Testimonials

Presentation on 5.12.15
Jim did Prevention of Harassment and Workplace Violence training for our
company recently and did a great job presenting facts and information to
employees in a positive and interactive environment.

Rhonda Roedl
HR
Glasfloss Industries
Juneau, WI

--------------------------

Presentation on 5.4.15
Jim Lehrke, adds more excitement and drive to his presentations than anyone I
know.
Simple, in your face information that will get anyones program on track and take it
to the next level.
Jeremy Klingbeil | Safety & Security Coordinator
Green Bay Metropolitan Sewerage District
O: (920) 438-1019 | F: (920) 432-4302 | C: (920) 229-4111 | www.newwater.us
2231 North Quincy Street, Green Bay, WI 54302

-------------------------I had the pleasure and privilege to work with Jim Lehrke for three
years at OmniQuip Textron.

During the time we worked together, Jim significantly improved

the health and safety and environmental compliance performance
of the company.
Jim initiated ergonomic analysis of our manufacturing processes.
He worked closely with the engineering and manufacturing
organizations to redesign and restructure operations and tasks
resulting in extraordinary improvements in the Lost Time Injury
Rate (LTIR) and the Total Recordable Incidence Rate (TRIR).
When Jim arrived at OmniQuip, the LTIR and TRIR were roughly
consistent with rates within the industry. Jim instituted ergonomic
training and fatigue reduction programs that reduced LTIR and
TRIR positioning OmniQuip in the top quintile of the industry.
Jim executed an environmental compliance audit process that
resulted in significant findings and extensive remedial actions. His
compliance efforts led to significant improvements in our risk
ratings and lower premiums from our risk insurer.

While OmniQuips health and safety and environmental

compliance performance was greatly attributable to Jims
technical expertise, I believe his leadership capabilities were of
greater importance to the success of the organization. Jim
consistently demonstrated the values necessary to create
substantive and enduring change within the organization. He was
able to make other leaders and individuals within the company
understand both the personal and institutional value of the
standards, performance metrics and accountability he created. He
truly created a culture of health and safety and environmental
compliance that beneficially influenced and impacted the
organization far beyond the EH&S sphere. He is a genuine leader
who consistently demonstrated the qualities and values that
elevated the performance of his team and the enterprise.
Rick Sassu
Corporate HR
Textron
Fortune 200 Company -

-------------------------In October 2003, when establishing our 2004/2005 goal of

reaching World Class OSHA Recordable Incidents lower than 1.0, I
thought of no better company to partner with than Jim Lehrke
and Safety Connections. He teaches that indeed the basic
components of any solid safety program must first be in place;
however, to reach World Class performance a company must
focus on its number one resourceits people. There is no better
person I know to send this message to our organization than Jim
Lehrke and Safety Connections.
Earth Tech Mark A. Robinson (Environmental, Safety &
Health Director)
-------------------------A Partnership That Works

Maritime Insurance Group has depended on Safety Connections

for several years to help save our customers serious money. Many
companies realize the importance of safety, but dont realize the
huge cost savings on their insurance premiums and lost
productivity. Having a corporate culture where safety comes first,
has saved our customers a tremendous amount of money. This
can be critical to any business keeping their competitive edge in
such a fragile marketplace. Bringing this value added service to
our customers has proven to enhance our customer relationships.
Jim Lehrke has delivered to our customers time and time again,
World Class results. You wont be disappointed!
Mike Mrdjenovich
President
Maritime Insurance Group
-------------------------March 06, 2010
Jim,

Thank you very much for the presentations that you had given
the Kewaunee Fabrications employees in August 2009 as well as
on February of 2010. As you know I had the opportunity to sit in
on the first session on each of the days. I was very impressed
with the message you were presenting as well as the passion and
enthusiasm in which you presented it. I know for a fact that the
message was received very well by the employees because I have
heard nothing but very positive and supportive comments coming
directly and indirectly from them. Although your message wasnt
flowery or sugar coated, it definitely got the point across to the
employees in regard to safety and that everybody, both company
and employee, is accountable to keep the workplace safe. Your
passion and ability to connect with the employees at all levels
makes your presentation effective and something the employees
remember. You have helped us in our effort at Kewaunee
Fabrications to change the safety culture. Your excellent
background in safety related issues and the all important outside
voice of experience impressed the Kewaunee employees and
magnified the importance of your message. I look forward to

