Peak Performance: Dairyland Power Cooperative

In this episode, Blake Winger shares his journey from lineman to Transmission Line Coordinator, offering insights on leadership, safety, and teamwork. He reflects on the value of hands-on experience, human performance tools, coaching others, and balancing work with family and personal hobbies.

In this episode, Kyle Overby shares his journey from over 23 years in the U.S. Air Force. He reflects on leadership, trust, safety culture, and the role human performance tools play in building strong teams. Kyle also discusses military life, deployment experiences, and the transition to civilian work, offering practical insights shaped by years of service and leadership.

Sage Williams shares his extensive journey in the electrical industry, discussing his transition from a peer to a leader, the importance of accountability and communication in leadership, and personal insights into work-life balance and motivation. Sage emphasizes the value of learning, treating employees with respect, and the significance of clarity in communication. He also shares his hobbies and how they contribute to his overall well-being.

Eric Groat shares his journey from civil engineering to becoming a Director of Transmission Line at Dairyland. He discusses his background, the transition to a new role, and the challenges he faces in leadership. Eric emphasizes the importance of effective communication, safety, and adaptability in the workplace, especially during emergencies. He reflects on his personal life, interests, and the changes he has experienced since moving to Wisconsin.

Amanda Hoefling focuses on personality and communication, drawing from the Myers-Briggs framework to highlight how different personality types impact decision-making and teamdynamics. She also introduces the SCARF model as a tool for understanding employee motivations and helping leaders tailor communication to create a more inclusive and productive environment.

Dr. Scott Dickmeyer from the University of Wisconsin- La Crosse explores the pivotal role communication plays in effective leadership. The discussion covers courageous conversations, building trust, navigating cultural shifts,the influence of nonverbal communication, and how feedback shapes organizational culture. He emphasizes how strong communication practices help leaders create clarity, connection, and alignment. This episode is so insightful, and it gives leaders practical tips.

In the final episode of this 3-part series on Leadership, Brent Ridge discusses the multifaceted nature of leadership, emphasizing the importance of situational leadership, the distinction between leadership and management, and the need for vulnerability and effective communication. He explores how leaders can empower their teams, the significance of feedback, and the continuous journey of personal and professional growth in leadership roles.

Dustin Rosemeyer discusses the intricacies of leadership, particularly focusing on the art of following and the evolution of leadership styles. Rosey shares his journey from a micromanaging leader to one who empowers his team, emphasizing the importance of trust, vulnerability, and the ability to learn from mistakes. The discussion highlights the significance of building relationships, prioritizing people, and the challenges of managing ego in leadership roles. Ultimately, the conversation serves as a guide for leaders looking to improve their effectiveness and foster a positive work environment.

Grover Hettel explores the multifaceted nature of leadership, emphasizing the importance of understanding both leadership and followership. He discusses the attributes of effective leaders, the significance of building trust and vulnerability, and the need for leaders to adapt to generational differences in the workplace. The dialogue also highlights the critical role of communication and the empowerment of teams through delegation and support. Overall, the discussion provides valuable insights into the essence of leadership in today's organizational landscape.

In this festive episode of Peak Performance, the Organizational Effectiveness team and Santa and Mrs. Claus, diving into the magic of Christmas. They discuss how Santa tracks the naughty and nice list, share favorite cookie recipes, and reveal the wonders of the North Pole. The Claus couple also offers heartfelt messages for children, emphasizing kindness and holiday spirit.

In this episode of Peak Performance, Lieutenant Chris Shea from the DNR joins us to talk all things hunting. We cover the role of the DNR, upcoming hunting seasons, challenges in recruitment and education, and the importance of safety and regulations. The conversation also dives into wildlife management, Wisconsin’s elk population, bird hunting, and how poaching impacts conservation efforts.

Join us for a special edition of Peak Performance as we discuss the rollout of the Corrective Action Program (CAP) at Dairyland. Discover the communication strategies designed to keep you informed and engaged, from weekly write-ups and engaging TikTok videos to insightful podcasts. Learn how CAP will impact your daily work and the benefits it brings to our organization. Don't miss this opportunity to get ahead of the curve and prepare for the exciting changes coming your way!

