NOTE: This newsletter is auto-translated by a machine using translation software so we appreciate your patience with any inaccuracies.
 

March 2026

TO READ IN ANOTHER LANGUAGE, CLICK HERE!

oneBW is a monthly newsletter designed to deliver information and inspiration to BW’s 12,000 team members around the globe. To read a web version in the language of your choice, click the link above. Do you have an idea for a story? Send it to bwcommunications@barry-wehmiller.com.

 

Widespread reactions demonstrate scale of Bob Chapman’s legacy

As soon as the news of Chairman Bob Chapman’s passing was released last Friday, condolences and remembrances began pouring in from around the globe.

“…truly a hero; of business, and of humanity itself! Our world's loss is Heaven's gain!” -Bob Burg, bestselling author

“Bob’s writing changed my thinking and my life.” -Chris Edmond, occupational physician

“All of us who knew Bob now have a calling to carry on his legacy and core messages, I certainly will do so.” -Hans-Werner Kaas, McKinsey & Co.

“He didn’t just talk about caring in business, he lived it. He showed us that success is not just economic, it’s human. That takes courage.” -Garry Ridge, former CEO, WD-40

“Bob has been a beacon for so many people looking for good examples of ethical leadership in the business world.” -Alexandre Di Miceli, Brazil

“People like Bob never die. We will always remember him and continue building on his contributions to society. He reinvented the meaning of being a CEO.” -Radmilla Jovanovic, The Netherlands

“Everybody Matters profoundly impacted, inspired, and shaped my thinking and how I lead.” -Charlie Malouf, CEO Broad River Retail

“Over 90 minutes, Bob taught us all about Truly Human Leadership in a confident and caring way that I’ll never forget. It was revolutionary for all, difficult for many, and a breath of fresh air for those longing to lead and inspire, instead of manage and control. That latter group contained the individuals we retained and nurtured. And what amazing things they accomplished.” 

-Doug Parker, former CEO, American Airlines, reflecting on Bob speaking to the AA’s merged leadership teams

The overwhelming response reveals just how many lives Bob touched and is a testament to his profound influence. In addition to posting comments on Bob’s or Barry-Wehmiller’s LinkedIn pages, team members and others connected to Bob and BW are invited to share their thoughts on the Bob Chapman Tribute site.

In need of grief support?

For team members and families in the US and Canada, SupportLinc (US: 888.881.5462; CANADA: 877.847.4525 (freephone), 1.416.956.2979 (direct dial) or supportlinc.com, code: barrywehmiller) provides help with grief, self-care, stress and more, including free and immediate confidential counseling (up to 6 sessions per year per presenting issue). If you need help connecting, contact the BW Wellbeing Team (bwwellbeing@barry-wehmiller.com or 314.230.7533).

 

BARRY-WEHMILLER & PLATFORM NEWS

BW CORPORATE

BW President & CEO Kyle Chapman featured in The CEO Magazine

"What I focus on every day is leading our teams to propel Barry-Wehmiller to its highest levels to create scale and impact that will drive followership and influence. I think there’s a real big opportunity for business to play a bigger role in human flourishing. We are truly proving out you can build a better world through business,” said CEO Kyle Chapman in the cover story by The CEO Magazine. Read more about Kyle’s vision for the future of BW and what success looks like when value is placed on human and economic vibrancy in harmony.

More here

BW CONVERTING

BW Converting expands Southeast Asian presence 

BW Converting is deepening its roots in Southeast Asia through new partnerships with NUTEK and Peja Vietnam. NUTEK, an Indonesia-based agency specializes in textile technology sales and service. Peja Vietnam, with offices in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, is known for machinery sales and technical support. Together, they bring experienced local support to textile manufacturers in the region. These partnerships enhance BW Converting’s ability to serve customers more effectively, support growth in key markets and reinforce its commitment to delivering localized expertise and global capabilities.

