Midwest Electric Staking and Field Planner Mike Dieringer is retiring. We asked Mike some questions about his time at the co-op and share some of his words of wisdom below.

Tell us how you were hired at Midwest back in 2013. Why did you want to work here?

"I was frustrated at my previous job, and I heard Midwest was hiring. I called a co-op employee that I knew and asked him about the job. He told me that if I was interested, I had better hurry and turn in my resume because they had started interviewing that day. That night, I put together a resume and cover letter and dropped them off the next day. That afternoon, I got a call to set up an interview. Honestly, I went into the interview thinking this could be a waste of my time. After a second interview, I was offered the job. I weighed out some pros and cons, and the next day, I accepted the job."

How has the co-op changed during your career?

"When I first started, staking was still being done on paper. After about a year, I moved into the staking position, and staking was in the early stages of going paperless and staking on a computer. Another major change is the capability of remote disconnects."

What are some of your most proud accomplishments (or the co-op's accomplishments you had a part in)?

"I'm not one that likes or needs a pat on the back for doing my job. I just get self-satisfaction in getting things that I was asked to do done in a timely manner."

What are some of your fondest memories?

"Although a tornado isn't a fond memory, I worked through three of them. It's a good feeling to see how family, friends, neighbors, and even strangers come together to help in a time of need."

What does working in the co-op industry mean to you?

"With Midwest being a smaller co-op, you get to know your coworkers pretty well. Most everyone takes a sense of pride in their work."

What will you miss most?

"Midwest has a lot of really good employees. I'll miss interacting with them. I really like what I do here, whether it is meeting with an electrician, a contractor, or a new member for a new service or a service upgrade. I'll miss hot summer days walking up and down a country road, in and out of the ditches, putting stakes in the ground, marking where new poles will go."

How do you plan to spend your retirement?

"I'll plan to start out taking things one day at a time, adjusting to not "having" to work. I'll spend more time with my kids and grandkids. I like to be outdoors so I'll ride a bike, walk, and play pickleball or golf."

Any final words of wisdom?

"To all the guys working out on the lines in all types of weather, BE SAFE!"