working with you again on additional safety topics and situations

and will highly recommend to anyone that asks that they utilize
your services.
Thank you!
Dave Schmidt
Director of Operations
Kewaunee Fabrications
Kewaunee, Wisconsin 54216
-------------------------Here at Pemco Inc., safety has always been an important part of
our culture. In 2007 we decided to bring our program up a notch
and contracted the services of Safety Connections, Inc. We have
been working with them ever since. I can truly say Safety
Connections, Inc. has brought a fresh new approach to our
overall safety program with real measurable results.
Unprecedented knowledge and industry experience has made
Safety Connections, Inc. an outstanding resource and partner.
Their dedication to detail and service make them one of the top
consulting companies we have worked with.

William Kerwin, Human Resource Manager / Safety

Director Pemco Inc.
-------------------------In 2005 our safety program at Advance Boiler and Tank was going
nowhere. Our mod rate was rising, our incidents were up, OSHA
was on our door step, our claim documentation and record
keeping was minimal, and our employees thought that no one
cared. In 2005, we partnered with Jim and Safety Connections to
turn things around. One of the first tasks was to address the
inevitable OSHA visit. Jim and his team came in and identified all
of our hazards, recommended the proper corrections, and
assisted in implementing the corrections. Needless to say our
OSHA visit came and went without any major infractions.

Since that time our safety results have improved dramatically.

With ongoing training from Jim and Mike, our mod rate has
dropped 30 points, our incidents are way down, documenting and
following up on the few claims that we do have is done on a
timely basis and more importantly, our employees now know that
we do care.
The savings that we have realized by partnering with Safety
Connections over the past 4 years are immeasurable and I highly
recommend them.
Ken Griffioen
President
P (414) 475-3125
F (414) 475-3129
www.advanceboiler.com

--------------------------

Jim:
I just wanted to give you some feedback on your two culture
talks yesterday and to apologize for not being there. I wish I
could have been in attendance, but I had personal commitments
that could not be avoided.
Our President, managers and employees have been giving me the
most positive feedback. They were especially surprised and
pleased in the way that you engage the audience while still
making a relevant point. This, of course, is no surprise to me as I
know how personal safety is to you.
Once again, thanks for agreeing to talk to our employees.
Hopefully, we are on our way to another safe and accident free
year.
Debbie Mader
Director, Human Resources
Lakeside Bottling Company
-------------------------What a great thing that you can provide a tribute to her
(Daughter Jessica) through your weekly tip and hopefully save
others pain and personal loss through your safety focus weekly
safety tip at no cost
Sincerely,
Cindy
Cindy C. Crouse, CAE, CEO
International Association of Diecutting and Diemaking

Terra Cotta Avenue, Suite

132 Crystal Lake, IL 60014
-------------------------The Manitowoc Company Timothy T. Reis (Global Director
EHS)
It has been my pleasure working with Safety Connections. Jims
experience in operations and HR allow him to connect with the
employees, supervisors and managers. In 2006, Jim worked with
our shipyard in Sturgeon Bay and was an important factor in that
facility reducing OSHA Recordable rates, Lost Time Rates and
Workers Compensation rates by 50%.
-------------------------Dear Jim:
I dont know where to begin thanking you both for making
our 105th annual convention a great success, despite the
weather. Jim, your keynote address at the safety breakfast
was a great success and kept the crowd engaged and fired
up.
Thanks to you for your presentations on Safety Culture and
OSHA updates. I heard rave reviews from those who
participated and its obvious to me that your passion for
safety rubbed off on all of them.
But most of all, thank you for going out of your way to
guarantee that you would be at our convention regardless
of the weather. As the convention host, I cannot tell you
what a relief it was to have you there. Thank you for being
the professional that you are.

