John L. Detterbeck
Manufacturer
Lester Detterbeck Enterprises, Ltd., Iron River, MI
PMPA Frank T. McGinnis Merit Award
2018
The Merit Award is the Association’s highest award, conferred only upon recommendation of the Executive Committee. First presented in 1943, the Merit Award recognizes the recipient’s contributions and continued service for the benefit of the Association and the Industry above and beyond the duties of any appointed or elected Association office. Presented only when an individual has clearly met the requirements, the award is not given every year. Eligibility for the PMPA Merit Award extends to any employee of any member company.
In recognition of Frank T. McGinnis who served the Association as its Executive Vice President from 1952 to 1992, the Executive Committee in 1993 renamed the Merit Award the Frank T. McGinnis Merit Award.
The mark of an honest man…..is that he means what he says and knows what he means.- Ayn Rand
A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest and poverty will come on you like a bandit and scarcity like an armed man. Proverbs 6:10-11
John is President of Lester Detterbeck Enterprises Ltd and of B&S Machine Service Inc (formerly Brown & Sharpe). Lester Detterbeck Enterprises Ltd is one of the oldest Technical Members companies in the PMPA (1962). John is the fourth generation in the Industry. He became involved in the precision machining industry in 1976, attending his first Tech Conference in 1977.
John has provided invaluable contributions to the PMPA members through his committee participation, as a Technical Officer and District Officer, and especially with his willingness to share his technical expertise at district and national functions. He has been a featured speaker at the National Technical Conference multiple times, twice at PMTS and has spoken at the district level over 20 times.
Career Inspiration
Lester Detterbeck Jr (Father) and Lester Detterbeck Sr (Grandfather)
My father and Grandfather were my mentors and my teachers. Both were always willing to take the time to answer my every question. In later life my Father also became my most trusted friend. I miss them both.
Career Timeline
| 2010 | B&S Machine Service | Purchased B&S Machine Service (formerly Brown & Sharpe Screw Machine Division) |
| 2006 | Brown & Sharpe | Purchased Brown & Sharpe Tool Holder line |
| 2000 | Boyar-Schultz | Purchased Boyar-Schultz holder line |
| 1999 | Lester Detterbeck Enterprises Ltd | President |
| 1983 | Lester Detterbeck Enterprises Ltd | Vice President |
| 1976 | Lester Detterbeck Enterprises Ltd | Sales Engineer |
| 1962 | Lester Detterbeck Enterprises Ltd | Floor sweeper, plant cleaner |
Career Timeline
Education
Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Illinois State University
Degree is how to run an excellent Business and make outstanding cutting tools.
Detterbeck School of Business and Engineering
Training done by my Father, Lester Detterbeck Jr. and Grandfather Lester Detterbeck Sr. at work and around the dinner table at night.
Awards
Frank T. McGinnis Award PMPA, 2018
Gold Micrometer – Marking 40 years in the Industry PMPA, 2017
Technical Member Distinguished Service Award PMPA, 2005