Integrity is one of the most critical values in the wind industry, especially when working on turbines. It’s a mindset that ensures work is carried out safely, responsibly, and to the highest standards. Unfortunately, integrity isn’t always practiced consistently—we’ve all seen situations where tasks are performed incorrectly or not performed at all. Maintaining integrity means doing the right thing even when no one is watching. It’s about following procedures, reporting issues honestly, and never cutting corners. This commitment is vital because it protects not only your safety but also the safety of your team and the reliability of the turbine for the next technician. When integrity is upheld, we create a culture of trust and accountability that strengthens the entire industry. What do you see with people you work with and their integrity?

Shout out to all the Veterans in the industry! I truly believe Veterans transfer over into the wind industry very well, leadership, team work, and problem solving skills are the baseline for being a great tech. Here are some helpfull tips to transfer into the wind industry as a veteran. Training & Certification Programs Airstreams Renewables Inc. Offers a 240-hour Renewable Energy and Communications Tower Technician Program. Covers safety, climbing/rescue, electrical metering, crane rigging, and more. Approved for VA education benefits and DoD SkillBridge. Graduates often land jobs within 60 days with companies like GE, Siemens, and Vestas.1 American Clean Power Association Provides specialized wind technician courses tailored for veterans. Often partners with employers for direct placement. GE’s Junior Officer Leadership Program (JOLP) Designed for junior officers transitioning into leadership roles in energy. -Veteran Transition Programs DoD SkillBridge Allows active-duty service members to train with civilian employers during their last 180 days of service. Companies like Vestas, Pattern Energy, and RWE offer SkillBridge internships in wind energy. Solar Ready Vets Network While focused on solar, it includes career navigation, apprenticeships, and employer connections for veterans in renewable energy.

To those of you who have been in the industry. How did you gain interest in wind and where did you first start out? For myself, wind was something brought up in high-school, after graduating my cousin actually went through a program in Oklahoma and got in the industry fairly easy after that. Her being a women and having the courage to join a male dominant career field gave me the courage to also follow the same path. Sure enough went through the same 6 month program in Oklahoma and got a job right as the program was ending. The rest is history and I've enjoyed every bit of it since.

Hot take: Most companies New Hire process is inefficient and a nightmare. After recently changing companies I have learned that most companies hiring processes from the day you apply to the day you start is long and frustrating. Previously being in a leadership role and overseeing the process and then experiencing the process as a new hire myself has made me realize the frustration alot of people have during that process. It's hard to not blame the hiring manager/ recruiter for the lengthy time it takes to onboard but the truth is there is so much more that goes into the process. The process goes through so many hands and is reviewed by so many people that often times the hiring manager is at the mercy of the process the same as the person being hired. The manager wants someone to work ASAP and the recruit wants to work ASAP. My advice is just to be patient and let it play out. There will be hiccups along the way. Be completely transparent on your background and advise before the background check returns. Do not advise your current employer until you have signed the paperwork and have a set start date. This will help create less friction in the current workplace and will help ease the stress for everyone. If it fall through you know you still have a job. What do you think could smoothen new hire processes and on-boarding?

One piece of advice I’ve found invaluable—especially in operations and team environments—is the power of a consistent attitude. Whether you're just starting out or leading a team, showing up with the same reliable energy day after day builds trust and credibility. In my experience, inconsistency can create friction, while consistency makes collaboration smoother and more productive. Your attitude becomes part of your professional brand—people remember how you make them feel, and that starts with how you show up. Curious to hear from others in the renewable space: How do you maintain consistency in high-pressure or fast-changing environments? Any habits or routines that help?