The Professional Luke Wyckoff
One member of his team suggests that Luke’s candle burns at both ends and in the middle. That energy served him well in his early career in sales and training, including 15 years at Development Dimensions International (DDI) , an assessment and leadership development company. His drive has only increased with age as Luke serves today as founder and President of Wyckoff Consulting, an executive search firm, and the founder and CVO of Social Media Energy.
He chooses to lead by learning what motivates each team member and then managing him or her accordingly. This skill was taught to him by his sales and leadership mentor Kelly Crofoot. Luke is quick to point out, though, that, “…I mentor, coach and educate, but I don’t motivate—that has to come from within.”
Social Media Energy evolved from Wyckoff Consulting’s client service of posting job description videos on You Tube and later on LinkedIn and Facebook. This was in the early days of social media and one day, when talking to a long-time client about how the company could enhance their overall corporate reputation through these same media, the company’s executives challenged him to do exactly that. Long story short…he did, and Social Media Energy was born. Now, after 8 years, SME manages the social media presence for more than 300 clients with the support of 25 permanent and contracted team members.
Luke vows to keep his company on the forefront as social media evolves. In fact, he’s confident that given the talent of his team, SME will help shape social media’s next iterations. He sees the company continuing to grow, but equally important to him is the “continued development of our team members so they can enjoy a wonderful quality of life while feeling they are a part of something special.”
The Essential Luke Wyckoff
We’ll let Aristotle speak for Luke. ”You are what you repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit.” What Luke repeatedly does is build relationships, find the best people for his teams, lead by example, and treat others as he would like to be treated.
Growing up in West Michigan, Luke was inspired by his father and his grandfathers, all successful businessmen and pillars of the community. Because of their influence, he always knew he would run his own company. It all came together thanks to the support and input of trusted friends and business advisors. “I have been blessed to surround myself with successful business people and mentors who have helped “sharpen the saw” over the years”.
You will find Luke at sporting events, concerts and the golf course. He enjoys coaching and mentoring others through his work with Celebrate Recovery at Restoration Community Church. “There are many people hurting out there – and they feel like they are alone. I wanted to give them a space where they could feel safe and grow”. He first to say #FAMILYFIRST and gets back to Sheridan, Michigan to visit family as much as possible!