Jeff is a life long resident of Lake Country. He grew up in Oconomowoc, attended Oconomowoc High School and now resides in Stone Bank. He and his wife, Lisa, are the owners of Lorleberg True Value in Oconomowoc. They represent the 4th generation of a family owned business. Jeff is an avid outdoorsman; he hunts, cycles, runs and hikes. He displays some of his hunting trophies on the walls at the store.
About Jeff Burchardt
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My bride, Lisa, of 29 years, is a part of the business and does a ton of volunteer charity work in the community. My daughter, Emme, 26 years old, lives in San Fransisco with her husband Patrick. They have one son, Franklin, who is 1 1/2 years old and a daughter soon to arrive. Emme is a ballet dancer and as a supportive parent, I appreciate the music and culture of ballet through her. My daughter, Hannah, lives in Fort Worth, Texas, as a second grade teacher. She has three dogs which keep her busy. Both of my daughters’ names are spelled the same forward and backwards… just a little interesting fact.
Q: Please tell us about your life and what you do (whether working in our community, a business owner, volunteer, etc.). How did you choose that path?
Lorleberg True Value Hardware started here in Oconomowoc in 1870 as a family owned business. The last generation of owners did not have children to pass the business to and they sold Lorleberg to my father who worked for them. 25 years ago, my father sold to me. I grew up working at Lorleberg’s and a few other hardware stores in Grafton and Milwaukee for experience. I chose a life that kept us here to raise a family in a community that’s friendly beyond compare, with great schools. And I love the 10 minute commute.
Q: What do you love most about what you do?
Helping people solve their home maintenance/improvement projects is the best. Over the years, I have listened to and helped many individuals with a wide range of situations. Always happy to help people.
Q: What was the most difficult challenge in getting to where you are now or in your life?
Life is an adventure, not a destination.
Q: What are some of your future goals? Do you have anything exciting coming up that you would like to share?
To continue to offer products and services my neighbors find valuable is an always changing landscape.
Q: What advice would you give to someone interested in doing something similar to what you have done/are doing?
Love to help people, support your community through offering employment and give back to local charities.
Q: What 3 words would you use to describe our community?
Friendly, caring, giving.
For Fun
Favorite restaurants:
All of them. Oconomowoc offers a wide range and variety of excellent places to eat out, whether more fine dining or casual, we have it all!
Most interesting person I’ve met in our community:
Mark Strong. He taught our children and continues to be of influence in our community.
Favorite travel spots:
I love Florence, Italy, it is the seat of modern thinking. I have been there once, I am somewhat of a history buff and would love to explore the area more. New Zealand is another place I would love to see.
Favorite TV shows:
I like history and enjoyed the show “Upstairs Downstairs”.
Favorite music:
I am a 70’s heavy metal guy. Through my daughter’s ballet, I also appreciate opera and ballet music.
Who would you like to have lunch with?
Michangelo. He was a philosopher and into modern thought.
Most beautiful place:
Sheraton Marriott hotel in the Rocky Mountains.
What would you like to see in your future?
Eventually, I would like to have a place in the Steamboat Area in Colorado. I love the isolation and the beauty of our national forests and have spent 25 years hunting all over.
Favorite Smells:
Cinnamon rolls and smoked meat.
Where to Find Jeff Burchardt
Phone: (262) 567-0267
