At Draper Inc., partnership isn’t just a business buzzword — it’s a part of who we are. It shapes how we work, how we treat people, and how we grow. Over the years, we’ve learned that the best results come when we work together. Whether we’re teaming up with customers, collaborating with suppliers, supporting our employees, or engaging in our community, one thing remains the same: partnership drives everything we do.
I’m Joseph Burke, and I’m proud to be part of Draper’s Pro AV team. My journey with Draper began 16 years ago in Corby, a small town in Northamptonshire, England. I led Draper’s UK and European operations until 2020, when the COVID pandemic forced us to make some tough decisions — including closing our UK office and warehouse at the end of 2022.
But that wasn’t the end of the road. Thanks to the strong partnership I’d built with Draper over the years, we found a new path forward. Draper offered me the opportunity to relocate my family to the company’s headquarters in Spiceland, Indiana. It was a big move, but the trust and mutual respect between us made the decision an easy one.
What Partnership Means to Us
At Draper, we believe partnership means rolling up our sleeves and working side-by-side to create something better—together. No one has all the answers, but when we collaborate, we can solve complex problems, spark new ideas, and build something truly lasting.
To us, partnership means:
- Sharing knowledge freely.
- Supporting each other consistently.
- Valuing every contribution.
- Aiming for mutual success, not just individual wins.
We live this value across the board:
With Our Customers
We take the time to understand their needs, go above and beyond to exceed expectations, and deliver not just great products—but real, lasting value.
With Our Employees
We’re committed to creating a workplace where people feel heard, respected, and empowered to grow. Like many organizations, we can get better at this. We are so focused on it that we’ve put some mechanisms in place to help us improve in this area. We know that innovation and progress start from within and we can’t do that without our people.
With Our Suppliers
We don’t just do business—we build relationships. Honesty, fairness, and long-term collaboration guide how we work together.
With Our Communities
We care about the world around us. That means supporting local initiatives, investing in sustainability, and giving back whenever we can.
Putting Partnership into Practice
Customers: More Than Just Transactions
We’re not just here to sell—we’re here to listen, support, and grow with our customers. From first conversations to long after the sale, we’re in it together. That’s how we’ve built lasting relationships based on trust and reliability.
Employees: Our Greatest Strength
The people who power Draper are at the heart of our success and by investing in them we are investing in our future. We strive to provide training, mentorship, and opportunities to shine. A new leadership training program was unveiled in 2024 to provide pathways to success for all of us. When our people grow and advance, so does Draper.
Suppliers: Shared Goals, Shared Wins
We hold ourselves to high standards, and we expect the same from our partners. Together, we ensure every product we deliver meets our promise of quality and integrity.
Community: Giving Back, Moving Forward
We believe that business success means little without social responsibility. From education initiatives to sustainability efforts, we’re proud to make a positive impact where we live and work.
Looking Ahead: Why Partnership Still Matters
The world is changing fast, and the companies that thrive will be the ones that work together. Innovation, efficiency, and meaningful progress all come from strong, collaborative relationships. At Draper, we’re doubling down on our commitment to partnership because we know it’s the key to sustainable, long-term success.
Final Thoughts
At Draper Inc., partnership is more than just a value—it’s how we do life. It’s in our conversations, our decisions, and the way we treat people. We’ve seen firsthand how working together brings out the best in all of us, and we’re excited to keep building on that foundation.
So whether you’re a customer, a teammate, a supplier, or a neighbor—we’re glad you’re part of this journey with us. Because at Draper, partnership isn’t just what we do.
It’s who we are.
