Biography
After graduating from UNK with a B.S. in Industrial Distribution, Ben Brachle started his career as a Territory Manager for Black and Decker Corporation. After transitioning into education, he was instrumental in starting two of the nation’s first dual enrolled/secondary education programs devoted to distribution and logistics management. Along the way, Ben has consulted for various government, for profit, and academic organizations while earning his M.B.A., Ph.D., and an assortment of certifications. His current research interests are in organizational commitment, generational cohorts, lifespan development, and leadership. He currently coordinates the Industrial Distribution Program at UNK and holds the UNK Industrial Distribution Program Partner Professorship.
Education
Ph.D., Human Science, University of Nebraska - Lincoln
M.B.A., Supply Chain Management, Bellevue University
Transition to Teaching Certification, University of Nebraska - Kearney
B.S., Industrial Distribution, University of Nebraska - Kearney
Area of expertise and research
Leadership studies
Organizational commitment
Generational cohorts and lifespan development levels
Technical sales and distribution education pedagogy
How did you become interested in this subject?
As an UNK undergraduate, I started as a graphic design major. Turns out, I am not very good at art, and nobody ever told me. After finding out the hard way and doing some soul searching about my future, my roommate introduced me to Dr. Don Envick. His love for the industry instantly attracted me to Industrial Distribution (ID) and all its opportunities. I have been involved in ID in one form or another ever since.
Fun Fact?
I have been playing violin since the 3rd grade. I have had the opportunity to play my violin in two different orchestras, in numerous weddings, and as a kid I played the ‘fiddle’ in a country western band for a few years. Along the way I learned to play other instruments like the piano, guitar, trumpet, bugle, and mandolin, although not as well as the violin. My next goal is to learn to play the bagpipes!
Standard of excellence
Taking care of business
