Meet Jim Willis

Jim Willis is our Material Handling Specialist at our East Peoria,Illinois Branch where he has successfully managed the East Peoria, Ottawa, and Decatur area for the past 14 years. Before coming to MH, Jim marketed industrial engines for Ford Power Products, a division of Ford Motor Company. “I sold some parts to MH at the old Peoria branch one day and the parts manager at the time told me that MH was recently purchased and was looking for an aftermarket rep. I put in my application and the rest is history!

When asked what he likes most about working for MH Equipment, Jim said “I really enjoy my colleagues at work especially the sales team. I work with a group of people that you can count on. We have a really good camaraderie among the sales group. We really support each other. Being at MH for 14 years, it is so awesome to have been a part of its growth. I think MH is really passionate about the communities and the people it serves!”

On a personal side, Jim is happily married with a son from a previous marriage who is 16 and two step daughters and step grandkids. His son is very active in sports, so Jim attends a lot of football and basketball games. “Until recently, I forgot just how fun attending high school sporting events was!” Jim also likes to spend time with his family, especially during the holidays with Thanksgiving being his favorite. Jim is definitely a meat and potatoes kind of guy, but says that a good burger or BBQ will always get his attention!

Something that not everyone knows about Jim is that he is a passionate musician and actually plays in several local bands in the Peoria area and his church. “I have been a musician pretty much all of my life. I started playing drums when I was 6 years old and started playing professionally in bands when I was 12. Music and drumming are a big part of my life. I enjoy it as much today as I did when I first started playing. I’m a believer that you’re never too old for learning or doing something you’re passionate about.”  When asked if there was a particular musician that Jim would like to have dinner with, he replied “I was actually asked this question awhile ago and above all of the famous musicians I would have like to have met, I still say my dad. He passed away when I was 16 and I would love just to sit down with him and have a long talk. We have some catching up to do.”

Jim says that although he hates to admit it, he’s been a pathetic Cubs fan all his life. Apparently when you’re born into his family, you cheer for the Cubs. He loves Wrigley Field and attending games at the friendly confines! He also enjoys Bears football and Illini basketball.

 Please join me in thanking Jim for his years of service to MH Equipment! Keep up the good work!