In this episode of the Peak Performance Podcast, we interview Kayla Lorenz, Safety Coordinator. We dive into the world of human performance, safety coordination, and the realities of balancing work and family life. The conversation highlights safety in the workplace, reflect on the rewards of outdoor hobbies, and share the challenges and humor of coaching youth sports. We go on to share how human performance tools can seamlessly integrate into everyday life—proving these concepts aren’t just for the workplace, but valuable in personal experiences as well.

In this week’s Peak Performance podcast episode, we sat down with Patrick Roff, Supervisor of Project Controls at Dairyland. Patrick shares his unique journey from serving as an Infantryman in the Army to being recruited into a career at Dairyland. We dive into his calm, collected approach to high-pressure situations—whether it’s jumping out of planes or keeping the peace as an ice hockey referee, then lastly sharing his deep love for his four dogs.  

In this episode, we sit down with Chad Calloway, a seasoned Right-of-Way Technician, to explore the ins and outs of his unique role. Chad shares how his job strikes a balance between fieldwork and office time—and why the unpredictability of each day keeps things exciting. Beyond the job, Chad opens up about his passion for snowboarding and how he has instilled this love for the sport in his family.

In this episode, Eric Dummer, Manager of PMO Projects, shares his journey into maple syrup farming, discussing the intricacies of production, the science behind sap flow, and the continuous improvements made in the process. He emphasizes the unique characteristics of maple trees, and the innovative techniques used to enhance efficiency and safety in syrup production.  

Peak Performance interviews Adam Green, a performance engineer with diverse interests. The conversation touches on problem-solving in engineering, the joy of woodworking as a therapeutic hobby and balancing work, family and community involvement. 

This episode features a deep dive into the Flambeau Dam with the three-person team that keeps it running. The conversation covers the dam's historical significance, daily operational challenges, personal stories from the team, and why they think the dam might be haunted. This episode emphasizes the importance of collaboration and following safety practices as a small team.

In this engaging conversation, the supervisor of transmission maintenance in Harmony, Jason Hovey, gets interviewed. We discuss Jason’s personal journey from being a lineman to a supervisor, his passion for classic cars, and his family's legacy in farming, highlighting the balance between work and personal life.

In this episode, we introduce Kristy Kurtz, the new Organizational Effectiveness Program Manager. We dive into Kristy's background, her family, and her hobbies outside of work, including camping and fishing. Kristy shares her passion for teamwork and expresses her excitement about working with causal analysis, human performance, and teams out in the field. Later in the episode we touch on goals for Organizational Effectiveness and the structure we have planned for the podcast in 2025.  

In this conversation, John McHugh, Vice President of Kwik Trip, talks about the company's exceptional culture, hiring practices, and commitment to employee satisfaction. John McHugh shares insights on how Kwik Trip maintains a low turnover rate through a focus on cultural fit during hiring, the importance of compassion in customer service, and the role of leadership in fostering a positive work environment. He emphasizes the significance of storytelling in shaping company culture and discusses Kwik Trip's future growth plans.

On this episode of Peak Performance, we have a very special guest, President and CEO, Brent Ridge. He joins us in talking about the past, present, and future of Dairyland Power. Brent highlights accomplishments that happened in 2024 and opportunities for continuous improvement. Plans for 2025 and beyond emphasize how important safety is to our company. Later in the episode, you get to know who Brent is outside of his role as President and CEO of Dairyland Power Cooperative. He shares his unique music playlist, hobbies of his, and how it is having a new dog in the house. Enjoy this special episode and get to know our CEO!  Got a great story to share? Email us @ [email protected]

This conversation dives into the mission and operations of MiEnergy, an electric co-op dedicated to community engagement, innovation in broadband services, and strategic planning for the future. We had the opportunity to speak with Jenny Scharmer, Chair of Dairyland Power Cooperative’s Board of Directors, and Brian Krambeer, President and CEO of MiEnergy Cooperative. Together, they shared insights into recruitment, the impact of a recent merger, and the co-op’s steadfast commitment to economic development and community support. This episode offers a closer look at one of Dairyland’s 24-member cooperatives and the vital role they play in powering and empowering their local communities.