Safety continues to be a big issue for our members, and

therefore I look forward to working with you in the future.
Best personal regards.
Sincerely,
Nickolas C. George, Jr.
President
-------------------------From Day 1 of our existence in 1967, my parents maintained that
our most valuable asset, our most important capital investment
was each and every one of our employees. That same belief holds
true today in 2009. However, it took a Kaizen event a couple
years ago for us to realize, our most important investment was
yearning for a sound, responsible safety program.
Quite honestly, safety had become a flavor of the day scenario for
us during much of our existence. Sure, our family cared about the
well being and safety of each employee. Sure, each employee
cared about each other in the same manner. However, production
was the most important aspect of our business and admittedly at
times, safe working conditions took a distant second to
productivity. It was normal for us to form safety committees only
to let them dissolve over time when safety got in the way of
productivity.
However, two years ago, management made the formal decision
to make safety a priority. We recognized that appointing people
from within would in all likelihood face the same demise that our
previous safety experiments did. Consequently, we hired an old
friend, fellow softball player, fellow competitor, who we always
knew was a person of passion on and off the softball field. Jim
and his expert staff brought enthusiasm into our work place. Our
employees enjoyed their presentations and quickly got on board
with our commitment to safety. Our employees morale was
positively affected by Safety Connections involvement in the

development of our safety program. Not only was Safety

Connections helping us develop proper procedures for our plants,
but also stressing safety away from work..something our
employees appreciated greatly. Practical safety tips for the home
atmosphere hit home with our employees.
Two years later, its not that we dont need Jim but lets face it,
Safety Connections helped the ownership of Dutchland realize
that safety is 24/7 and doesnt take any days off. Consequently,
we have a formal safety program and it runs simultaneously with
production! The commitment by Dutchland is to have this
department function with the direction of employees and this
became possible by having an expert from the outside Safety
Connections help us get started. Our employees are our most
valuable capital investment. Safety Connections, is one of the
wisest investments weve made in 43 years.

--------------------------

Hey Jim, in a nut shell your seminars instill a passion and energy
to make improvements to anyones safety program/culture. When
I first started at DOWCO three years ago I took the DOWCO
safety team to your Creating a World Class Safety Culture and
your presentation did exactly what I thought. It pumped my
group up to spread the word that Safety is in our control and we
need to make change. Over the three years since, we have
changed the culture to include job rotation, upfront
communication on goals, safety priority on all maintenance work
orders, and a team approach to solving our ergonomic issues.
Your seminar created energy, ideas, and positive talk about
safety. Thanks Much.
Kevin Kohls
Production Manager
DOWCO
-------------------------Jim, I would like to thank you and compliment you on your
presentations you have given at Amerequip Corporation. As a
member of TEC I have experienced a lot of very good speakers
and you compare with the very best I have heard. Your passion,
enthusiasm and ability to connect with the audience makes you a
spectacular speaker. You have been a critical part of our
companies culture change providing that outside voice and
expertise to change the thoughts and feelings of our employees.
You will continue to be part of our future as we cultivate change
and build a company focus around safety.
I am very happy and pleased you are part of the efforts at
Amerequip.
Thank you!
Mike Vander Zanden
Amerequip Corporation

1015 Calumet Avenue

Kiel, WI 53042
Office: 920-894-7063 ext. 304
Cell: 920-427-7671
-------------------------I was introduced to Jim and the Safety Connection team in 2002
when I worked for a major manufacturer headquartered in
Manitowoc WI. At the time, our safety performance was at a
consistently average level. By working with Jim and his team, we
were able to improve processes that led to continual
improvement in our safety record and ancillary benefits were
noted in our quality and productivity measures as well as on time
performance. Basically, the process worked because it deals with
leadership, behaviors and setting expectations. We saw similar
improvements at my last business headquartered in Waukesha
WI and significant improvements were also attained in employee
morale and job satisfaction. The Safety Connection team is
energetic, passionate and professional, but most of all, they
deliver!
Spancrete Industries Alan E. Antoniewicz, President COO
-------------------------Dear Sir and/or Madam:
I have known and worked with Jim Lehrke since 1999 when he
was with OmniQuip and since he started Safety Connections.
During my time with Jim at OmniQuip, we experienced incredibly
positive results relative to our TRIR improvements. At our main
plant in Port Washington, WI was saw our TRIR improve more
than 70% in 2003. In addition, we saw our company-wide lost
time accidents decrease 87% in 2003. Jim successfully turned our
safety program around in a single year into something we were

prominently recognized for across our parent companys (Textron

Inc.) network of companies.
Results like those listed above are not achievable in such a short
period of time without a true business leader like Jim. He gets it.
Safety is a part of any companys culture and with the leadership
and skillset that Jim brings to the table, it can be a real asset to
your company internally as well as externally.
A key component to Jims success is his team-building and
motivational capabilities. Due to Jims extensive experience and
success in these areas, he is able to present and teach these
topics to others in a very effective manner.
I have met very few people in my career that can have the
impact on all levels of the organization that Jim can. He is as
effective with the 3rd shift press operator as he is with the V.P.
Sales. His results prove it. I am a former member of TEC and
participated in numerous presentations by external experts Jim is
second to none in terms of delivering a concise and meaningful
message.
I would recommend Jim and Safety Connections to any business
that is serious about a safe workplace and transforming their
culture. He is the best I know.
Sincerely,
Todd L. Schneider
V.P. Operations
Serigraph Inc.
--------------------------

