THE STORY BEHIND BAMKO SURPLUS

Bill Ketenbrink is a devoted family man, husband, and father of six whose life story is a testament to resilience, determination, and an unwavering will to succeed. Born with cerebral palsy, Bill learned early in life to face challenges head-on — a quality that would define both his personal journey and his professional career. At the age of 19, he survived being struck by a car in an accident that nearly claimed his life. The road to recovery brought its own complications, as a blood transfusion received during treatment left him with Hepatitis C — a condition that eventually necessitated a liver transplant at the age of 48. Through every setback, Bill leaned on the philosophy that has guided him throughout his life: "The harder I work, the luckier I get."

Bill's path into the surplus equipment industry began over two decades ago, when he worked in the Petrochemical sector liquidating equipment for a contractor with major industry clients including Amoco, Exxon, Shell, and Citgo, among others. When company cutbacks led to a layoff, Bill recognized an opportunity rather than a dead end — drawing on his firsthand knowledge of the equipment he had spent years liquidating, he began buying and selling surplus machinery on his own. Four years later, he formally established Bamko Surplus Process Equipment LLC as an in-home business, with a clear vision and the drive to build something lasting.

That vision has more than been realized. Through years of hard work, honesty, and an uncompromising commitment to his customers, Bill has grown Bamko Surplus into a well-respected name in the laboratory and process equipment industry, with an inventory of over 30,000 pieces of equipment — including parts and glassware — serving clients around the world. His story is not just the story of a successful business; it is the story of what determination, integrity, and a strong work ethic can build against considerable odds.