#157: Reilly Berk (Berk Enterprises)

Reilly Berk (Berk Enterprises): 00:00

Our purpose and and kind of what we believe is, you know, we reimagine food service disposables, and we offer products that enhance lasting memories. So some people might think, you know, well, Burke, oh, yeah, they sell cups, they sell straws, they sell, you know, cotton candy bags. Yes, we do that. But we believe that we're providing the tools that bring people together over a meal to create memories, whether you're at a fair, you know, sharing a lemonade with your boyfriend, or you're at a restaurant, you know, sharing your Chipotle bowl. Like, we feel like our products play a part in in bringing people together to create memories.

Jeffrey Stern: 00:35

Let's discover what people are building in the Greater Cleveland community. We are telling the stories of Northeast Ohio's entrepreneurs, builders, and those supporting them. Welcome to the Lay of the Land podcast, where we are exploring what people are building in Cleveland and throughout Northeast Ohio. I am your host, Jeffrey Stern, and today, I have the real pleasure of speaking with Reilly Burke, the CEO of Burke Enterprises. Enterprises.

Jeffrey Stern: 01:05

Founded back in 1946 by her grandparents, Suzanne and Harold Burke, Burke Enterprises boasts a diverse history that began with the creation of the Quick Kill Insecticide and the subsequent founding of the Burke Exterminating Company in Warren, Ohio. Evolving over time, the company expanded its ventures into numismatics, leading to the Warren coin shop and later transformed into Burke Paper and Supply, carrying janitorial products such as tissues, napkins, and paper towels. In 1976, Burke Paper and Supply evolved into Burke Enterprises when the company underwent transformative changes, introducing innovations like the novelty drinkware line for the concessions industry and the Environ product line, which consists of earth friendly alternatives. Today, Burke Enterprises maintains an impressive catalog of over 4,000 food service disposables, such as plastic cutleries, straws, cups, 2 go containers, and much more as they service over 3,000 different customers, including restaurant chains like Chipotle as well as schools, entertainment venues, theaters, stadiums, and fairs, in addition to supplying the nation's largest food service distributors with multiple distribution centers across the country. Guided by familial dedication, Reilley, who was recently recognized by Forbes as a 30 under 30 in Cleveland, now serves as the CEO of Burke Enterprises, overseeing 150 employees and with a drive and vision to continue to shape the industry with Burke Enterprises' legacy, values, and expanding product offerings.

Jeffrey Stern: 02:42

This was a really fun conversation as we impact what it was like becoming CEO in her early twenties, the history and the evolution of the family business over time, Reilly's perspective on management and leadership, and what is in store for Burke Enterprises going forward. So please enjoy my conversation with Reilly Burke after a brief message from our sponsor. Lay of the Land is brought to you by Impact Architects and by 90. As we share the stories of entrepreneurs building incredible organizations in Cleveland and throughout Northeast Ohio, Impact Architects has helped hundreds of those leaders, many of whom we have heard from as guests on this very podcast, realize their own visions and build these great organizations. I believe in Impact Architects and the people behind it so much that I have actually joined them personally in their mission to help leaders gain focus, align together, and thrive by doing what they love.

Jeffrey Stern: 03:35

If you 2 are trying to build great, Impact Architects is offering to sit down with you for a free consultation with Impact Architects or by leveraging 90 to power your own business, please go to ia.layoftheland.fm. The link will also be in our show notes. All right. So I was thinking about where the best place to start our conversation would be. And I was thinking about the Forbes recognition that you recently achieved.

Jeffrey Stern: 04:14

And I thought it would be a fun place to start just given that in the spirit of that recognition, you know, it's all about young, ambitious people here in the greater Cleveland area, making their mark, in the world and building up Northeast Ohio as, as a region. So, you know, you are a young, ambitious person, now the 3rd generation leading and running over a 100 person organization with thousands of clients. Can you tell us a little bit about your story and how you came to be in in this position?

Reilly Berk (Berk Enterprises): 04:47

Sure. Thanks for having me. Interesting situation. So I have grown up in a family business. My grandfather started the business in 1946.

Reilly Berk (Berk Enterprises): 04:58

We've evolved quite a bit. We actually started as an exterminating company, which is like crazy to think about. But he was a chemistry major and he developed this insecticide, called Quick Kill. So we were selling these exterminating supplies, and he also had a passion for like rare coins. So we had like a little coin shop in this like exterminating building.

Reilly Berk (Berk Enterprises): 05:20

It's so random. And then, when my dad was growing up, he didn't really know what he wanted to do. He had no interest in exterminating, no interest in coins. You know, didn't know what he wanted to do. His mom's like, well, why don't you be a lawyer?

Reilly Berk (Berk Enterprises): 05:35

You know, that's like a a steady job. So, he studied political science. And then as he was kind of finishing up school, his dad was starting to get sick. So my dad was like, okay, I'll join the business and help out and we'll see where that goes. So he joined the business and the businesses were located in Warren, Ohio.

Reilly Berk (Berk Enterprises): 05:54

So about an hour from Cleveland. And, he was working there. He was pretty much like our only sales rep at the time, just kind of hitting the streets and helping out around the business. And around the seventies, mid seventies, early eighties, my dad was always really fascinated by the outdoor amusement industry, like fairs and carnivals. And my dad's like a big kid.