Dear Sir and or Madam,

I am writing this letter to recommend Jim Lehrke and his
company Safety
Connections. In my many years in business, I have never known
anyone with a
passion for safety like Jim Lehrke. When he gets involved,
positive results
follow almost immediately and his ability to connect with people
on the
shop floor is truly remarkable. If you have a poor safety culture in
your
plant or are experiencing a trend toward higher safety related
expenses,
Safety Connections can make a real positive difference while
returning
significant dollars to your bottom line.
Sincerely,
Joe Richardson III
CEO
Richardson Industries
-------------------------Looking at Jim I see the passion he has for training. He truly
gives of himself and enjoys teaching and helping people learn and
reach attainable goals. It's his way of giving something back to
the world that he truly cares about. When I think safety I think of
Jim saying, " Have a Safe Day". That will always be in my
thought.
Vi Miller,PHR
HR Director Wigwam Mills
3402 Crocker Ave.
Sheboygan WI 53081
920-783-1004

Fax - 920-783-1104
vmiller@wigwam.com
-------------------------I have known Jim for a long time, but I really got to know him
better when I became a member of the board of directors of the
Sheboygan County Safety Council in 1994 2003. I cant think of
anyone more suited than Jim for the role as President of this fine
association. I was always impressed with how passionate he was
about safety. He took his responsibilities seriously and it was
obvious that he wanted to make a difference in the community
and in the businesses that he came in contact with. Safety to Jim
wasnt just lip service it was his life. His enthusiasm was
contagious and he made safety fun.
Another admirable quality that Jim has is his ability to recognize
and praise people for their efforts. Hes appreciative of his team
and makes it known to each and everyone. Jim is truly one of a
kind.
Sincerely,
Chris A. Meyer, PHR
H.R. Manager
Curt G. Joa, Inc.
ph 920-467-7355
fax 920-467-7456
-------------------------I have known Jim for at least 30 years. At Jim's core is a man
who solves problems through hard work and a basic
understanding of human nature. The beauty of Jim is that he uses
his understanding of how to motivate people to make them better

individuals through the personal relationships and trust that he

develops with them. In the end, it makes everyone around him a
better employee, manager or person for having known him. My
direct experiences are many and include playing softball on a
Midwest regional championship team in the early 90's, which Jim
coached. During the tournament, for the good of the team, he
removed his long time friend as the starting pitcher and replaced
him with another player who was playing better at the time. He
did this without ruining team chemistry and while keeping the
friendship, which he maintains to this day. This is not an easy
task, as no competitive player ever wants to be taken out of the
starting line up. Similarly, I have seen Jim change the culture of a
plant that had a horrendous accident record by developing a
relationship of straight talk and trust with ALL of the employees.
As a result, when Jim then presented the plan of change that had
to be implemented, it was something more than just another
promise from management, but rather a commitment from
someone the employees trusted. In the end the plan worked and
the employees were safer for it. I feel lucky to have Jim as my
friend and have learned from those 30 years of knowing him that
when he tells you what is needed to improve (whether personally,
professionally or as part of a sports team), that he knows what
he is talking about and has only your (not his) best interest in his
heart.
Daniel J. Miske
Attorney
Whyte Hirschboeck Dudek S.C.
555 East Wells Street, Suite 1900
Milwaukee, WI 53202-3819
:
:
:
:

(414) 978-5311
(414) 333-6224
(414) 223-5000
dmiske@whdlaw.com
:WHD named M&A and Corporate Governance Law Firm of the

Year (USA) for 2011 by Finance Monthly Magazine.

