Reilly Berk is the young heir to Berk Enterprises. In 2022, the 24-year-old became CEO of the Warren-based family business that was established in 1946. She added president in 2024. Today, it is one of the leading suppliers of commercial food service disposables and packaging, like food boxes and drink cups.
From Owner’s Kid to Owner: Berk grew up in the business and has known some employees her entire life. That’s good and bad. It made it difficult because her relationships shifted from friendly to professional. “It was hard to rip the Band-Aid off.”
Everyone’s Two Cents: As a young leader, she received a lot of advice. She has found that “making sure everyone is moving forward in the same direction” as part of a leader’s vital responsibilities. Books like Row the Boat by Jon Gordon and P.J. Fleck taught her to never give up and to lead with enthusiasm.
Over Coffee: Berk would like to sit down with Brian Niccol, chairman and CEO of Starbucks, and also Andrew Cathy, CEO of Chick-fil-A (one of the largest family-owned businesses in the country), to pick their brains.
It’s Bigger Than You: Management is a unique job. “Just because someone is a top performer doesn’t mean they’re ready to lead. You can have a rock star employee who crushes their numbers, but leadership is a different skill set. It’s not just about driving your own results. It’s about wanting what’s best for the team and the company.”
What Others Don’t Know: “People think Berk Enterprises is my whole life. It certainly is a big part. But I come from an entrepreneurial family, and I am involved with our Past Times Pinball Arcade in Girard and my triplet sisters’ and brother’s businesses. We are a very close family, and it’s fun.”
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