Reilly Berk (Berk Enterprises): 06:16

Like, he loves these kind of things. He loves pinball machines. Like, he just recently opened up a pinball arcade in my hometown. So this was like right up his alley, and he would walk all of these fairs and he noticed that, all of these people for lemonade were using like a generic like wheat design or just like a plain boring cup. So my dad's like he would talk to people.

Reilly Berk (Berk Enterprises): 06:37

He's like, well, you can sell your lemonade out of your cup for maybe $2 or my cup that has lemons all over it and the word lemonade. And

Jeffrey Stern: 06:44

Yeah. Yeah.

Reilly Berk (Berk Enterprises): 06:45

You know, you could probably sell it for double, and he kind of coined this phrase like flash is cash. So, that's kinda how that concession side of the business started, and it it really took off. Everyone wanted these lemonade cups, and that kind of evolved into, you know, French fry buckets and cotton candy bags and popcorn tubs and really just bringing that, that industry to life. There's a lot of people now when you walk fairs. There's many different kinds of, lemonade cups and things, but we were the first ones to kind of bring that custom, fun, you know, lemonade cup to the fair.

Reilly Berk (Berk Enterprises): 07:19

So I grew up in the business. I'm one of 5. I'm the oldest. And, you know, I remember at a very early age, like 6, 7 years old, going to the office to see dad, you know, going into his office, running around the cubicles, going into the conference room, talking to all of the staff, going to the holiday parties. And it's funny, a lot of the staff that I talked to when I was like 6 is still at my office today, which is really cool.

Reilly Berk (Berk Enterprises): 07:46

But I was just really fascinated by it. And I remember when I was like 12, 13 years old, you know, seeing my dad as this, like, successful businessman always in a suit and traveling and hearing these stories, I'm like, this is just so incredible. Like, I I know I wanna be a part of this. Like, I just I knew at a very young age, which was cool. And, when I was 15, I went to my first trade show in Paris, which is, like, one of my favorite places ever.

Reilly Berk (Berk Enterprises): 08:13

Yeah. And, I was, like, in the booth all dressed up, talking to customers and showing them our products. And, like, in that moment, I really was, like, this is, like, what I really wanna do. Like, I'm so passionate about this. So I've worked part time for the business for 10 years now.

Reilly Berk (Berk Enterprises): 08:28

You know, anytime I had breaks from school, like winter vacations and spring breaks and summer breaks throughout high school, I just I always wanted to be at Burke. I I just thought it was the coolest thing ever. And, I graduated from Kent and then I went to Cleveland State to get my master's. And I was working for another company at the time because I felt like it was important to get some other experience or Sure. Sure.

Reilly Berk (Berk Enterprises): 08:51

You know, learn other aspects of of different kind of companies. And then, my dad was calling me. He's like, when are you gonna come to Burke? We want you back here. So then I I left Cleveland.

Reilly Berk (Berk Enterprises): 09:03

I I moved back to the Youngstown, Warren area. I went back to Burke full time in 2021. And, when I was at Burke before, I was always really involved and passionate about, like, sales. My dad was, like, the greatest salesman ever. He still is.

Reilly Berk (Berk Enterprises): 09:18

So I love that side of the business, talking to customers. And, I was really excited about that. I was in sales for a while and then I transitioned into operations. And then, last year, I became the CEO. So it's been a whirlwind to see the business.

Jeffrey Stern: 09:37

Quite quite a journey Yeah. Seeing, you know, all aspects of the business and

Reilly Berk (Berk Enterprises): 09:41

For sure.

Jeffrey Stern: 09:41

Everything in between. How would you describe Burke at the highest level today?

Reilly Berk (Berk Enterprises): 09:47

At the highest level, we sell food service disposables and packaging to restaurant chains, distributors like Sysco, US Foods, PFG, Gordon Food Service, and then we also service the outdoor amusement industry. So you could find our products in, like, fairs, carnivals, theaters, prisons, schools, you know, hospitals, things like that. So any kind of to go packaging, for restaurants.

Jeffrey Stern: 10:16

So over 3 quarters of a century ago when, you know, your your grandfather is starting this business with an insecticide product.

Reilly Berk (Berk Enterprises): 10:25

Yeah. It's, it it's so interesting how we've evolved. And I might have forgot to mention this in the beginning, but after the the coins, Harold, my grandfather, he also started selling, janitorial supplies. So like toilet paper, tissues, napkins. So like we were doing a little bit in the food service industry, like barely, but that's kinda how that started.

Reilly Berk (Berk Enterprises): 10:47

And then my grandfather passed, before we even started the concessions. So my dad only had a few, you know, special years with his dad working together, before he passed. But, yeah, I mean, we've evolved quite a bit. And I think, you know, the passing of my grandfather and just having a short time my father having a short time with him, I think that was something else that kinda spearheaded the the transition and succession planning into my role. I think the thought was let's have as much time together as possible, working together and learning from each other.

Reilly Berk (Berk Enterprises): 11:21

So

Jeffrey Stern: 11:22

Yeah. No. It it is pretty fascinating. I think when you think about the origin story of a lot of businesses, often at the onset, there's this, you know, grand vision that is laid out about, you know, the the kind of impact and direction that that you're going to head in as a, as an organization, knowing, you know, from where you are, you know, in in a a future standpoint, you know, relative to where your your grandfather was when he started it, Was there kind of a a founding vision for, you know, what Burke would become? Or, you know, how how do you think about

Reilly Berk (Berk Enterprises): 12:00

I I don't know. And I, like, so badly wish that I I could have met my grandfather. Like, I I've never got to meet him. And, you know, he's he's a huge motivator for me since he started the business. But, no, I think at the time I mean, this was a different time.

