A Life’s Journey
Often described as a renaissance man due to his knowledge, education and proficiency in a variety of fields, Luke Slawek adheres to a methodology of goal-setting with the objective of achieving competency in every endeavor.
Education
- Commercial Pilot and Flight Instructor from Westwind School of Aeronautics
- Bachelor of Science in Professional Aeronautics, Minor Management from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
- International Executive Program from INSEAD Business School France
Career with FONA
For 24 years, Luke was an integral part of FONA, representing a new generation of leaders in the community and industry.
Luke held roles from cleaning the production floors to President, Officer and Board roles.
FONA was successfully brought to the market for acquisition by McCormick in 2020.
Some of the third party acknowledgment and recognitions received include …
Great Place to Work (Fortune Magazine)
• #1 Workplace in Nation for Manufacturing/Production, 2020
• #5 Workplace in Chicago, Small/Medium, 2020
• #2 Workplace in Manufacturing & Production, Small/Medium, 2019
• #3 Workplace in Manufacturing & Production, among companies of any size, 2018
• #2 Workplace in Chicagoland, Small/Medium, 2018
Inc. Magazine
• Inc. Best Workplace in the Nation, 2019
Forbes Magazine
• 2018 Small Giants award
Best & Brightest Companies to Work For
• National Winner, Overall – 10 years in a row, 2011- 2021
• National Winner, Wellness – 7 years in a row, 2014-2021
• Elite Winner, Chicago – 15 Years in a row (Most Recently: Strategic Company, Performance), 2006-2021
• Chicago winner, 15 years in a row, 2006-2021
Chicago Tribune
• Top Workplaces in Chicago (#8, small category), 2017
Food Quality & Safety Magazine
• 15th Annual Food Quality & Safety Award, 2016
Fox Valley Entrepreneurship Center
• 2016 Community Business of the Year
Beyond FONA
- Numerous Privately Held Board Member Positions
- HVAC/Plumbing – St. Charles, IL
- Food Ingredient Manufacturing – Columbus, OH
- Shelf Stable Milk Consumer Product – Wheaton, IL
- Private Jet Charter Asset Leasing – Nashville, TN
- Real Estate Holdings – Kalamazoo, MI
- Multiple Additional Industry – Committee and Special Project Support
Philanthropy
- Current Board Member and Officer – Tuskegee Next Generation – Wheaton, IL
- Current Member – Max McGraw Wildlife Foundation – Dundee, IL
- Former Strategic Development Committee Member – USASA National
- Former Member Loyola Family Business Center – Chicago, IL
- Former Board Member and Officer – CASA Kane County
- Former Board Member and Chair – FVCA – St. Charles, IL
Like my father, Luke has a superior intellect. He joined me in the business and took over as president in 2013. His genius is in solving tactical challenges, like complicated international ownership and logistics. – Joseph Slawek
When I describe Luke it starts with integrity, putting others first and leading by example as a friend, mentor, father, son, husband, and business executive. Luke values the importance of the company he keeps, rises to the top of a true “Renaissance Man,” living his life by the golden rule. What a combination of physical, intellectual, spiritual, and humanism way of life! – Gloria Kelley, Deputy Chair
Luke’s ability to be creative while simultaneously decisive, strategic, and effective mirrors that of the Olympic gold medalists I coach. Clarity, dedication, execution, and creativity are words that I often come back to when describing the gold medal athletes that I work with.
Luke’s personality and quiver of abilities mirror that of the top talents I coach, creating a truly inspiring environment of community and connection. It’s a joy to work alongside Luke and to witness the positive changes he manifests in the environments he engages with. – Justin Reiter, Olympian & Olympic Coach