Get to Know Bill Waltz: The Importance of Growth, Governance, and Giving Back to the Industry

For Bill Waltz, giving back to the industry isn’t just a responsibility—it’s a way to shape its future. As the President and CEO of Atkore, a market leader in electrical products, Waltz has led his company through significant growth. As a member of IDEA’s Board, he’s committed to ensuring the industry has the tools it needs to thrive. “I enjoy helping and giving back to the industry,” Bill says, reflecting on his role in guiding IDEA’s strategy and governance.

Contributing to Industry Progress

Bill values the opportunity to make an impact where it counts—by enhancing communication and collaboration between distributors and manufacturers. “IDEA provides value to both our distribution and manufacturing partners,” he says, making it the perfect place for him to contribute to industry progress.

Leadership that Drives Growth

With decades of experience, Bill has helped guide IDEA through six years of growth and innovation, serving as a past IDEA Chair and a current board officer. His strength lies in governance and strategy. His leadership experiences have given him deep insights into operational efficiency and long-term strategy, skills that he brings to the IDEA Board.

“There’s already a great management team and board in place at IDEA,” Bill says. “I’ve added value through discussions around management responsibilities versus the board’s governance,” he explains.

A Collaborative Future

Bill’s approach to his role on the IDEA board role is collaborative, focusing on offering guidance and acting as a sounding board. His leadership has been instrumental in ensuring IDEA maintains clear governance and efficient decision-making processes. By working alongside IDEA’s leadership, Bill helps shape the organization’s overall strategy, ensuring it remains a vital resource for the industry.

Shaping the Future

Bill believes IDEA is critical for the future of the electrical industry. “It’s easier for both distributors and manufacturers to communicate through one platform,” he explains. Instead of building unique systems for each partnership, IDEA simplifies product data sharing, saving resources across the board.

“IDEA continues to bring more value to the overall electrical industry,” Bill says. He hopes to raise awareness about IDEA Connector’s role as a central platform for manufacturers and distributors, and he encourages greater participation from industry partners.

Whether at Atkore or on IDEA’s board, Bill Waltz remains focused on helping the industry thrive in the future as it embraces digital transformation. His collaborative spirit and dedication to supporting the industry make him an influential force guiding the industry’s future.

Getting to Know Bill

• Inspiring the Team: Known for his hands-on leadership, Bill stays closely connected to his team at Atkore. When he was named EY Entrepreneur of the Year® Midwest Award winner in 2023, Bill credited the 5,000 Atkore employees: “The real recognition belongs to our entire organization,” he said.
• Dedicated Industry Advocate: In addition to IDEA, Bill serves on multiple boards, including NAED and NEMA, where he works to advance industry standards and collaboration. He was recognized for his service with the NAED Associate Distinguished Service Award in 2024.
• Most Rewarding Board Experience: Bill has found it rewarding to witness IDEA’s growth over the last decade. “Over the last 10 years, IDEA as a software platform and organization has really excelled,” he shares, reflecting on how IDEA has become the industry’s go-to resource for product content.

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