BROOKFIELD — Inside a bright, open warehouse, the smell of pizza and the buzz of friendly conversation filled the air. It was Thursday, “Packer Lunch Day,” and the staff at Components Company wore green and gold and the colors of a few other teams as well.
Vice President of Sales Ted Sibilsky watched as employees gathered around tables, enjoying a break from the busy workweek. Sibilsky, a Green Bay Packers fan, shared he’s also gearing up to attend an upcoming game himself.
“I have one coming up on Nov. 10 against the Philadelphia Eagles, it’ll be a good game,” Sibilsky said Thursday. He also hopes the Milwaukee Brewers can pull through a few more wins this season. “I think it’s been a fantastic season, and I’m pretty confident tonight they’re gonna pull one out.”
Always know what your neighbor knows with a subscription to The Waukesha Freeman.
The company, founded in 1934 and now operating with fewer than 50 employees, had built its reputation on providing efficient supply chain solutions for industrial manufacturers.
“It’s wonderful to see everybody together. It’s fun to invite guests weekly. … We just get to show off our place and capabilities and our expansion right now,” Sibilsky said.
The lunches have been a tradition every Thursday for over a decade, during the regular NFL football season. Each week, a different department or person takes charge of signing up to lead the lunch. Some opted for taco bars or pasta, while others chose pizza or themed meals.
“Everybody comes together, eats together. It brings a different dynamic every week for our employees,” said Jenny Nathan, sales associate.
Get latest local news, sports, and breaking stories sent straight to your inbox!
Across the company, a small contest was underway this week to see who had the most spirited team outfit, with three judges selected from different departments across the company.
This week’s chosen winner, Gene Cleaver, operations manager, wore his Philadelphia Eagles gear with pride. His prize for best dressed was an assortment of Wisconsin cheese.
Laughter filled the air, blending with the hum of machinery in the background and the fresh scent of pizza. Beyond the tables, employees could see the ongoing expansion of the company’s office space, a visible sign of its steady growth, with an estimated completion by Thanksgiving.
From the wire department to the sales floor, every corner of the company reflected the same energy: collaboration, pride and a shared sense of belonging. For those who work there, Thursday lunches aren’t just about sports; they are about connection.
“I’ve been a die-hard Brewers fan since I was a little boy, and this season’s been the greatest fun of my life. I think it’s a fabulous team-building exercise, it’s great for morale. It’s great for keeping the office and staff integrated. It’s a win-win, all together,” said Patrick Rynders, account specialist.
In a place known for “making supply chain headaches go away,” this weekly tradition had quietly become the company’s favorite solution of all.