Kerry Behnke is Zinc Business Team Manager at Professional Plating in Brillion, Wisconsin.
She started in 1998 on the zinc plating line and was promoted to manager in 2012. Her drive and leadership have led to significant growth and change with the zinc plating operations, and she saw the company adjust from hex to tri-chromium. Behnke and her team of 75 employees are responsible for the day-to-day success of their entire zinc plating operations, as well as their wastewater and environmental compliance areas. She and her husband have two daughters and a son.
How did you get your start in the finishing industry?
Behnke and her husband, Jeff, with their granddaughter Aria.After starting a family, I wanted to work closer to home, and Professional Plating was basically in my backyard. I knew nothing about the surface finishing industry when I started. I found I truly enjoyed the chemistry part of finishing. I was a sponge and absorbed any information I could learn from fellow team members, books on surface finishing, and the chemical suppliers. I advanced within the company several times and worked several positions in the zinc plating area and quality before becoming the manager of the zinc team.
What do you enjoy best about the industry?
There is always something new, chemistry/tooling/machine-related. Always something to learn or improve on, and it will never be the same thing daily. I like learning new things; I like to change things for the better, and the opportunity is always there.
If money was no object, what would you do all day?
I think anyone who knows me well would not be surprised that I would love to own a shoe store. Second, I would be a personal shopper for people so I could make them feel confident and good about themselves. Everyone knows if you feel good, you can conquer the world.
If you could go back in time, what year would you travel to?
To 2007 and I would take the time I was able to spend with loved ones more seriously. I thought I was invincible until 2007. I had a father-in-law, my mom, and one of my best friends find out they had cancer, and I realized how precious life and time are. These moments changed my perspective on a lot of things, and I will forever be grateful they were all part of my life, but I wish I could go back and spend one more day laughing with each of them. My mom was my largest supporter, and I still find myself asking her if I’m doing the right thing or made the right decision; I’m pretty sure she still rolls her eyes and says yes, go with your gut. I lost my dad in 2019, and I still wish there was another day with him as well, so I guess no matter how much time you have, just don’t waste it doing something you do not love to do and spend it with people you enjoy being around.
How would your friends describe you?
First, they might say I’m the instigator of the group, but that is really not true! They would say I’m funny, sarcastic, and loyal, and I would drop anything to help them out without question.
What are your hobbies?
My husband and I like to travel both in the United States and in tropical places. We have enjoyed family trips with our kids as well as traveling with my siblings and their families; those are cherished memories we talk and laugh about all the time. I like to read but do not always have time, so when I do, I typically binge read. We like to go to Milwaukee Bucks, Packer, and Brewer games.
What is the best gift you have been given?
My husband, Jeff, and our three children— Jaclyn, Alexandra, and Brock — will always be my greatest gifts. In 2019 Jacki and her husband Justin made us grandparents with granddaughter Aria, and she has added so much enjoyment to our lives. My kids now joke that Aria is my favorite (don’t tell anyone, but it’s true). Our second granddaughter is due to arrive in April 2021.
Aside from necessities, what one thing could you not go a day without?
Diet Pepsi.
Name two pet peeves.
People who use their past to block them from being successful now. My son would tell you it is to not leave one carrot in the bag or a small amount of anything left, so you don’t have to throw the bag or milk bottle out.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
I see myself working in the surface finishing industry in some aspects and spending time with grandkids.
If you were a superhero, what powers would you have?
Mindreader; would that not be fun?
What would you do if you won the lottery?
I would rent a tropical resort and invite my entire family, my in-law's families, and my best friends on a tropical vacation. The memories we could create in a two-week time frame!
What’s your favorite zoo animal?
Giraffe.
If you could go back in time to change one thing, what would it be?
I would have taken my studies in high school more seriously.
Would you rather trade intelligence for looks or looks for intelligence?
Looks for intelligence.
What’s your favorite holiday?
I don’t have a favorite holiday, but the best time of year is fall.
What’s the most daring thing you’ve ever done?
I was taking on roles here at work where I was responsible for others and their futures. I have always been afraid of failure, so taking on some roles where a large leap out of my comfort zone.
What was the last thing you watched on TV?
This is Us.
What’s your favorite type of foreign food?
Italian.
Are you a clean or messy person?
In between.
Who would you want to play you in a movie of your life?
My life is not interesting enough to have a movie made about it.
What’s your favorite fast-food chain?
Chic-Fil-A.
What’s your favorite family recipe?
Chicken broccoli casserole or shrimp salad.
What’s your favorite family tradition?
Christmas Eve.
What is your favorite childhood memory?
I lived in the country, so anyone in a three-mile radius was your neighbor. We use to get together and have corn roasts, haunted houses and hayrides, tubing in winter, and yard games in summer. To this day, we are still friends with people we grew up and hanging out with.
What’s your favorite movie?
I don’t have one; there are several that every time you see on TV, you stop to watch them.