The conversation explores the Apple Affair in Galesville, Wisconsin, highlighting its history, community impact, and the impressive 10-foot apple pie that is a centerpiece of the event. The discussion includes insights from event organizers about the growth of the festival, the variety of vendors, and the importance of community engagement. The episode concludes with a focus on the behind-the-scenes efforts that make the event successful and the positive contributions to the local community.

In this episode, we talk with some of the Communications team at Dairyland to discuss their roles, responsibilities, and the collaborative dynamics that drive their success. They share insights into community engagement initiatives, communication strategies, and the importance of teamwork. The team also highlights their personal interests and achievements.

Submit your story ⁠⁠⁠⁠HERE!⁠⁠ In this unforgettable episode of Peak Performance, we're handing the mic to our Dairyland Power Veterans: Brian Waite, Energy Management Analyst, Caleb Hefti, Technical Project Manager, Eric Hammes, Manager of the System Operations Center, Patrick Roff, Supervisor of Project Controls, Chuck Forrester, Organizational Effectiveness Contractor, and Andy Black, Organizational Effectiveness Director. This conversation explores the significance of Veterans Day, its history, and the challenges veterans face in society. The participants share personal experiences and perspectives on military service, discuss community efforts to support veterans and reflect on the integration of veterans into civilian life. The dialogue emphasizes the importance of shared experiences among veterans and the motivations behind their service. This conversation explores the personal journeys of military veterans, highlighting their motivations for joining the service, the experiences they encountered, and the camaraderie formed during their time in the military. The discussion delves into the challenges faced, the impact on family life, and the collective appreciation for veterans as they reflect on their service and sacrifices.

Submit your story ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HERE! In this episode, the Organizational Effectiveness team interviews Andy Thomes, Environmental Specialist II, and Ben Campbell, Environmental Biologist, from Dairyland about their work in electric fishing and environmental stewardship. They discuss the purpose of electric fishing, the techniques used for fish surveys, and the importance of habitat restoration for fish populations. The conversation also covers safety protocols during electric fishing, the falcon rehabilitation program, and the human performance tools they utilize in their diverse work environment.

Submit your story https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=GAHWoq75G0ikOScDlOu5CT_lLxBV_xNHppGsww9_WNdUM1pVWEk5SlVUSzhWMDJaOUIzVTlSTFY5Ri4u In this episode, we interview Mike Weir, Manager of Engineering Design Services, who is also a youth hockey coach. Mike shares his experiences coaching young players, discussing the challenges of keeping kids engaged, the evolution of hockey safety gear, and the emotional aspects of coaching. He highlights proud moments in his career, emphasizing the importance of building connections with players and teaching valuable life lessons through the sport. The conversation also touches on the importance of safety in hockey and the upcoming season for the Lancers team.

Submit your story ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HERE!⁠Randy Prewett shares his experience and emphasizes the importance of leadership and observations in driving continuous improvement. He explains that observations go beyond identifying issues; they engage employees, highlight strengths, and foster growth through positive feedback and constructive conversations. Randy stresses the role of leaders in maintaining high standards while encouraging continuous improvement and creating a safe, respectful work environment.

Submit your story ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HERE!⁠ In this conversation, we introduce Denise Tilly, the new Continuous Improvement Manager at Dairyland Power. We discuss the importance of continuous improvement programs, particularly the Corrective Action Program (CAP), and how it will help identify and fix issues within the organization. Denise shares her background and the tools she plans to implement, including data trending and causal analysis. The conversation emphasizes the significance of record-keeping and accountability in fostering a culture of continuous improvement. They also touch on the challenges of implementation and the vision for the future of continuous improvement at Dairyland.

Submit your story ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HERE!⁠ In this conversation, Butch Miller (Site Manager), Brad Soppa (Maintenance Planner/Analyst), and Don Loock (Alma Fuels and Solid Waste Manager) discuss the upcoming outage and the preparations being made at our John P. Madgett Plant. They cover the duration of the outage, the scope of work, and the critical importance of safety and human performance. The team also talks about the process of unloading coal cars, the unique way to remove slag from the boiler walls, and the involvement of business partners during the outage. Throughout the discussion, they emphasize the importance of teamwork and accountability to ensure a successful outage.

