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
Steve Hintz
Site Manager, Generation Assets

What is your job at Dairyland?
I am the Site Manager, Generation Assets for our Elk Mound, RockGen, and Flambeau Hydro generating stations. This also includes oversight responsibilities with our partners in the Nemadji Trail Energy Center (NTEC) and Weston Unit 4. I have been with Dairyland for just over 6 years.

I love being in the plants and working with our high performing teams to meet challenges and continue to learn. The technology is amazing, and I am captivated by the processes that I have experienced from nuclear, and coal fired steam turbines to combustion turbines and hydroelectric generators. It is fascinating and challenging work.

What makes Dairyland a great place to work?
The support and commitment shown by the whole organization for the Dairyland values as well as the growth in our safety culture and commitment to excellence. I really see these values in my team members and the effort that they put in every day to provide safe and reliable power to our members. Our teams are helpful and outstanding to work with. I truly believe that Dairyland is a great place to work.

What led you to work in this field?
My father was an instrument technician and an amazing person, so I always wanted to be like him. That led me to a career as an electrical and instrument technician in the paper industry. I thought that becoming an engineer would really be the pinnacle of my career and make my dad proud but as you grow and learn, different paths open. After being an engineer, then teacher with the Wisconsin Technical College System, I had the opportunity to move into a leadership position. I really try to use that love of technology as well as teaching and learning to help my team succeed.

Life outside of work. Tell us about your favorite things.
I love to spend time with my family. I have been married for almost 30 years and have a son and daughter. My wife and I like to tour the state antiquing and sampling Wisconsin's many supper clubs. I also enjoy trout fishing and working on my old cars, trucks and motorcycles.

What is the best piece of advice you have been given?
"Never get too high or too low. Keep an even keel kid" - My Dad.

Favorite Movie?
A River Runs Through It.

Dream Vacation?
A long trip with my wife to New Zealand with no itinerary