Notable Alumni: Charles Helm

Executive vice president, Motor Specialty

Gateway Technical College – 2004 (associate degree)

Concordia University – 2010 (bachelor’s degree)

Charles Helm first started working for Racine-based Motor Specialty Inc. in 1983 as a general laborer. During his 38 years at Motor Specialty, Helm has worked in field setup, machine shop setup and armature setup; as Armature Department Foreman and Armature and Field Department foreman — all before becoming plant manager, vice president of manufacturing and eventually executive vice president.

At Gateway Technical College, he earned his machine tool operator certificate and an associate degree in supervisory management. He later went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in business management from Concordia University. He continues to connect with and support the Gateway Technical College Foundation.

As a leader, Helm promotes the importance of responsibility. In fact, “Being Responsible to Your Position” is officially a registered trademark owned by Charles Helm.

Helm currently serves as a member of the Leadership Racine program, using his knowledge of project management to help local non-profit organizations. He also serves as a member of the Racine Community Development Committee and was recently appointed by Racine Mayor Cory Mason to be on the Community Development Block Grants Advisory Board.

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