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 his all. 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 his giving spirit, we have created the Tony Burbach “Character” Award. Each year, we will select individuals from the company who consistently demonstrate the principles by which Tony lived—accountability, respect, commitment, integrity, and collaboration – as well as a focus on safety, teamwork, and customer satisfaction. For this award, a monetary donation will be made in Tony’s name to his selected charities. In addition, for representing these values day in and day out, the Rytec recipient will also receive special recognition.
As her responsibilities grew, so did her influence. Trista went on to create and lead the team she coined as “Customer Care,” serving as its first manager and building a culture rooted in service, accountability, and collaboration. Today, as Smart Factory Production Manager, she continues to drive Rytec forward with a strong focus on people, process refinement, and continuous improvement – playing a key role in Rytec’s evolution and modernization.
In recognition of Trista’s award, Rytec will make a monetary donation to Feeding America. Trista’s journey is a powerful reminder that character is demonstrated not only through major achievements but through the everyday actions that support teammates, strengthen processes, and serve customers. Congratulations, Trista, for representing the absolute best of Rytec
Congratulations, Trista, for representing the absolute best of Rytec!
Rytec is also proud to recognize a second award winner this year – Stan Miller, Sheet Metal Fabricator (P1 Fabrication), at Rytec’s Jackson facility.
Stan’s passion for and pride in Rytec run deep – he loves knowing where the thousands of Rytec doors find their ‘homes’ across the U.S. and around the world. He recalls specific locations and applications, for example, an airport baggage-handling system that reminds him of how meaningful Rytec teamwork is.
“What has always amazed me is where our doors go out to or are in the U.S.A., even around the world. I believe in them, and I am enormously proud to be on the team manufacturing such a high-quality product,” says Stan.
In 2025, Gretta Dondlinger, a Senior HR Generalist and Plant Visit Coordinator at Rytec, received the 2nd Tony Burbach “Character” Award. She joined the company in 2018 as a Talent Acquisition Specialist for the Jackson and Hartford facilities, leading new hire orientations, and job fairs. Promoted to Senior HR Generalist in 2021, she focused on talent acquisition, performance management, and employee relations. Gretta is also a member of the Hartford Safety Committee and, as Plant Visit Coordinator since 2023, she organizes onsite activities and factory tours for customer visits.