Reilly Berk (Berk Enterprises): 12:13

You know, the way my father describes it, you know, in the Youngstown Warren area in the forties, fifties, like, we were just a small mom and pop operation. Our customers were all in Warren. Like, we were just a local family business. I don't think Harold ever had a plan to be the largest best exterminating company in the world. Like, I don't think that was there.

Reilly Berk (Berk Enterprises): 12:33

And then, you know, my dad joined the business. Like, he thought this was maybe gonna be a temporary thing. So he was just trying to help the family, you know, support his parents. And then, you know, he's just he's such a visionary and, you know, kinda spearheading the amusement side of the business. And, I mean, no, he he never really knew where this was going to go, but, you know, it's cool that he didn't know what he wanted to do, had no interest to join the business, and then he got really excited about it and passionate and took it to such an amazing level.

Reilly Berk (Berk Enterprises): 13:04

So I think that's that's really special.

Jeffrey Stern: 13:07

It is really special. So I'd love to kind of go a little bit deeper in terms of, you know, the offerings and the solutions and the products that you're bringing to market, you know, across because it's really a gamut of

Reilly Berk (Berk Enterprises): 13:20

It is.

Jeffrey Stern: 13:21

Of things.

Reilly Berk (Berk Enterprises): 13:21

Yeah. We have like over 4,000 SKUs, which is crazy. We we sell lots of different products, but I can break down the segments if you want for you. The different product groups. Yeah.

Reilly Berk (Berk Enterprises): 13:31

So we carry mostly, like, 3 three different kinds of product groups. Berkeley Square is one of our brands. I would say it's the most, I don't wanna say generic, but it's like your everyday disposables, Plastic cutlery, straws, hot cups, cold cups to go containers, film, foil. It's just like your basic, nothing really custom print. It's like your standard kind of restaurant supplies that

Jeffrey Stern: 13:56

Yeah.

Reilly Berk (Berk Enterprises): 13:56

That you might see at some chains if you were to get, you know, like Bob Evans to go. They gave you like a plastic cutlery kit. You know? We have another line called Environ. This is our biodegradable and compostable line.

Reilly Berk (Berk Enterprises): 14:10

So similar products, cutleries, straws, cups, to go containers, but these are all earth friendly alternatives. We've had this line for quite a while now, but there's definitely been a shift in, you know, a lot of these chains now are looking for more sustainable options and starting to care a little bit more about plastic and and wanting to reduce that. So, that's our Enviro Online. And then the third line, my my favorite line, is, the, the novelty drinkware in our concession line. And what's special about that is we have the ability with my team, to really bring someone's vision to life.

Reilly Berk (Berk Enterprises): 14:48

So a great example of that, we do a lot of state fairs across the country.

Jeffrey Stern: 14:53

Yep.

Reilly Berk (Berk Enterprises): 14:54

We recently did something for the Washington State Fair. They have this mascot. It's like a bear or some kind of creature. I don't really know what it what it is, but they basically wanted, like, us to make a cup in the shape of this animal with, like, the t shirt on and, like, holding up a little Washington State Fair flag. And so, you know, we have 3 d printers and, like, amazing technology.

Reilly Berk (Berk Enterprises): 15:17

We were able to pretty much bring this person's vision to life very quickly. And this year at the fair, they had all of these custom little Washington State Fair Cup. So it's a fun side of the business. We love being able to bring people's visions to life. And, it's fun.

Reilly Berk (Berk Enterprises): 15:33

We definitely get to be the most creative, I would say, on that side of the business.

Jeffrey Stern: 15:37

It sounds really fun. I think when people think about, you know, fairs or sporting outings or other events of that nature, I'd imagine most of us normally think about it and experience them as participants unless on, you know, like,

Reilly Berk (Berk Enterprises): 15:51

oh, for

Jeffrey Stern: 15:52

sure. For sure. You know, what does it look like from the other side? You know, what do you wish people understood about that world that maybe they don't?

Reilly Berk (Berk Enterprises): 16:01

Good question. I I guess, you know, it it depends on what line we're talking about, but I think, you know, no one thinks about maybe the thought that went into something or the behind the scenes, how many years of just ideas and, you know, trial and error for a product, you know, especially on the concession side of the business, like they just, you know, probably have no clue. Like, you know, some of our products, for example, my dad, it's funny, he includes my family on a lot of our cups in, like, caricature forms, like, cartoon, like, in a cartoon way. So, like, a lot of people don't know that. But he incorporates us on the cup.

Reilly Berk (Berk Enterprises): 16:42

So, like, most people would never know that or, like, would never know that, like, this cartoon drawing is, like, real people or they're the owners of the business or they're. So, yeah, I guess, you know, there's there's a lot that goes into the products, tons of testing. I mean, they travel all over the world. They, I don't know. There's, I mean, there's a lot that goes into it like any product, but, I guess it would just be, like, the behind the scenes and all the thought that goes into it.

