WCP Employee Spotlight: Stephen Lochner

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Stephen Lochner

If you have ever had the privilege to work alongside Stephen Lochner, you know first-hand he is hard-working, cheerful, and dependable – always willing to step up for customers and colleagues alike. At times, he has been asked to juggle multiple roles and has done so with dedication and a smile. Recently, Stephen became a first-time dad, and we are sure he is embracing this new chapter with the same go-getter energy he brings to his team. With all that being said, we are honored to have him featured in this latest Employee Spotlight.

Stephen’s WCP Story

Stephen first learned about WCP through word of mouth and was impressed by the company’s [at the time] nearly 90-year history as a family-owned business. Coming from a large family himself, the company’s family values resonated with him. Stephen is currently the Purchasing Manager at the WCP Anchorage division. Before that, he started his career with us in Customer Service, a role he held for just over a year and a half.

Stephen’s typical workday starts in the office. He tackles his daily purchasing responsibilities while managing emails and phone calls. Once the routine tasks are complete, he shifts focus to new projects with Account Managers, supports the Operations Team, and helps customers.

More About Stephen

Stephen is a born-and-raised Alaskan and grew up a few miles outside of Anchorage. He enjoys hiking and exploring the outdoors, especially day trips where he can take in the beauty of nature without the commitment of camping.

Family has also always been important to Stephen. As one of 12 siblings, he is used to a full house and plenty of activity. Now, he and his wife, Madelynn, have started a new chapter of their lives, expanding their family by becoming first-time parents.

Stephen outside the WCP Solutions Anchorage warehouse

Q & A with Stephen

What is your favorite part of working at WCP?
The people. Some of the hardest working and dedicated people I know are the people I work with every day. Whether they are coworkers or customers, working with such a dynamic group of individuals is easily my favorite part of this business!

What is one lesson that your current position has taught you?
To take the 40,000ft view. It’s easy to get caught up in what you’re working on and develop severe tunnel vision. I credit my predecessor, Dana Hahn – he taught me to pause and take inventory. While the details are important, sometimes you need to work at a problem from a different angle, and for that, you need to take a step back – or sometimes 40,000 steps back.

Do you have any advice for new people in the industry who are just starting their careers?
Be curious. This industry is diverse in what it has to offer. I have found that if you approach new challenges with a mindset of curiosity and not fear, you are so much more likely to be successful. Everything is new until it isn’t, so try not to be overwhelmed and be curious about something until you know enough to teach somebody else about it.

Can you share some of your favorite memories or stories while working at WCP?
I tell a lot of newcomers this story, but it’s one of my favorite things about this company. In 2020/2021, I was going through a serious battle with Lymphoma. During this time, I received chemotherapy every other Thursday. Like clockwork, every other Thursday, I would get a phone call from none other than our owner, Teresa Russell, who would check in on me and ask if there was anything she could do to help me out. This was a highlight on an otherwise gloomy day and is one of my most cherished memories working at WCP.

Employee Compliments

“Stephen has an intense curiosity and is driven to learn. His knowledge makes him an invaluable resource to employees and customers. One of the most talented people I have ever encountered. He always exceeds my expectations and is a true solutions provider.”  – Vince Pennino, WCP Anchorage Division Manager

“Stephen is like that little brother that you feel you want to help!  ~ I have no younger siblings, but if I did, Stephen would be at the top of my list.  He is always so cheerful, wants to learn, and wears many hats at [WCP] Anchorage – the newest being a dad.  If he puts the same work ethic into being a dad with his heart and soul as he does into this company, that baby is the luckiest!  Plus, Stephen is already a night owl, burning the candle at both ends from account manager to buyer, so he will already be up to do all the diaper changes and feedings!!  I am happy to call Stephen a friend and co-worker!! ” – Cathy Talkington, WCP Print Merchandiser

“Stephen is an amazing addition to the WCP team. He is never afraid of rolling up his sleeves and getting to work!  Stephen is always willing to help a customer or another teammate whenever they ask. It will be fun to see what this future leader will accomplish.” – Tamara Ferguson, Director of Facility Supplies and Food Service

“From the day Stephen started at WCP in 2017 at the young age of 20, his eagerness to learn made him stand out. Stephen is a problem solver & team player with a positive attitude. Always ready to go the extra mile for all of us!!” – Melinda Minsky, WCP Anchorage Account Manager

Join the WCP Team

Do you want to work alongside exceptional people like Stephen? Visit wcp.link/jobs to see current career opportunities across the company, learn about our employee benefits, and read other employee spotlights! You can also learn more about how we build strong customer relationships and our proud history of service by visiting our About page.