Joe Metzger

Metzger is plant manager for Kraft Foods Inc. in Springfield. He’s been with the company since 1986, when he started as an intern at a Kraft plant in Minnesota.

Before coming to Springfield, he worked in leadership positions at four other plants.

Metzger said he learned from his mother early on that it was important to treat people with respect and dignity, something he believes has helped get him where he is today.

“From a career standpoint, I hope that wherever I have been, the people that I worked with view me as having made a positive impact on their job and their livelihood, motivating, and hopefully, positively influencing them as well,” he said.

Metzger credits his wife and children with being his support and motivating factor.

“My wife, Kristi, has allowed me to pursue many adventures with my company,” he said. “We have moved four times and lived in four states in the last 11 years. It takes a wonderful partner to continue to pack up and move the kids every few years and keep everything going the right direction.”

Metzger said he is working toward a senior leadership position with Kraft. In five years he sees himself “making and selling lots of Macaroni & Cheese and Velveeta.”

As the leader of the largest manufacturer in the Springfield region, Metzger said he feels it is also important for him to give back to the community.

Metzger is chairman of the board of the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce, and he is on the boards of United Way of the Ozarks, Boys and Girls Town of Missouri and the Community Blood Center of the Ozarks. He also is involved with Future Farmers of America, Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau and The Good Community, and he is a YMCA girls’ soccer coach.

Born: 1966

What’s your favorite Web site? I have several I check each day: CNN, USA Today, ESPN and Minneapolis Star-Tribune (I'm a huge Vikings/Twins fan).

What book do you currently have open? "The Sky is the Limit" (Ralph Manley's autobiography); it makes my life seem pretty boring.

What are some stocks that you watch? Kraft & Altria, daily [[In-content Ad]]