Jeffrey Stern: 17:08

Yeah. I wanna pull on the on the creative thread. You you mentioned your your dad had this catchphrase, maybe that flash is is catchy. Right?

Reilly Berk (Berk Enterprises): 17:16

Flash is gosh. Yeah.

Jeffrey Stern: 17:18

And kind of propelling the whole lemonade cup business to to new heights. How do you, even just within those 3 segments, do you think about, like, where innovation comes from in the kinds of products that you are creating and how do you cultivate a culture of creativity?

Reilly Berk (Berk Enterprises): 17:37

Mhmm. Well, I think it really depends. I know something that my father started a long time ago was something called a creative minds meeting. And basically, this was like a once a month meeting where we would get the art department, marketing, some sales reps, my dad kind of spearheading this. And it was really just like, let's dream together about new innovations, new products.

Reilly Berk (Berk Enterprises): 17:59

Like, nothing's too crazy. Like, just say whatever you want. There's been some crazy ideas. There's been some really good ideas that now we sell 100 and thousands of cases of. So, you know, I think being a family business, I was raised in you know, my dad was raised with this, like, entrepreneurial spirit, and we're always just, you know, having fun, thinking of what we can bring to the industry.

Reilly Berk (Berk Enterprises): 18:21

And, yeah, I think a a lot of new ideas come from those creative minds meetings. I know a few months ago, a sales rep, he, he's come up with a lot of amazing ideas and he always brings a big duffel bag of surprises to these meetings. So we always get so excited. And he's like, I have I have this idea. You guys will never believe it.

Reilly Berk (Berk Enterprises): 18:40

And he pulls out this giant white bathtub. And we're like, we don't get it. Like, what's the deal here? And he's like, I saw it at a bar. They were using it for drinks, but, like, what if we used it for food?

Reilly Berk (Berk Enterprises): 18:52

It's a bathtub. And we're like, that's just so goofy. Like, it'll never work. And, you know, everyone's against it. Well, you know what, though?

Reilly Berk (Berk Enterprises): 19:00

Like, in the concession industry, like, the goofy stuff, like, it sells at work. So we're like the tub. Like, what can we put in here? And I'm like the tub of fun. We could put anything in there, nachos, donuts.

Reilly Berk (Berk Enterprises): 19:10

So we have the 64 ounce white bathtub called the tub of fun that is all over the fairs now, which is funny. But it's, yeah. I mean, it's fun and it's it's, nice having a team too that's also just creative and they're so passionate about our industry and our business that they are always I mean, everyone in the company is brainstorming of new things that we can bring to the market. So it's a fun atmosphere for sure.

Jeffrey Stern: 19:35

So just with the breadth of offerings that you do have, how how do you think about, you know, where to focus your your efforts and, you know, what what comes next?

Reilly Berk (Berk Enterprises): 19:47

Yeah. Great question. You know, it it really depends. I I think, you know, in the past when my dad was kind of running the business, you know, we we kind of pride ourselves on being a one stop shop. You know, a lot of our competitors and other companies in the industry, they might only sell disposables.

Reilly Berk (Berk Enterprises): 20:06

They might only sell the environmentally friendly options. Some of our competitors only sell novelty drinkware, whereas we hit, you know, a wide variety of different product offerings, which I think a lot of our customers like that we're a one stop shop. But I think now as time goes on and, you know, as I'm getting more comfortable in my role and we're talking about growth and and some of our goals and things, I think we're starting to focus in on a little bit more on on what we're best at, which I would say, you know, the outdoor amusement industry and those products as well as like cutlery, straws, the gas, like to go containers, I would say that's like our sweet spot. We could do a lot of things. We can find a new product and we can sell anything.

Reilly Berk (Berk Enterprises): 20:47

But, yeah, I I think as time goes on, just really trying to narrow down a little bit and and focus on on what we're best

Jeffrey Stern: 20:55

on. Right. Because it's such a wide aperture and I'm sure, you know, when you think about the history and the legacy of it and just knowing where it came from, you know, if you flip that perspective to, you know, the next 75 years and and Right. Where do you wanna take Earth?

Reilly Berk (Berk Enterprises): 21:11

Yeah. Well, trying to take it pretty far. I mean, I, I have a lot of big goals and dreams for the company, and I think, you know, just trying to continue to be a leading supplier of packaging for the restaurant and amusement industry, you know, obviously to continue growing sales and profits and, you know, really growing my team and hopefully opening up other distribution centers around the country. And, you know, ultimately, I'm just motivated by my grandfather and my parents and just wanna be able to give back to them. And but I think, there's so much we could do with the business.

Reilly Berk (Berk Enterprises): 21:49

And that's what's so great about our industry is there are so many people and so many different kinds of, industries using our products. You know, right now we're really focused on restaurants and distributors and, the fares, but there's airlines. There's hospitals. There's hotels. I mean, there's so many things.

Reilly Berk (Berk Enterprises): 22:06

So it's exciting to know the the growth potential is. It's pretty massive.

Jeffrey Stern: 22:12

Yeah. Yeah. So more from a a personal standpoint, you know, if if your your grandfather was was the founder and if if you think of your father kind of as the visionary of the company, how do you balance maintaining the legacy of the business while also bringing your own fresh perspective as you lead the company forward?

Reilly Berk (Berk Enterprises): 22:37

Yeah. That's a good question. We actually up until about 2 years ago, we were still selling some of the exterminating supplies.

