Trek Founder Dick Burke’s legacy of giving back
To whom much is given, much is required. This was the guiding belief of Dick Burke during his years at the helm of the bicycle company, and the years that came after. The founder of a successful global business, Dick could have spent the last phase of his life enjoying the spoils of his hard work. But instead, he took everything he earned and gave it back to the community.
Why? Because it was the right thing to do.
Dick was a prolific giver, and his visionary generosity includes the establishment of the Burke Foundation, which helps empower youth and communities throughout Milwaukee by investing in educational opportunities that help young people grow personally, socially, and intellectually. Today, the foundation's impact reaches people of all ages, from early education through graduate school. It's helped power programs like the Urban Ecology Center and Voces de la Frontera, a community organization that defends and expands civil rights for immigrants and low-wage workers. It also awards full-tuition scholarships to future change-makers through the Burke Scholars Program at Marquette University.
The Burke Foundation had such a lasting impact that the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel honored him as Philanthropist of the Year in 2018 — a full ten years after his passing.
But Dick’s legacy isn’t confined to a foundation. Trek’s history is dotted with stories of Dick quietly doing right by his employees — stories he’d never share himself, that have been passed down from employee to employee, an oral history that continues to inspire.
Now, Dick’s legacy lives in the fabric of Trek. It’s in the way we show up for our communities and each other. It’s in our annual Trek 100 charity ride, which raises millions for childhood cancer research. It’s in the Trek Foundation, which builds places to ride and protects natural spaces for future generations. It’s in our support for women’s cycling and our push for equity in the sport. It’s in our commitment to sustainability, and the way we think about growth — not just in profit, but in purpose.
Not every company has a founder like Dick. We’re lucky we did.
Walk through Trek headquarters today, and you’ll see a painting of him in the atrium. It’s a reminder of where we came from and of the responsibility we carry to keep doing what’s right. Dick’s unwavering commitment to giving back continues to inspire every Trek employee to lead with integrity, generosity, and a dedication to making the world a better place.
Why? Because it’s the right thing to do.