It starts with service
Bill Burke, Class of 1977
By: T.K. Griffith ’89
January, 2026
Sometimes it’s the simple lessons that change the trajectory of one’s life. When Hoban graduate Bill Burke ’77 grew up near St. Sebastian parish school, one of nine children, he watched his parents’ example of family, work ethic and dedication. His mom, who worked as a medical technician, raised nine children with his father, a salesman for Fruit of Loom Co., putting in long days to support the family. Burke remembers that his dad knew everyone’s name and carried himself with respect. Likely exhausted from a long week at work, his dad would still rise early on Sunday mornings to lead the music ministry for all the Masses at St. Sebastian’s Church, and he often did not get back home until 2 p.m.
Fast forward 20 or so years, and a young Burke channeled the same work ethic and applied it to his own life as he delivered and sold for several companies. You see, after two years at Ohio University, Burke left and headed back home to Akron to work full-time during the day and attend night school in the evening. He sold vacuum cleaners at first, then office supplies for about six years. But that’s not the important part.
Fast forward to a Friday afternoon at about 4:45 p.m., when most workers cut out early to “go to the game” or “grab a beer” with buddies. Not Burke. Instead, he was still delivering orders and conversing with customers…building great relationships like his dad…knowing everyone’s name…going the extra mile. The client, Cintas, asked him to come in for an interview as they had a sales job they were looking to fill. His big break had come, and it was well earned. His new boss eventually left Cintas for Fire Dex and took Burke with him.
The rest is history, as Burke eventually bought the company and now serves as the chair of Fire Dex, having worked at the company in various roles since 1984. During his time in leadership, he has seen the company grow from 20 to 750 employees. Fire Dex provides innovative personal protective equipment (PPE), customized to keep firefighters safe. Along with their sister company, Gear Wash, the largest independent service provider of PPE care and maintenance, their mission is “to serve those who serve.” Perhaps their core values will seem familiar: Fun, Integrity, Respect and Excellence. Hoban’s own Holy Cross core values, etched in the chapel walls, share two of those [excellence and integrity]. Today, his daughters help lead the company, and family is a huge part of Fire Dex’s success. Burke credits much of his success to his family and gives credit for the simple values of hard work and authenticity that the Brothers of Holy Cross taught him at Hoban.
“I worked on work study in the brother’s kitchen, washing dishes and cleaning up for them,” Burke said. “They taught me about work ethic and the power of presence. A lot of my friends went to St. V or Walsh from St. Sebastian’s, but my brothers had attended Hoban, and it was a family decision.”
He remembers the lessons from Brother Joseph LeBon, who used to draw the “perfect circle” for his classes and use his wry wit to engage the students. The simple example of the brothers and Burke's family has not been lost on Burke as he leads his company with the same presence, zeal and work ethic. It’s the simple things, like staying organized, sending happy anniversary and happy birthday messages to his employees, and being sure that he shares the profits and the success with the group.
“Giving back to my associates in any way that I can is really my favorite part,” Burke said. “Listening to the customer, taking action on what I hear, and discipline…these things go a long way.”
Bill Burke is another shining example of the impact Hoban alumni are making in the business world. One can’t help but respect the Burke family as a whole—his parents, who modeled work ethic and faith, and their legacy at Hoban. Some may cut out early on a Friday, or take a shortcut, or skip Mass. The Burke family just did it the old-fashioned way. And success has followed.
