Employee Spotlight: Hunter Pedretti

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

Hunter Pedretti, Telecommunications Technician II

What is your job and what do you like most about it?
I've been working with Dairyland in Telecom since March of 2022. I started here as an intern with no knowledge of what the telecommunications industry even was. For the following five months, I had the opportunity to shadow my coworkers and get a taste of what we do here at Dairyland. This included maintaining the phone system, fiber optic installation and testing, substation SCADA implementation, microwave radio installation and tower site maintenance, MPLS migrations and network installation, along with anything else needed to meet the ever-changing world of communications. After those five months, I knew this was exactly where I wanted to be. The variety in what we do, the constant learning and adapting to new technologies, along with the great team of people we have here, is what makes working in this industry fun.

What led you to work in this field?
Going into college, I didn't know exactly what I wanted to do after school. However, I've always had an interest in technology and a knack for figuring things out. That led me to Western Technical College, where I studied Electronic & Computer Engineering Technology (ECET). Throughout my time there, I discovered that the telecommunications industry was a perfect fit for my interests and degree. The balance of hands-on work and continuous learning within my role makes it an easy job to enjoy.

Why do you think Dairyland is a great place to work?
The opportunity for growth within this company, and the encouragement Dairyland gives to its employees for continuing education, is something a lot of places don't offer. When I started here, it seemed crazy that people were retiring with 30 or even 40 years working for this company. But when you can see the impact you make, along with the great people Dairyland hires, it starts to make sense.

What about life outside work? Tell us about your favorite things.
Activities that involve spending time with friends and family. That includes social gatherings, going to the gym, working on project cars (it's never-ending), camping in Door County, tubing, attending concerts, and making memories that will last a lifetime.

What's the best piece of advice you've been given? Favorite quote?
Favorite Quote: "Don't need to watch where I'm goin'. Just need to know where I've been."

What's on your bucket list?
Getting a ride-along with Misha Charoudin on the Nürburgring.

Favorite recipe? Favorite movies or books?
Ford v. Ferrari is arguably one of the best movies of all time.

Dream vacation?
A trip to Italy to watch a WRC Rally Race.