Jeffrey Stern: 22:44

Oh, wow.

Reilly Berk (Berk Enterprises): 22:45

You know, it's kind of that legacy side of the business, but, it really wasn't making money. You know? It was just, like, kind of like that legacy piece. So I think, you know, there are certain things that my dad created that I respect and appreciate, and it is kind of our legacy and and how people in the area know us. But I think it's also a balance of, you know, we're we're here to be profitable and we're here to make money and we have a lot of things we're trying to accomplish.

Reilly Berk (Berk Enterprises): 23:11

So I think it's just a balance of, you know, respecting the legacy and and and maybe even to, you know, not getting rid of everything we did in the past, but maybe tweaking it or thinking differently of how we can make it more profitable or how we can incorporate it into like our, you know, normal kinda, you know, what we're selling now, what's popular. So, I don't know if that answered your question.

Jeffrey Stern: 23:35

No. I think I think that you spoke to it for sure. Can you unpack a little bit more of of what it is to be working in a family business Yeah. In this way?

Reilly Berk (Berk Enterprises): 23:46

Yeah. It's, it's a lot of fun. I work I have I worked part time with my dad for 10 years. My sister was in customer service for a little bit. My brothers worked part time for the business, you know, different breaks from school and things like that on the operations side.

Reilly Berk (Berk Enterprises): 24:03

Side. My mom's involved with the business on an HR side, helping with, like, payroll, different culture ideas. It is so much fun working in a family business. We have we have a great time together. There's no fighting.

Reilly Berk (Berk Enterprises): 24:16

There's no drama. It's funny sometimes I think, you know, it's so special for my dad having his kids interested in the business that, you know, we'll be in meetings sometimes. He's like, oh, you know, honey honey rye or, you know, these nicknames that he has for you, like, in the middle of a meeting or be like, go rye. Like, great job. You know?

Reilly Berk (Berk Enterprises): 24:34

So there is that that father daughter dynamic there too, but it's, it's just so special, being able to work with my dad. It it's, yeah. It's really it's really special. I I love it so much. And, you know, there are times where we don't always see eye to eye.

Reilly Berk (Berk Enterprises): 24:52

I mean, he's been with the company for 45 years. He's a little bit more old school than I am, like, obviously. So we don't always see eye to eye, but we both have the best interest in the company always. And I'm just so thankful that I I have him to bounce ideas off of or go to him for advice. And, yeah, I just I mean, it's it's the perfect situation working with him.

Jeffrey Stern: 25:16

And and how do you feel that it it permeates to the rest of the business? Because because the business is much larger than your your family at this point.

Reilly Berk (Berk Enterprises): 25:25

Yeah. I mean, I think, you know, kind of my dad being the visionary and still being in the company. And I think, you know, we just we have it's not like it's just family running the business. I have amazing, you know, direct reports and a very strong leadership team and executive team. And we had kinda mentioned before, like, my leadership team, my operations team, like, I've grown up with them.

Reilly Berk (Berk Enterprises): 25:46

Like, I would visit them when I was young. They've seen, like, my homecoming pictures. Like, I've grown up with them and now we're all working together. So it really is, I think, just full circle, for a lot of us. And yeah, everyone everyone's excited about the future of Burke and where we're headed.

Jeffrey Stern: 26:03

So when you think about that future and and where you are headed, you know, what what does success look like? You know, what what is ultimately the impact that you would like to have?

Reilly Berk (Berk Enterprises): 26:15

Well, you know, our our purpose and and kind of what we believe is, you know, we reimagine food service disposables and we offer products that enhance lasting memories. So some people might think, you know, well, Burke, oh, yeah. They sell cups. They sell straws. They sell, you know, cotton candy bags.

Reilly Berk (Berk Enterprises): 26:31

Yes, we do that. But we believe that we're providing the tools that bring people together over a meal to create memories, whether you're at a fair, you know, sharing a lemonade with your boyfriend or you're at a restaurant, you know, sharing your Chipotle label. Like, we feel like our products play a part in in bringing people together to create memories. So as far as what success looks like to me, I mean, I want to continue growing the business, continue gaining more market share, of course, and really just being able to serve as many, restaurants and distributors as we can, sell to all the state fairs in the country, and, really just being able to give back to my parents and my employees. And I hope that my, when I have children one day, they wanna go into the business and, you know, I want Burke to be around forever and ever and ever.

Reilly Berk (Berk Enterprises): 27:23

So

Jeffrey Stern: 27:24

Amazing. Well, you know, one thing you mentioned at the beginning was, you know, call it maybe the, the expedited slope of your own personal and professional progression, you know, within the company. How have you, you know, for lack of better words, like tried to scale yourself, you know, to be the leader that, you know, you wanna be. Yeah.

Reilly Berk (Berk Enterprises): 27:49

It's it's a lot. It's I mean, I like, I I always knew, you know, one day I I wanted to be the CEO. It was, like, my dream. And I, like, imagine myself being, like, 45 years old with a few kids and my dad being in his, like, eighties and then being like, you know, it's finally time. Like, you've earned it.

Reilly Berk (Berk Enterprises): 28:10

You've worked here so long. I believe in you. Like, here are the keys. And when all that happened, like, 27 years early, I was like, I'm this is like the biggest honor of my entire life, but this is a little, scary. You know, it's a lot.