More here

BW FORSYTH PARTNERS

WalkerHughes continues strategic expansion across the Midwest

BW Forsyth Partners' portfolio company WalkerHughes Insurance has accelerated its growth trajectory, expanding from 14 to 26 locations since 2023 and increasing its presence across Missouri, Illinois, Ohio, and most recently, the Kansas City area. This expansion reflects a deliberate strategy to strengthen regional capabilities, deepen community presence and partner with agencies that share a commitment to exceptional client service. As WalkerHughes enters new markets, each added location enhances its ability to deliver comprehensive risk‑mitigation solutions and responsive local support.

BW LEADERSHIP CONSULTING

BW leaders join panel on scaling a legacy of People & Performance

Chapman & Co. recently brought together St. Louis, MO (US) senior leaders and partners for a thoughtful leadership panel focused on scaling a legacy of People & Performance. The discussion featured BW's President & CEO Kyle Chapman, BW Chief People Officer Rhonda Spencer and BW Packaging President Rachana Creeth, and was facilitated by Chapman & Co. Managing Partner Barry Kirk and Senior Consultant Morgan Miller. Panelists shared insights on sustaining growth within BW’s $3.6B organization through people-centric leadership.

 

CHANGE THE GAME STRATEGIC PLAN: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

In this month’s episode of our Inside the Game broadcast, CEO Kyle Chapman talks about the Transformation Plays, the areas of focus to help us achieve our strategy, and explains why Thriving Teams are key to helping us change the game.

Watch here

Ready to learn more? Go to bwchangethegame.com. (Password: CTG2032)

 

THURSDAY BWU WEBINARS

To sign up, please click on your preferred date and time.

DELIVERING EFFECTIVE FEEDBACK (supports Develops Talent)

Framing constructive feedback in a positive way that encourages growth and development is crucial, even when addressing areas for improvement. Learn how to balance honesty and empathy to better motivate and engage team members.

HAVING DIFFICULT CONVERSATIONS (supports Ensures Accountability)

This webinar will equip leaders with the tools and techniques needed to handle challenging discussions with confidence and empathy.

CULTURE OF RECOGNITION (supports Drives Engagement)

This webinar will explore the transformative power of recognition that boosts engagement and morale. Discover strategies to create a vibrant, supportive workplace culture that celebrates both individual and collective achievements.

LEADING WITH CARE (supports Develops Talent)

In this special guest webinar, presented in partnership with BW Outreach, Katy Granville-Chapman and Emmie Bidstone—authors of "Leader: Know, Love and Inspire Your People"—will share insights and practical exercises that highlight the power of caring for those you lead as a way to inspire and engage them.

IN-PERSON CLASSES: Two invaluable days that will change the way you think and lead!

BW University's flagship classes, Listen Like a Leader and Culture of Service, focus on improving your listening and relationship skills and the way we serve each other. Learn from your peers and BWU professors in these highly engaging upcoming classes:

English dates and locations:

Listen Like a Leader

Culture of Service

Italian dates and locations:

Listen Like a Leader

German dates and locations:

Listen Like a Leader

Culture of Service

 

BW AROUND THE WORLD

Mirapack completes largest investment with BW Papersystems’ FlexPro line

Mirapack Imballaggi, a family‑owned corrugated converting company located near Venice, Italy, recently completed its largest investment to date with the installation of BW Papersystems’ (BWP) FlexPro 9.25 Flexo Folder Gluer. BWP has been a trusted partner to Mirapack since the company’s founding in the mid‑1980s, supplying reliable converting technology. The high-speed system, built in BWP's Finishing Center of Excellence in Hamburg, Germany, is now producing premium packaging for the wine industry and fueling growth opportunities across Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

Read more
 

BW REEL ROUNDUP

 

FROM THE TRULY HUMAN LEADERSHIP BLOG

Podcast: The Gund Company, a Truly Human Leadership Case Study

On the latest episode of the Truly Human Leadership Podcast, hear from Steve Gund of The Gund Company about how BW Chairman Bob Chapman changed his thinking about what business should be and the role Barry-Wehmiller played in helping them along the road to becoming a Truly Human company.

