25 Years at PJ - Jim Setz

Our heart is our talent, and we do everything possible to inspire the people that drive our company. This employee spotlight series will offer an inside look into the culture and community that make up PJ. Learn more, firsthand, from the people who have found a home here. Today we will learn more about Jim Setz, who will celebrate his 25th anniversary at PJ this fall.

A few words from Brad Borchers (Director of Engineering)

Jim Setz is the epitome of what makes PJ great. He has a passion for helping our customers but often his impact flies under the radar. Most of the time he works behind the scenes and loves supporting our customer service team. Jim is able to provide unique (and often creative) solutions in the most challenging situations and applications through his knowledge of our product.

If you have worked with PJ for any amount of time, the likelihood that he has had an influence on providing you with the best possible solution is extremely high. Jim has almost 25 years of experience with Palmer Johnson Power Systems, including almost 15 years as a service tech before he started manning the front line in our support center. Since then he is honed his customer service skills and improved his product knowledge across all areas of our business.

A little about Jim

What three words best describe you?

Detailed, Persistent, Honest

What is your favorite part about working for PJ?

Great colleagues to work with!

What is your role at PJ?

Product/Service Technical Support

If you had to eat one meal, every day for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Cheeseburger and Fried potatoes/onions.

What is your favorite part about working for PJ?

Daily change of inquires/situations to solve.

What is your favorite PJ perk?

Versatility of work/time off for vacation or appointments.

Top three life highlights?

Wife, Daughters, Grandkids

What aspect of your role do you enjoy the most?

New Applications of Pump Drives/PTO’s/Gearboxes/Axles

What do you like to do when you're not working?

Relax off the grid, Motorcycling, ATV riding, Hunting, watching Motorsports of any kind.

Best vacation you’ve been to?

Puerto Rico for Xmas - prior to the major hurricane. Beautiful place & people.

What is your hidden talent?

Woodworking/Carpentry - finish trim woodwork in housing. Love the results from staining/varnish/installation fitment

Do you recall any embarrassing moment at work?

Oh-yeah, accidentally dialed 911. Intended 222-9191 but ended up being 911. Cops has to show up and make sure I was ok - not being held against my will.... Yeah very embarrassing.

Tell us a little bit about your family.

My wife Helen is recently retired working part time 2 days at our local Hardware store, she also watches the grand-baby 1-2 days a week. Helen & I have two daughters 20 years apart - Samantha age 23 & Valerie age 43 (my stepdaughter). We have three grandchildren - Samantha has 21 month old daughter Lainey living near Columbus, WI. Valerie and her husband, James have a son Mason (21), and daughter Madison (19) - living near Philly, PA. I grew up on a large Dairy Farm, now operated by my brother, Neal, as Beef operation & cash crops. My Mom & Dad still live on the Home farm trying to enjoy retirement - pretty tough for a farmer all his life to give it up and watch from the sidelines.