Ken Cook

Profile Updated: July 5, 2022
Ken Cook
Residing In: Mequon, WI USA
Spouse/Partner: Ki
Occupation: Retired from Ken Cook Co. July 2021
Children: No children
Military Service: Navy support for missile performance  
Yes! Attending Reunion
What did you do right after high school?

Attended Purdue University, graduating with a degree in Electrical Engineering. Joined General Dynamics Missile Division in Pomona, California as a Specifications Analyst and Test Procedure Writer. Attended Claremont Graduate University, graduating with a Masters Degree in Business Economics. Returned to Milwaukee to join Ken Cook Co. for three years. Joined Planaprint International in 1970 as Vice President, US Operations. Returned to Ken Cook Co. in 1975 and eventually worked up to President & CEO in 2001. Became sole owner of Ken Cook Co. in 2005 and retired September 2020. Chairman of the Board until July 2021.

What do you do in your spare time? What are you passionate about?

Build Stereo Equipment systems to listen to a wide range of music. Music has always been a passion for me and an important ingredient in my happiness!
Leading the singing of the National Anthem at the St. Andrew’s annual banquet has been rewarding to me.

Have you had different careers?

My career focus has been technical communication with a variety of positions - Specifications Analyst, Test Procedure Writer, Technical Writer, Consultant, Editor, Program Manager, Vice President, Executive Vice President, President & CEO, Chairman of the Board and Adviser to several universities on technical communication programs. President of Society of Technical Communication, treasurer of National Association of Service Managers, President of National Coalition Aviation and Space Education.

Fun or interesting "adventures" or one of the high points of your life:

Cruising to Japan, Korea, Mainland China and Hong Kong. Seeing the Great Wall was awe inspiring.Taking the entire family on a cruise to Alaska in 2013.
2021 moved to Franksville, WI with new wife Ki.
Will travel to Maui this spring and Korea in 2022. Planning to cruise around South America in 2022. 2023.

Have you lived one of your dreams?

Yes - my dream one day was to be President and owner of Ken Cook Co.Now retired and enjoying life with Ki.

Publications or recordings or other creations?

I have published articles and book reviews in the Technical Communication Journal and National Association of Service Managers newsletters.

What would most surprise us to know about you now and what you have done?

That I have been in many leadership roles in associations and societies, some related to my business. This past year (2013 and into 2014) has been notable in my career and involvement in associations:
2013 Society for Technical Communication - Presidents Award for Lifetime Achievement.
Association of Equipment Manufacturers - Pillar of the Industry Award
St. Andrews Society of Milwaukee - Lifetime Achievement Award for Leadership and Contributions to the Community .
Fellow in the Society for Technical Communication, Treasurer in National Association.

School Story:

My favorite time was being a letterman cheerleader. We had fun and did not realize how much power we had with classmates during athletic events. Lead freestyler on Morgan Byers Swim team. Winner of oral presentation at Purdue University competition. Participation on debate team.

Ken's Latest Interactions

Hide Comments
Ken Cook has a birthday today.
Sep
04
Sep 04, 2023 at 3:33 AM
Ken Cook posted a message.
Feb 04, 2023 at 11:59 AM

Happy Birthday Mike. We are now living near Racine in Franksville. Hope all is well with you!
Ken

Ken Cook has a birthday today. New comment added.
Jun
06
Jun 06, 2023 at 12:14 PM

Posted on: Sep 04, 2022 at 3:33 AM

Ken Cook updated profile. View.
Jul 05, 2022 at 6:45 PM
Feb 20, 2022 at 3:49 PM

Happy Birthday Lynn. Missed seeing you at our reunion!! Ken

Ken Cook posted a message.
Feb 04, 2022 at 6:40 PM

Happy Birthday Mike. Hope you are having a good life!! Ken

Ken Cook posted a message.
Feb 04, 2022 at 10:01 AM

How are you, Mike? Ki and I are now living in Franksville, WI. Near Racine.
Wishing you a Happy Birthday a bit early. Ken

Ken Cook posted a message. New comment added.
Nov 01, 2021 at 4:21 PM

Posted on: Nov 01, 2021 at 11:12 AM

We missed seeing you at the 2021 reunion at the Town Club. It was a wonderful event! Hope all is well with you and your family! Ken

Ken Cook posted a message.
Oct 29, 2021 at 11:42 AM

Hi Tom,
This reunion was smaller but everyone enjoyed the gathering. Missed having your energetic cheerleading for songs and cheers!! How are things in Reno? I moved to Franksville WI a
Nd just getting settled. Ken

Ken Cook has a birthday today.
Sep 04, 2021 at 3:33 AM
Ken Cook has left an In Memory comment for Profile.
Feb 14, 2021 at 9:28 AM

Over the recent years Bob has been a great contributor and friend to our reunion committee. We will miss his friendship and gatherings as we plan future reunions. Ken Cook

Ken Cook has a birthday today.
Sep 04, 2020 at 3:33 AM
Ken Cook added a comment on Profile.
Feb 10, 2020 at 10:06 AM
Ken Cook posted a message. New comment added.
Dec 19, 2022 at 7:48 AM

Posted on: Dec 18, 2019 at 12:12 PM

Happy Birthday, Lynn!! Celebrate you today!!!

Ken Cook has a birthday today.
Sep 04, 2019 at 3:33 AM
Ken Cook added a comment on Profile.
Jun 16, 2019 at 5:32 AM
Ken Cook added a comment on Profile.
Jun 12, 2019 at 9:49 AM
Ken Cook posted a message. New comment added.
May 29, 2019 at 2:59 PM

Posted on: May 29, 2019 at 8:40 AM

Happy Birthday, Dennis! Enjoy your special time celebrating!! Ken

Ken Cook added a comment on Profile.
May 28, 2019 at 7:58 AM
Ken Cook has a birthday today. New comment added.
Sep 04, 2018 at 10:18 PM

Posted on: Sep 04, 2018 at 3:33 AM