Employees are our greatest asset and as part of our People First initiative, we want to recognize the people behind the power. Our employees are a major factor in Dairyland being a Great Place to Work and a sustainable and reliable power provider. The employee spotlight series features an employee each month, shining a spotlight on their interests and what it’s like to be a part of the Dairyland team.
Employee Spotlight On
Jami Gerke
Graphic Designer/Prepress Tech
What is your job at Dairyland?
I am a Graphic Designer in the Powered Printing department. I have been at Dairyland for almost three years. My favorite part of being a designer at Dairyland is working with our customers and members. We get very close working on our print projects. I truly enjoy the relationships I've built and love catching up with them at conferences and networking events.
What makes Dairyland a great place to work?
Dairyland has a culture of care for their employees. They are happy to invest in their employees' personal and professional development. They recognize and celebrate employee contributions. They allow employees to Own It with their projects and encourage ideas that center around that employee's strengths and experience.
What led you to work in this field?
I was "persuaded" to come to work at Dairyland Power by my neighbor-cousin, Courtney Cuta. She really found her home at Dairyland and could not say enough good things about the company. She felt that I would embrace the cooperative's culture and I could bring a fresh creative outlook with my experience along with my design and marketing education. I found that in my time here, I have fallen in love with the energy industry.
Life outside of work. Tell us about your favorite things.
My husband and I are recent empty nesters. We're finding our groove again with our two dogs by glamping, kayaking, hiking and reconnecting with old friends. I used to sing in a band, and you have to keep me away from a karaoke machine or I won't stop.
What is the best piece of advice you have been given? (Or favorite quote)
I once heard a quote, and I cannot remember where I heard it from. "There are two types of people in the world; those who wait to speak and those who listen." I am REALLY trying to work on the latter.
What was the best thing that happened to you this month?
Joleen Trussoni and I won an award for a project, and I really enjoyed the time we got to spend with each other in Baltimore to receive the award. Traveling together and attending the conference brought us closer as colleagues. I have a co-worker and friend for life now.
What motivates you?
Autonomy in my job. Being allowed flexibility working from home and managing my own work schedule. I work better when I'm not under anyone's thumb and Dairyland has allowed me to thrive in my career.