2007 40 Under 40 Honoree: Jeffrey F. Gower

Jeffrey F. Gower oversees day-to-day operations of Wil Fischer Cos., an Anheuser-Busch wholesaler distributing beverages in Greene, Christian, Polk, Stone, Taney and Webster counties.

“I focus my time and attention on three areas: our relationship with our suppliers, the management of our people, and our day-to-day interactions with our customers,” he said.

The company’s sales were up 6.8 percent in 2006, and Gower attributed much of the growth to technological advancements

“We utilize sophisticated routing software with GPS locators, digital signature capture for invoicing and biometric tracking for all of our hourly employees,” Gower said.

Gower, who is one of the youngest successor managers approved by Anheuser-Busch Wholesaler Development, got the chance to share his pride in Wil Fischer Cos.’ operation in an encounter he calls his proudest professional accomplishment.

“One summer afternoon, Mr. August A. Busch III called and landed his plane in Springfield 45 minutes later,” Gower said. “He visited our facility and I answered his intense questions for a few hours. It was a great honor to host one of our industry’s greatest leaders, and he left with a positive impression of our operation.”

Gower, who recently was promoted to president from executive vice president of Wil Fischer Cos., also shares his skills and insight with the community.

“I am on the board of directors for the local March of Dimes and a proud member of Springfield Southeast Rotary,” he said. “(Also), I give my time weekly to Jarek, my little brother through Big Brothers Big Sisters.”

Gower said his wife keeps him centered.

“My wife, Julie, is my partner in all things,” Gower said. “She supports me at all times, and together, we work to strengthen our faith and keep perspective in this busy world.”

Stats

Position: President, Wil Fischer Cos.

Age: 29

Favorite professional sports team: Chicago Bears – “I am still upset about the Super Bowl loss. The Redbirds are also at the top of my list.”

A quote to live by: “If you hate to get up in the morning and go to work, you better find a different job.”– His grandfather, Wil Fischer

Information accurate at the time of the honor.[[In-content Ad]]