A Valpo Life in the Spotlight: Jon Barrett

A Valpo Life in the Spotlight: Jon Barrett

There's something to be said about working yourself up the proverbial ladder and finding success in a career. With fluctuating economies and rising costs of living, achieving that "American Dream" is often looked at as a fading dream of past days.

Jon Barrett, CEO of Valparaiso-based Omnitech Systems Inc. has chased that dream and through hard work and a bright vision for the future has managed to find that dream and is now working to spread it to as many people as possible.

"I'm originally from Elkhart, Indiana and found my way to Valparaiso because of Omnitech," says Barrett. "I was attending Purdue University and saw a job opening here in Valparaiso and applied for it when I got the chance."

Barrett has been at Omnitech ever since, starting out at an entry level position and over the years has worked towards his current position as CEO of the company.

For Barrett, this success comes from his own desire to find success in his life and through the philosophy of Omnitech which has played a large impact on his life and the lives of Omnitech's employees.

"There has always been a family atmosphere here," says Barrett. "We have always stressed the importance of taking care of people here. Sometimes people become down in life or their job, sometimes all they need is a little boost to help them out. We have helped employees in the past with financial assistance and loans, we treat everyone like family here."

Barrett's journey to his current position as CEO mirrors the journey have taken through the years, an element that demonstrates the opportunities available at Omnitech.

"Most of the management here reached this point by moving up through the company," says Barrett. "Many people here started out on the factory floor and moved their way up to management. I think this comes from the way leadership is valued here and how we value experience and dedication over anything else here."

For Barrett, his curiosity and drive to succeed have also been an essential part that has led him to success in his life.

"I've always been curious," says Barrett. "Here, the company has been like a jigsaw puzzle, always being molded and changing. I have always been a driven person. If I was told that I can't do something, I will always find a way to do it."

Barrett appreciates the fact that Omnitech is a part of the Valparaiso community, a place that he holds in high regard.

"Valparaiso is a great community and serves as a shining example of what other communities can be," says Barrett. "There are so many things happening, a thriving downtown, and a great deal of education and pride here. It's such a positive community."

This community pride has led both Barrett and Omnitech to continually find ways to invest back into it.

"I feel that people who invest in the community also receive the benefits from them as well," says Barrett. "I coach Little League for the Valparaiso Americans as well as coaching my son and daughter as well. With Omnitech we have worked with organizations like Spring Valley Shelter, Toys for Tots and the Valparaiso American Legion to give back to the community."

This mentality of investing and giving back is one that extends through everyone at Omnitech. If asked, Barrett will claim that this did not come from him, but rather the company mentality of everyone that works there as a whole.

"We have had days that we shut down production to go out and purchase toys for Toys for Tots. We have had days where we may not have been doing all that well on the business end, but we shut down to go golfing at Zao Island," says Barrett. "Investing doesn't just come from me, or to the community but to our employees as well."

When he's not busy working with Omnitech or helping out with Little League, he's playing in his band Hoosier Highway. Hoosier Highway has toured in nearly 26 states and still provides entertainment to fans.

For Barrett, the success he has achieved comes from working with like-minded people in a like-minded community. Barrett claims that his drive to do better for himself and others is part of a bigger picture that seeks to serve everyone.

"This company is larger than me. The ideas were started by Gregg A. VanDusseldorp, but I'm committed to growing them," says Barrett. "I want to turn it into an even larger vision that others will buy into and lead by example. I want to do more for charities than just checks. I want to grow into the community scene even more than now. It's planting these little seeds now that can lead to the bigger, greater picture later on."