-------------------------If you are looking for a proven way to cut your safety claims and
workers compensation costs, I can unequivocally say that you will
find Safety Connections, Inc. to be the best value to quickly make
the difference. They will engage your staff and create positive
results that last. Jim's passion for Safety and his straight forward
delivery are positively received by every level within the
organization. Jim gives everyone the knowledge, tools and
confidence to continue what he has started. I don't often
recommend consultants, but because I know first-hand that
Safety Connections, Inc. delivers, I strongly recommend that you
consider working with them! You won't be disappointed.
Jim Ruffolo, President & CEO
Burger Boat Company
-------------------------I have worked with Jim Lehrke for several years and I've never
met someone who is so very passionate about protecting workers
from injuries in the workplace. His common sense approach to
educating workers and management personnel about the critical
processes of communication and action let him motivate people
to do much better than they are. Working with Jim has been a
true honor, and I'd never hesitate to recommend him and his
company to any organization who wants to improve their
business. He's made a difference in my life and he can do the
same for you.
Steven Jacobson
Safety Manager
American Dairy Brands

Division of Dairy Farmers of America

Plymouth, WI 53073
-------------------------In addition to the wonderful weekly tips and the in-house safety
training sessions, Safety Connections came to our aid for a Safety
Audit: We were preparing for a State Safety Audit and enlisted
the help of Safety Connections. SCI came and did a mock audit of
our records and safety programs to determine which areas we
needed to work on. SCI was right there with us 100%, helping
with anything and everything. I highly recommend Safety
Connections Inc. a great team to work with.
Thank you,
Diane McCarthy
Metko Inc.
--------------------------

Cool things about Jim:

In a number of contacts with Jim Lehrke, I found him to be
passionate, full of enthusiasm, and a great person to transmit his
energy to a group. In attending many business related meetings
with Jim, I saw that he fit with the mission, vision and core values
we so often worked to instill in our teams at work. So I enlisted
his help to work with our employees to build strength in our
Culture as a Team-Driven organization that puts great value on
ones own contribution to the Team. Wow, what a great
presentation he made motivating, exciting, personal and
passionatehe reached every person there, including me. So
much so, that we built our continued Sales training programs
around Jims ideas of Culture, Accountability, Values and Trust.
Phil Zastrow, Chief Retail Officer, Kohler Credit Union.
--------------------------

September 8, 2011
It has been an honor and a privilege working with Jim Lehrke and
Safety Connections Inc. My co-worker and I have been attending
Jims roundtable discussions and safety seminars for the past
year. Jims knowledge, experience and understanding of safety
and human resources has helped our facility, Lakeside Foods
Distribution Center, maintain a remarkable safety record of 460
consecutive days as of today without a recordable injury. Jim
facilitates discussions that are pertinent to the success of all
types of organizations. His dedication and passion for safety is
addicting. We walk out of every event with a renewed sense of
motivation, dedication and commitment to ensuring our company
strives to obtain a world class safety culture. Jim provides us with
the tools, skills and education to achieve this goal. He has taught
us the importance of commitment to your cause, to lead by
example and set achievable and value added goals. Jim and
Safety Connections have been and continue to be a valuable
resource to us as an organization. We look forward to
participating in future safety programs put on by Jim and Safety
Connections Inc.
Joan Kinzel
-------------------------I highly recommend this program. Jim is a great teacher and
facilitator. I personally believe Jim single handedly will save many
lives and much pain and suffering. I commend and respect his
efforts and highly recommend his services. Let him help your
organization become World Class in safety and in leadership.
John R Knowles
CEO/Chairman of the Board

Plymouth Industries, Inc.

1919 County Road C
Plymouth, WI 53073
Phone: 920-892-2223
Fax: 920-892-7500
Cell: 920-918-5000
-------------------------"Ensuring safety, health, and wellness in the workplace is
an essential ingredient for success. Through Jim Lerke's
vision and foresight, he has brought this through Safety
Connections. St. Nicholas Hospital is proud to be
partnering with Safety Connections to help make a
difference in the communities we serve."
Andrew Bagnall President CEO St. Nicholas Hospital

-------------------------"Jim Lehrke has a passion for serving others. This is evident, not
only by the numerous business events & forums he hosts, but in
the way he personally treats everyone he meets. He is a man of
heart, the "Great Connector". If you've had the privilege to know
or work with Jim, it's likely he's made a difference in your life.
He certainly has in mine."
Jean Braun
Strategies, Ltd.
--------------------------