Reilly Berk (Berk Enterprises): 28:24

I think growing up in the family business, like, no one cares about the business more than family. And although I wasn't the CEO up until, you know, about a year ago, I feel like I was kind of indirectly always in that seat because I always cared about the people. I always was wondering about the vision and where we're headed and what we're trying to do. I was always trying to problem solve and really get to know my employees. So Yeah.

Reilly Berk (Berk Enterprises): 28:51

You know, I I feel like, yes, the role is new to me, but I've I've kind of been doing some of these things behind the scenes. But, no, I mean, it was definitely intimidating in the beginning, very overwhelming. I think any CEO could relate to that. You're responsible now for I mean, I have a 100 employees and their families, and you also set the tone for the company, where you're headed, what's your strategy? Like, that's a lot of pressure for anyone.

Reilly Berk (Berk Enterprises): 29:15

I think, you know, it's interesting being my age. I mean, I was 24 when that happened. So it's, I didn't really have anyone else that I knew in that in that position going through that.

Jeffrey Stern: 29:30

Yeah. Understandable.

Reilly Berk (Berk Enterprises): 29:31

Yeah. I, I've been very lucky, though. I have great mentors and coaches and and leaders that I work with, and they've given me great advice. But it's a lot. And I I'm still navigating through that too.

Reilly Berk (Berk Enterprises): 29:43

I'm getting married next year. I recently moved back to the Youngstown, Warren area from Cleveland. So it was like moving, wedding planning. I got a dog last year and then trying to run a business all while being in your twenties. You know, it's it's a lot to juggle, but I, I'm so passionate about the business.

Reilly Berk (Berk Enterprises): 30:02

I have been for so long, and I, I just love what I do. I work on the weekends. I work at nights. I I work kinda like 247, but I love it so much that it's, like, not even work to me. I'm like, this is, like, so fun.

Reilly Berk (Berk Enterprises): 30:17

Like, I don't sleep at night because I'm just so excited about going to work the next day. So, yeah, I love it.

Jeffrey Stern: 30:24

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Reilly Berk (Berk Enterprises): 32:05

Yeah. I've always been someone that just I really enjoy meeting new people and and connecting with them. So from a young age, I always really enjoyed going to the office to talk to the employees like, what's going well? What can I help with? Are there any problems?

Reilly Berk (Berk Enterprises): 32:21

And I think especially being in this role, it's so important to genuinely care about your employees. I'm a big believer that, like, I am not here without them. I'm not successful without them. Like my team is like, I I'm not here without my team. And it's it's important that you get to know your team, because they really feel like people in general want to feel seen, heard, and valued.

Reilly Berk (Berk Enterprises): 32:51

Right? Like, I wanna feel that way. And so if you if you take a little bit of extra time getting to know your employees, I feel like indirectly their performance is better. They feel cared for. So they they care more about their job.

Reilly Berk (Berk Enterprises): 33:05

Like Andrew Kathy, who's the CEO of Chick Fil A, I heard him speak a few months ago, and he said cared for people care for people. And I totally agree with that. So, I think that'd be one of, like, the biggest things I've learned, just the importance of getting to know your employees and letting them know that, like, you're here for them, like, that you'll listen to them and whatever they need. You know, it's, sometimes your employees, I mean, they have lives outside of work. Right?

Reilly Berk (Berk Enterprises): 33:31

They might have family problems. They might have their own issues that they're dealing with. And just so for you to be someone who they can feel comfortable talking to, and it's it's really important. So I think that's one of the biggest things is just, you know, really caring about your people.

Jeffrey Stern: 33:48

Yeah. That is incredibly important. Well, it seems you, you know, you've really taken all of this in in incredible stride and enthusiasm. What have been some of the more challenging parts of of navigating this?

Reilly Berk (Berk Enterprises): 34:05

Well, I mean, I came back full time to the business during COVID, you know, 2021. So that was a challenge for sure. We import a lot of our product from overseas, really all over the country. We have some domestic manufacturers as well, but majority of it was coming from Asia. And, so that was a problem, you know?

Reilly Berk (Berk Enterprises): 34:26

So kinda navigating through that, luckily, I have such a strong team, an innovative team that, you know, where we get hit with something and we figure it out and we move on. So I mean, I think COVID was a struggle. I think, you know, now more recently, it's, I think when my dad was running the business, I think there wasn't really a set strategy, I would say. It was kind of like, you know, let's increase our sales and let's keep doing what we're doing and, like, let's just grow the business as much as we can, which is great. And and we have done that.

Reilly Berk (Berk Enterprises): 35:00

But I think, you know, what I'm trying to do now is be more focused and aligned on a strategy, what we're focusing on, where we're headed. And, so, you know, just trying to get that, you know, aligned within the organization. I think too, I mean, there are a few challenges, I think, just to let transition with my dad and I, You know, we've 45 years of my dad running in and then I'm here next year. So, you know, like I said, we work amazing together. We have a great relationship.

Reilly Berk (Berk Enterprises): 35:28

But of course, sometimes there's differences and just kind of navigating through that, I would say is a slight challenge, but but it's nothing too crazy.

Jeffrey Stern: 35:37

Yeah. Yeah. Well, I I can, you know, pick out, what what might feel like an an obvious one, but I'm just curious, you know, your, your, perspective on it anyway, you know, being a young female CEO, how you've navigated, you know, some of the perception around that, within Burke. And again, maybe some of the surprising things you have from your vantage point now?