Submit your story ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HERE!⁠ Dave and Conrad Domine discuss their family's hobby of forestry management and the use of human performance tools in their logging activities. They also discuss the impact of their forestry management on the game population. The conversation touches on hobbies they enjoy, such as hunting and hiking, and some humorous anecdotes from their outdoor adventures. In this conversation, they discuss their experiences with hunting and logging, highlighting the importance of safety and communication in these activities. Dave and Conrad share stories of near misses and the measures they have taken to mitigate risks. The guests also emphasize using human performance tools, such as active communication and effective navigation, to enhance safety and efficiency. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the need for proper planning, training, and the use of personal protective equipment in outdoor activities.

Submit your story ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HERE!⁠ Brad Foss, Director of Environmental Services and Regulatory Affairs at Dairyland Power Cooperative, shares his journey from a summer student to his current role. He discusses muskie fishing, electrofishing, and environmental stewardship. The conversation also delves into safety measures, hunting, and the importance of effective communication and accountability.

Submit your story ⁠⁠⁠HERE! In this episode of Peak Performance, we bring back Dustin Rosemeyer (Rosy), a line construction supervisor, for a part two episode! Rosy shares his mountain lion hunting story with his daughter. They were successful in their hunt, and the experience was a special father-daughter bonding time. The conversation also touches on the use of human performance tools, such as effective communication and self-checking the situation for safety. The conversation then transitions to generation and transmission updates, including training for the bucket and an executive hot take on peer checking. Jeff, the safety manager for Generation, also shares a good catch. The episode concludes with a reminder for listeners to share their stories and contact information for potential podcast guests.

Submit your story ⁠⁠HERE! In this unforgettable episode of Peak Performance, we're handing the mic to our Dairyland Power Veterans: Brian Waite, Energy Management Analyst, Caleb Hefti, Technical Project Manager, Eric Hammes, Manager of the System Operations Center, and Patrick Roff, Supervisor of Project Controls. They share their personal experiences in the United States Army, Air Force, and Navy, and reflect on the sacrifices made by veterans. The conversation also touches on the difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day, the importance of peaceful protests, and their favorite military movies. The panel members talk about their plans for the Fourth of July and express gratitude for the support of the country. 

Submit your story ⁠HERE! In this conversation, we interview Line Construction Supervisor Dustin Rosemeyer (aka Rosy),  about storm restoration challenges. Rosie has been working in line construction for 25 years and has seen his fair share of storms. He discusses the preparations that are made before a storm hits, such as ensuring trucks and equipment are in safe locations. He also talks about the dangers of working with live wires and the importance of safety precautions. Rosie emphasizes the importance of teamwork and trust among his crew members. He praises his experienced and dedicated team and highlights the positive impact they have on the communities they serve. Rosie also mentions the use of Human Performance tools during storm restoration jobs.

Andy Pierce shares a thrilling story about a hunting trip in grizzly bear territory and the importance of human performance tools in such situations. Despite thorough planning and preparation, the presence of aggressive grizzly bears posed a significant risk. Andy emphasizes the need for effective communication, a clear exit strategy, and constant self-checking to ensure safety. The experience shaped his future trips, leading him to consult biologists and prioritize safety measures. The story highlights the critical role of human performance tools in both work and everyday life. Army Veteran Survives Grizzly Bear Attack in Wyoming | Field & Stream (fieldandstream.com)

This conversation introduces the members of the Organizational Effectiveness crew who are responsible for putting together this podcast. They discuss their backgrounds and goals for the podcast. The importance of human performance tools is a highlight of the discussion, exploring the complexities of categorizing and integrating them into workplace practices. They also emphasize the need for personal connections and communication in a large organization like Dairyland.

In this electrifying sound bite, we offer you a sneak peek into Dairyland's upcoming series: "Peak Performance." Join host Andy Black and the Organizational Effectiveness team as they set the stage for a podcast dedicated to the pinnacle of excellence within Dairyland. This bite-sized teaser is a prelude to the in-depth discussions, inspirational interviews, and powerful stories that will define our full episodes. Get ready to dive into the strategies, successes, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Whether you're part of our team or aspiring to new heights in your own field, "Peak Performance" is your soon-to-be go-to source for motivation and insights. Tune in, get inspired, and reach the peak of your potential with us!