More here
 

BW RECOGNITION

BW senior leadership recognizes ControlTech Automation team

Senior leaders from BW and BW Design Group recently joined a town hall meeting at ControlTech Automation (CTA) to celebrate their outstanding performance. They also recognized several team members—John Erbschloe, John McManemin, Sarah Reidy, Brian Reilly and Nick Turner—for their contributions. CTA exceeded its growth goals for FY25 and quickly scaled up its operations to meet significant market opportunities. CTA is the only control panel manufacturer operating at scale with a Manufacturer’s Mindset, embedded within a leading System Integrator.

Shine the Light Award: Jerry Castillo, BWPKG-Loveland

Congratulations to Jerry for receiving an award for Drives Results. "I'm constantly impressed by Jerry's adaptability and positive attitude. Selecting a single commitment for his nomination was difficult, because he influences our team members and business in many positive ways," said his nominator Jason Medina. "The saying 'challenge defines character' is exemplified in the way Jerry navigates his work. He holds his head up and keeps a smile on his face regardless of the terrain. His attitude is reflected by his team, in which I have the utmost confidence."

Shine the Light Award: Stefania Sforzi, BW Converting-Lucca

Congratulations to Stefania Sforzi for receiving an award for Drives Results. Her nominator Michele Ceccarelli said, "Stefania's role on the team is pivotal: her expertise in labor issues, her openness to listening and especially her commitment to creating a modern work environment focused on the importance of all heart counts were crucial to achieving this goal. I am proud to have colleagues like her in this organization."

Shine the Light Award: Dirk Bayer, BWP-Nuertingen

Congratulations to Dirk for receiving an award for Customer Focus. His nominator Alexander Jegl said, "Dirk played a crucial role in ensuring we stayed on schedule for a recent project and helped meet our commitment to our client. Not only did he volunteer for this task in the workshop, but he also continued to manage his regular responsibilities alongside it. I'm thrilled to have Dirk on the team and his contributions all very valuable."

 

NEWS YOU CAN USE

US- AND CANADA-BASED TEAM MEMBERS

Vitality Tip: Spring into action to earn more points

Excited by the change of seasons? Consider channeling that positivity into enhancing your wellbeing by setting a goal and tracking your progress at powerofvitality.com or the pink Power of Vitality app. Simply navigate to the “Build healthy habits” section and click/tap to add a goal. Goal categories range from cancer prevention to dental health to sleep, and each daily goal check-in earns 5 Vitality Points (you can check into 3 goals per day).

FOR ALL BW TEAM MEMBERS IN SCOPE

Reminder: Deadline for BW Scholarships is April 15!

A generous hometown banker once made it possible for Marjorie E. Chapman to attend college. Today, the legacies of both Marjorie and her son, longtime BW Chairman and CEO Bob Chapman, are honored through the scholarship established in her name. Since 2017, the Marjorie E. Chapman Memorial Scholarship has awarded 231 scholarships totaling over $1.4 million to BW team members' legal dependent children. Applications are due April 15. For information about eligibility and to view the need-based and essay applications, click HERE.

IT TECH TIP

Keep important chats and files at your fingertips in Microsoft Teams

If you ever find yourself scrolling through long chats to find an important message or file, save time by pinning it. To pin a file or message inside a chat:

1. Hover over the message or file you want to pin.

2. Click More options (⋯) > Pin for everyone. Pinned items will appear in the chat’s Pinned tab.

3. Click on the thumbtack icon to the left of your name to jump back to the original message and review its full context.

This feature is great for announcements, key documents, meeting links or anything you reference frequently.

RECOGNIZE TODAY!

Commitment Champion cards and virtual badges are easy ways to recognize team members!

The Commitment Champion recognition cards and virtual badges in Workday are easy ways to recognize team members who fulfill one or more team member commitments. Present a Commitment Champion with a special, handwritten message on a circle recognition card OR log into Workday to deliver virtually. Reach out to your local recognition partner for a physical recognition card. In Workday, head to the Recognition Dashboard to add a Commitment Champion badge to their team member profile. For more and other recognition opportunities, go here.

CLICK HERE to subscribe to our blog for regular leadership insight from Bob Chapman and stories about BW sent straight to your inbox.

 

Follow us on your favorite social channel!

What did you think of this newsletter?

View Archive