News

Release #120906-1 posted on Sep 6, 2012

By Bob Fehringer, U.S. Transportation Command

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SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. – Robert H. Chapman, chief executive officer of Barry-Wehmiller Companies, Inc., in St. Louis, addressed a packed house in the U.S. Transportation Command’s Seay Auditorium Sept. 5 as part of the command’s “empowerment Quarter” events.

According to Chief Master Sgt. Marty Klukas, USTRANSCOM senior enlisted leader, Chapman is known by many as the “Best CEO on the planet.”

Chapman spoke about leadership and the journey his organization has taken. Addressing those in the military, he said, “The services are the greatest leadership model in the country.”

He went on to talk about the importance of the people in an organization. 

“As leaders, we have the opportunity to profoundly impact the lives of our people,” Chapman said.  “You want to genuinely care for people the way you care about your mission.  Eighty-eight percent of people go home from work feeling unfulfilled (and) that their organization doesn't care about them.

Robert H. Chapman, chief executive officer of Barry-Wehmiller Companies, Inc. in St. Louis, addresses a packed house in the U.S. Transportation Command’s Seay Auditorium Sept. 5 as part of the command’s “empowerment Quarter” events. Photo by Bob Fehringer, USTRANSCOM/PA

Robert H. Chapman, chief executive officer of Barry-Wehmiller Companies, Inc. in St. Louis, addresses a packed house in the U.S. Transportation Command’s Seay Auditorium Sept. 5 as part of the command’s “empowerment Quarter” events. Photo by Bob Fehringer, USTRANSCOM/PA

Robert H. Chapman, chief executive officer of Barry-Wehmiller Companies, Inc. in St. Louis, addresses a packed house in the U.S. Transportation Command’s Seay Auditorium Sept. 5 as part of the command’s “empowerment Quarter” events. Photo by Bob Fehringer, USTRANSCOM/PA

“As an organization, we must have people, purpose, and performance, but it must start with people,” Chapman continued.  “As leaders, we have our people for 40 hours a week. That's a profound responsibility. Are we positively influencing them and leaving them fulfilled?"

When Chapman concluded, Gen. William M. Fraser III, commander, USTRANSCOM, thanked him and added, “We are a learning organization…I truly believe that we can make a difference in the world, one individual at a time.”

Each quarter, a USTRANSCOM senior leader leads activities, including a professional reading club, keynote speakers and more, focused on a virtue aimed at bolstering a culture of customer service and collaboration within the organization.

Future “emPowerment” events include a critical thinking course Sept. 25 and 26, and a 375^th Health and Wellness Center (HAWC) display Sept.26.

                                                            - USTRANSCOM -