Retail Observer

Mining Company as a senior manager. When Maycor called in the early 1990s, he eagerly returned to appliance service. When Buck accepted the challenge of expanding Maycor's Chicago factory service operation, it grew by 100% within four years, during which he also helped expand additional markets in the Midwest and implemented a satellite operation in Cincinnati/ Dayton. In the late 1990s his successes led to his being assigned Maytag Services Southern Division Manager, supporting district service managers from a new home base in Texas. When Maytag was acquired in 2006, Buck began his journey at Whirlpool where his influence and leadership were integral in supporting the internal field service management network. Buck's ability to develop and retain relationships was a key factor in the ongoing successes of the Whirlpool Authorized Service provider network. In 2008 he was instrumental in the creation of the Preferred Service Network, where his vision and business savvy earned the trust of six service companies. Working with a core group of Field Service business managers in 2013, Buck helped introduce an exclusive Whirlpool network which now includes 80 companies and is known as the Whirlpool Factory Certified Care Network, a major leader in the service industry. Throughout the years Buck's ability to focus on the customer, whether a consumer with a service issue or a service provider growing his business, built the shining legacy he leaves behind. As for his thoughts on retirement, Buck would probably quote his grandmother's words: "Hope it's fine and dandy, sweet as candy." To cite a favorite "Buckism": "Congratulations for this lifetime achievement award, Butter, 'cause you're on a roll!" All of us in the services industry have greatly benefitted from having learned, laughed and grown by your side. On behalf of the officers and the board and members of USA, it is my great pleasure and delight to recognize and present the 2019 Life Time Achievement Award to "Buck" Renteria! These famous "Buckisms" should give you an idea of the man: "Okie Dokie Artichokie!" "Know what I mean, Jellybean?" "I'm happier than a pig in mud!" "If I was any better, I'd be twins!" "I want to be perfectly transparent with you!" "The only reason I am here is to serve you!" And we would be remiss to not include: "You're the highest paid servicer I have!" "I had the pleasure to work for Buck in the Maytag days and as a service partner in the Whirlpool days, and he has always been an inspiring professional and knowledgeable industry talent. I have respected his input and wisdom which will truly be missed. Still unsure if he has forgiven me for giving him grief during a re-interviewing process that Maytag instituted – he did however allow me to stay employed! Hard to believe how the time has flown, and I wish Buck all the happiness he deserves in his new stage of life." — Steve Merriam "Like most of you, I met Buck when he was at Maytag. Buck's passion for customer service and field service was contagious, and I immediately knew he would be a peer and a trusted advisor for the rest of my career. He is truly one of the most respected service executives in our industry – known for being fair and for acting with the utmost integrity in dealing with service companies, peers, and co-workers. I pray God will continue to bless Buck in his life after Whirlpool and that his cell phone number remains the same, so that I can continue to pick his brain for advice." — Chris Smith, CEO, OnPoint Warranty "Buck Renteria is a representative of the best in our industry. You just knew his ultimate goal was for our industry to be successful and improve. His honesty, his willingness to do the hard work, and his ability to work with others are characteristics we can all admire. He was able to take full advantage of his many talents and was highly successful with Whirlpool and Maytag. Thank you, Buck, for all your support for United Servicers Association." — Lance Kimball, President, United Servicers Association RO

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