promoted to Vice President of Sales. Throughout his 25-year career with the company, Tony consistently gave all he had. He focused his full attention on our customers and often would ask, “What have you done for the customer today?” Tony often went beyond his role to give support and direction to all teams at Rytec and contributed significantly to Rytec’s market leadership, product development, and sales during his tenure.
As was his nature, Tony continued to work throughout his health challenges and always brought his characteristic work ethic, humor, and collaborative spirit to the team.
To honor Tony’s legacy and in keeping with the giving spirit he had, we have created the Tony Burbach “Character” Award. Each year, we will select one individual from the company who consistently demonstrates the principles by which Tony lived – accountability, respect, commitment, integrity and collaboration. For this award, a monetary donation will be made in Tony’s name to his selected charities. In addition, the Rytec recipient acknowledged by this great honor will also receive special recognition.
In 2024, the first Tony Burbach “Character” Award was presented to Scott Lueneburg, Technical Support Manager. Scott joined Rytec in 2008, working part-time on the second shift. Shortly after, he moved into a full-time position working as a welder for the next 8 years. During that time, Scott also shadowed many different departments to learn more about the doors while building strong relationships with many employees. In 2016, Scott joined the Technical Support department. While in Technical Support, he used the knowledge he learned while in production, which included applications, the steps required to assemble our doors, parts, customers, and more. Scott built relationships with many customers and dealers in his new role, much more so than he ever imagined.
In 2019, Scott was promoted to Technical Support Supervisor. Scott’s skill set and knowledge continued to increase, as did his relationships with customers, dealers, and Regional Sales Managers, and eventually, he was promoted to Technical Support Manager in 2021.
During the nomination process, senior colleagues made several comments about Scott. “Scott’s role requires that he interact with individuals at all levels inside and outside the company, using the leverage of collaboration to reach the goal of satisfying our customers. He uses the same level of respect and patience with all. His commitment is evident in his diligent efforts day in and out”. Another comment was, “Each day, Scott handles tough situations with respect and communicates clearly and concisely to our clients. He discusses with the appropriate Regional Sales Manager when the need arises and always tries to align the client and Rytec to come to a mutual agreement.”
“I believe the relationships I have built internally and externally with Rytec help make Rytec what it is. An ever-growing family that prides itself on customer service and providing the highest quality door on the market for our customers”, said Scott.
We congratulate Scott on receiving this high honor.