Reilly Berk (Berk Enterprises): 36:04

Yeah. So internally, it was incredible. The staff was so excited about it. I think we, you know, we all knew this was coming. We just didn't know when.

Reilly Berk (Berk Enterprises): 36:12

So like the support from them and my family and my friends has been absolutely incredible. And, you know, I've gotten a lot of support too from the industry and, you know, other people. There have been times where I remember early on, you know, random people coming in. I don't know if they were, like, you know, friends of my father or, you know, just other people and and business, and I'd introduce myself. And, you know, I'm the CEO of Burke Enterprises, and they're like, okay.

Reilly Berk (Berk Enterprises): 36:38

Like, where's your dad? You know? Yeah. So there was a little bit of that. But ultimately, you know, I think it's been it's been fine.

Reilly Berk (Berk Enterprises): 36:47

People have been supportive. And it's funny, around this time too, there's been a shift in my industry in regards to people who are buyers and and purchasing managers for some of these restaurant chains and distributors. And a lot of them now, these decision makers are closer to my age than they are my dad's age, where I think when my dad was around, you know, everyone was kind of in their fifties and sixties, and and now they're in their twenties thirties and forties. So it's really to to my advantage, you know, being a young CEO, being able to connect with these people who were a few years apart. We all recently graduated school.

Reilly Berk (Berk Enterprises): 37:23

Like, it's it's nice being able to connect with them. But no. I mean, for the most part, I I can't really complain. Like I've just, you know, I'm I'm honored to be in the role. I'm sure with people and companies in general, like, people might always think things or say things behind closed doors, but I'm just grateful to be in the position.

Reilly Berk (Berk Enterprises): 37:45

I work hard and I'm trying the best I can. So, you know

Jeffrey Stern: 37:49

That's an amazing mentality. Yeah. What what are you most excited about looking forward?

Reilly Berk (Berk Enterprises): 37:56

Yeah. I think it's just, we have a lot of great people in our organization. We've brought on some incredible people, some great talent, and, you know, really just getting aligned. Everyone's excited about where we're headed. That's something that, this actually came up yesterday at the office with a new hire, but I believe it's important to share with our employees, like, here's where we are, here's where we're going, and here's how we're all going to work together to get there.

Reilly Berk (Berk Enterprises): 38:23

So, like, they all know, like, my flag on top of the mountain, like, where we're headed. And I think it's important that employees know that. And this new hire was like, I love that you, like, tell us this and show us because most of the time, like, employees never know, like, what the goals are, where we're going. So I'm excited that my company is aligned with where we're headed, having some new people in my sales department and operations, like we are all just so excited about the growth that we've already started to have since I've been here. And we're just excited.

Reilly Berk (Berk Enterprises): 38:54

There's so much that we can do. And there's already so many things in the works that I can't talk about on here, but it's just this is like only the beginning for Burke. Like, I I dream about these things I have since I was younger and, like, I know we're gonna hit these goals. So it's just a matter of time.

Jeffrey Stern: 39:12

Yeah. That's awesome. Very, very compelling.

Reilly Berk (Berk Enterprises): 39:14

I'm excited.

Jeffrey Stern: 39:16

It's good. A lot to be excited about. Well, I think, you know, we've covered a lot of ground here, and we could obviously go into a lot more depth probably into the different areas of the business. But I'm curious if anything comes to mind as particularly important as part of, you know, Burke's history or story or your experience going through it that we we haven't talked about yet that you think is important to you?

Reilly Berk (Berk Enterprises): 39:40

If I could share, like, little advice.

Jeffrey Stern: 39:42

Absolutely.

Reilly Berk (Berk Enterprises): 39:43

Maybe when I was younger and I would think about becoming CEO, like, I in my mind, again, thought I'd be, like, 45, few kids. It'd be way later on in life. And when that happened when I was 24, you know, it was crazy, but it's like, okay, I've been in the role now over a year and, like, as time goes on, I'm getting more comfortable and confident. So I guess it's like, people don't need to think that they need to wait till they're in their fifties to, like, be a CEO or be a boss or be an owner. Like, I think we're capable of a lot more than we thought or that people maybe think they are.

Reilly Berk (Berk Enterprises): 40:18

And, you know, it might be scary in the beginning to to take a chance or a risk on something, but, like, you're capable. I mean, if I if I could do this, you guys could do this, you know? Like it's, I think you just have to be passionate. And if you're passionate about what you're doing, you have the energy the energy, you're motivated, you're determined, like, you could do you could do anything. So you take anything from this, I guess.

Reilly Berk (Berk Enterprises): 40:44

You know, if you're a young entrepreneur or, you know, someone that wants to start their own business, just just go for it. You don't need to wait. So

Jeffrey Stern: 40:52

Wow. I love that. Well, because there's this perennial, you know, feeling of imposter syndrome that I think a lot of particularly younger people have about, you know, taking on outsized responsibilities. And I think what's what's lost often is that, you know, it's just it's learned through experience, not in theory.

Reilly Berk (Berk Enterprises): 41:09

Absolutely.

Jeffrey Stern: 41:10

I think your point about passion is probably what carries most people through it.

Reilly Berk (Berk Enterprises): 41:15

For sure.

