United Way of Greater Cleveland -- Interview with Jim Petsock

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The United Way Interview
Delivering the Good(s): Jim Petsock

Jim Petsock has been a contributor to United Way for decades, but in the last nine years he has become increasingly involved in setting the direction of United Way through his volunteer leadership. Jim is involved with the Vision Councils, where United Way plays a leading role. One of the Vision Council's focus clusters is dedicated to providing innovative solutions that encourage "Learning and earning for life." Among the roles Jim plays at United Way is as the Co-chair of the Education Investment Committee as well as the Co-chair of the On-line Application process that will be rolled out to all Greater Cleveland United Way agencies in 2005. Jim is also actively involved in promoting and participating in many United Way special events, such as the annual golf outing.

United Way: Thank you for speaking with us and for your commitment to United Way. What activity with UW most stands out in your mind?
Jim Petsock: I have really enjoyed the many United Way partner agency site visits I have been able to go on over the years. Being involved with United Way, I have had the opportunity to see how the funds United Way raises work to better our community. Nowhere is that more evident than at United Way partner agencies spread out across Greater Cleveland. I have been able to go on almost 100 site visits and it has really had an impact on me.

UW: Why is United Way important to you? What makes UW distinctive from other organizations/charities?
JP: Those site visits really have reinforced my feeling that United Way does so much good all around our entire community. United Way is the one "umbrella organization" that impacts our entire community.

Think about it…what would our community be like without UW? How many critical programs would fall through the cracks? United Way, I think, provides some of the best returns on any investment out there and makes our community a better place to live. One example of that is promoting quality education and educational initiatives, which I'm very involved with. United Way allows for agencies, programs and community leaders to convene, to share ideas and to collaborate, which is great for all of us who care about Cleveland's future.

UW: Are you involved with any other charitable activities outside of UW?
JP: I am really committed to my family, my employer and United Way… between the three of them, I don't have time for much else. No, United Way is where I spend my time giving back.

UW: Does your employer support your active involvement in UW?
JP: UPS is a big supporter of local communities in which we operate and is in fact the largest US contributor to United Way…$55 million last year. The Chairman and CEO of UPS, Mike Eskew says, 'when the values and principals of communities and corporations are in lockstep, incredible things can happen.' I know that is true because I have seen it. I have the full support of UPS for all my United Way activities.

UW: How do you run a great campaign, like you do at UPS?
JP: We really do run a great campaign. In Northern Ohio we have a 72 percent participation rate among 4400 employees and raised over $640 thousand in 2004 for our region.

We run a great campaign because our top management is motivated and interested. They take ownership of the campaign and that commitment flows throughout the organization.

We run one campaign for only one organization - United Way - so employees don't get burned out with a lot of "asks." The campaign is done for United Way on a year- round basis. We educate our employees about what United Way does so they see the impact that United Way has for themselves.

We think strategically with our heads and express our commitment to helping our community with our hearts. This is done through site visits, Days of Caring participation and having guest speakers come in. We try to also put a face on United Way so that they don't see a monolithic icon of an organization, but see the impact of our efforts on a localized, personal level. This is done by showing how United Way impacts individuals.

UW: How long have you lived in Cleveland? Which community do you live in?
JP: I have lived in the Greater Cleveland area for all of my 46 years. It is my hometown and I'm very proud of our community. I grew up in Bainbridge, went to Kensington High School and graduated from the University of Akron. While in college, I started working for UPS and have worked here for 25 years.

UW: And so when you are not working for UPS or UW? What is fun for you?
JP: I really love my work and find my work for United Way very gratifying. But if I had to include something else that I really enjoy it would be golf. This time of year it is great to get out on the links with some friends. I also really enjoy going to NASCAR races. I make it to about six or seven NASCAR races a year. When I was younger, I enjoyed some "daredevil" type activities like skydiving. I also enjoy more sedate activities like fishing…I once caught at 30-pound muskie. But as I have been reminded, you can't golf and fish…there simply isn't enough time to do both!

UW: Thank you for your time!
JP: It has been great speaking with you too. You know, United Way and UPS do have a common philosophy, and perhaps that is why I enjoy and respect both organizations. UPS is a great company because we take care of people and our customers. United Way takes care of people and cares for our community. Both operate with integrity, trust and commitment to being the very best, and that is something I want to be associated with.