Peak Performance: Dairyland Power Cooperative

In this episode, Dain Wold shares his perspective on leadership, human performance, and career growth through his experience as a lineman and coach. He discusses the importance of building trust, creating strong team camaraderie, adapting to different leadership needs, and stopping work when safety is compromised. Dain also shares how personal experiences can help mentor others and support safer,...

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 an...

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 c...

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, connec...

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 persona...

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, prioritizin...

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 empo...

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 opportu...

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...

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,...

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 goal...

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 en...

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 Bre...

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...

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-scen...