Jeffrey Stern: 41:16

Well, I I appreciate that wisdom.

Reilly Berk (Berk Enterprises): 41:20

No problem.

Jeffrey Stern: 41:21

Well, we can, round it out then with our traditional closing question. And, you know, as we make our way to that, which is kind of geographic in its focus and talking about Northeast Ohio, I know that, you have a love of travel. And so if we go on a quick detour, you know, I would just love to hear, you know, your perspective on on travel and its importance and, how you think about it?

Reilly Berk (Berk Enterprises): 41:44

Sure. I am obsessed with traveling. It's my favorite thing to do. When I was 9 years old, my dad took me to China for the first time, which was crazy. Like, I I actually can't believe that my mom even let that happen.

Reilly Berk (Berk Enterprises): 41:58

But, it was it was such a unique experience, and I've been very fortunate from a young age being able to travel a lot with my dad. I, going to Kent State, they offer amazing study abroad programs, tons of them. So I knew I wanted to study abroad at least once, and I actually ended up doing that twice. I did a summer in Florence, Italy, and I did a semester in Prague, Czech Republic, which was incredible. So, you know, being able to travel through that experience was amazing.

Reilly Berk (Berk Enterprises): 42:26

And, yeah, I mean, for work, I I was supposed to go to China and India this year. I might push that off till next year, but, I just love traveling so much. I love meeting new people. I love seeing the architect and the people and, different cultures. I mean, I've been to Morocco and like that was incredible, like riding camels through the Sahara Desert.

Reilly Berk (Berk Enterprises): 42:49

Like you can't even dream about these things. But I think there's, so many benefits to traveling. I personally feel like I've I've grown a lot from traveling, from studying abroad at a young age, learning to adapt to new environments. If things don't go to plan like as planned, how do you pivot that, make the best out of that situation? So, yeah, I mean, I I love traveling.

Reilly Berk (Berk Enterprises): 43:11

It's my favorite thing to do. And any kind of free time I have, which is like 0, I love traveling. But luckily for my job, I I get to travel a lot for work. I was in, Atlanta a month ago. I was in Dallas last week.

Reilly Berk (Berk Enterprises): 43:25

I was in Chicago 3 days ago. I'm going to Orlando next week and the following week, I'm in Utah. Oh, and Arizona too. Lots of back to back right now. But, no, traveling is really important.

Reilly Berk (Berk Enterprises): 43:40

And, I encourage anyone, whenever they have any kind of opportunity, I would I would take advantage of that because the world is just so big. There's so much to see.

Jeffrey Stern: 43:47

So big.

Reilly Berk (Berk Enterprises): 43:48

And, yeah, it's it's just such a fun experience. So

Jeffrey Stern: 43:52

Yeah. It's so it's so perspective enhancing. It's, I'll butcher the quote, but I think Mark Twain said it's like, you know, travel is is fatal. It's bias and prejudice. Yeah.

Jeffrey Stern: 44:03

And I think that, you know, you capture that.

Reilly Berk (Berk Enterprises): 44:06

Mhmm. Yeah. I love it. I could talk about traveling all day long.

Jeffrey Stern: 44:09

Well, we can talk about it, you know, from the context of if you were to visit northeast Ohio.

Reilly Berk (Berk Enterprises): 44:14

Yeah. Perfect. Perfect.

Jeffrey Stern: 44:16

What would be your prescription for a hidden gem?

Reilly Berk (Berk Enterprises): 44:20

Yeah. So hidden gem So when I lived in Cleveland, I lived in Ohio City for a little bit, which I loved, and then I was also in Lakewood, which I loved. I don't know how hidden this gem is, but one of my favorite places was Hex. It's a restaurant. I don't know if you've been there, but there's one in Iowa City.

Reilly Berk (Berk Enterprises): 44:39

There's one in Avon. I think one in Beachwood now, but I love it there. They have like a tiny little kitchen, but their food is just incredible. And, another one of my favorite hidden gems, which I don't think this is hidden at all, but Kelsey Elizabeth I don't know if you're familiar with her. She has like Cupcakes and cookies and they're incredible.

Reilly Berk (Berk Enterprises): 44:58

She's in, Rocky River, Avon. I'm blanking. She has, like, 5 locations, but I am obsessed with her pastries and desserts there. My favorite thing ever. So

Jeffrey Stern: 45:10

sounds awesome.

Reilly Berk (Berk Enterprises): 45:11

Yeah. Those are my hidden gems.

Jeffrey Stern: 45:12

Well, thank you for for sharing.

Reilly Berk (Berk Enterprises): 45:13

Yeah. No problem.

Jeffrey Stern: 45:14

Thank you just for, you know, sharing your story more and more generally.

Reilly Berk (Berk Enterprises): 45:17

Yeah. Thanks for having me.

Jeffrey Stern: 45:19

If if people had anything that they wanted to follow-up with you about, what would be the best way for them to do so?

Reilly Berk (Berk Enterprises): 45:26

They should connect with me on LinkedIn. It's just reillyberk, reillyberk. So, yeah, I'd love to connect with anyone listening to this. And, like I said, I love meeting new people and making connections, so feel free to reach out. So

Jeffrey Stern: 45:42

Amazing. Cool.

Reilly Berk (Berk Enterprises): 45:43

Thank you. Thanks for having me.