Faces of Manufacturing Nomination Form 2025 Directory

Faces of Manufacturing Nomination Form 2025 Directory

Nominee Information:
Organization Name:		Baker Boy
Name:		Jolene Lamprecht
Working/Site Location:		Dickinson
Title:		Production Tech
Email:
Job Duties: (Please explain)		Do quality and specification checks on frozen products. Adjust equipment and work with team members to ensure process for product is running smoothly.
What are they a part of making? (Please explain)		Jolene is on the team that is part of making frozen cinnamon rolls, dumpling dough, and donuts.
How long have they been with the company?		26.5 years
How long have they been in manufacturing?		26.5 years
One paragraph on why they are fantastic:		Jolene is a crucial team member on our CWC team because of her knowledge and willing to teach others. She is patient and very helpful with training new hires. She allows them the flexibility to learn on their own but is always willing to answer questions and help guide them through the challenges of training.
Nominator Information:
Name:		Tiffany Benner
Organization Name: (if different than nominee)		Baker Boy
Email Address:		TiffanyB@bakerboy.com
Phone Number:		(701) 456-1506

Nominee Information:
Organization Name:		Baker Boy
Name:		Donald Young
Working/Site Location:		Dickinson
Title:		Production Supervisor
Email:
Job Duties: (Please explain)		Don oversees teams for mixing, operating, and the packaging of products. Guides his team to create a quality product and work through challenges they face on the production floor with new hires and new equipment.
What are they a part of making? (Please explain)		Don and his team are in charge of producing garlic toast, croissants, breadsticks, premium hamburger buns, and hoagie rolls.
How long have they been with the company?		5 years
How long have they been in manufacturing?		6 years
One paragraph on why they are fantastic:		Don is a hard-working individual that cares about his team and pushes them to be better every day. He works alongside his team when learning new equipment and processes so they know they can rely on him when they have questions.
Nominator Information:
Name:		Tiffany Benner
Organization Name: (if different than nominee)		Baker Boy
Email Address:		TiffanyB@bakerboy.com
Phone Number:		(701) 456-1506

Nominee Information:
Organization Name:		Baker Boy
Name:		Earl Gillis
Working/Site Location:		Dickinson
Title:		Production Tech
Email:
Job Duties: (Please explain)		Earl is an operator for our donut injector. He has to make sure the filling is getting into the donuts and changing settings from round donuts to long johns.
What are they a part of making? (Please explain)		Earl is part of the donut team which makes all kinds of donuts but especially our Magic Ring donuts.
How long have they been with the company?		8 months
How long have they been in manufacturing?		2 years
One paragraph on why they are fantastic:		Earl is always happy and looks forward to coming to work because he enjoys his team, they are his second family. Earl is willing to jump in at anywhere, always wants to learn more, and his positive attitude and smile are contagious!
Nominator Information:
Name:		Tiffany Benner
Organization Name: (if different than nominee)		Baker Boy
Email Address:		TiffanyB@bakerboy.com
Phone Number:		(701) 456-1506

Nominee Information:
Organization Name:		John Deere Intelligent Solutions Group - Fargo
Name:		Michaela Nyland
Working/Site Location:		Fargo, ND
Title:		Manager, Electronics Manufacturing Engineering
Email:		NylandMichaelaH@JohnDeere.com
Job Duties: (Please explain)		Based at John Deere's flagship electronics factory in Fargo, Michalea leads John Deere's global electronics manufacturing engineering organization, where she is responsible for factory equipment and automation, product testing, tactical quality, process engineering, and digital product development.
What are they a part of making? (Please explain)		John Deere's Intelligent Solutions Group - Fargo, is responsible for making the electronics hardware that enables John Deere's Technology Stack and helps farmers and contractors improve their productivity. These products include electronic controls, displays, connectivity devices, GPS systems, sensors, power electronics, and autonomy modules.
How long have they been with the company?		31 years
How long have they been in manufacturing?		31 years
One paragraph on why they are fantastic:		Michalea is fantastic because she combines three qualities that are critical to manufacturing success: deep technical knowledge, a keen strategic mind, and a passion for executing excellence into everything she does. She is regarded by her team, her peers, and her leadership as a "go to" person for many critical projects. She is a key contributor to ensuring John Deere helps those who produce food, fiber, fuel, and infrastructure for a growing global population!
Nominator Information:
Name:		Daniel H. Dougherty
Organization Name: (if different than nominee)		John Deere Intelligent Solutions Group - Fargo
Email Address:		doughertydanielh@johndeere.com
Phone Number:		(865) 315-0974

Nominee Information:
Organization Name:		dakBUILT
Name:		Darren Rogness
Working/Site Location:		Kindred, ND
Title:		President/CEO/Owner
Email:
Job Duties: (Please explain)		Darren is the President of dakBUILT Cabinets, where he oversees the strategic direction, operational leadership, and financial health of the company. He is responsible for setting vision, building key relationships, and ensuring alignment across departments—from sales and production to finance and customer service. Darren leads the company’s innovation efforts, champions a culture of continuous improvement, and is ultimately accountable for the company’s growth, profitability, and long-term success in the manufacturing industry.
What are they a part of making? (Please explain)		Darren is a key part of making high-quality, American-made cabinetry for multi-family, hospitality, and commercial projects across the Midwest and beyond. From initial design to final delivery, he plays a critical role in ensuring each cabinet system meets strict standards for durability, function, and style. His leadership helps bring spaces to life—whether it’s a hotel, apartment complex, or office building—by delivering custom-fit cabinetry solutions that serve both form and function.
How long have they been with the company?		Darren has been with the company since 2017, when he and his brothers acquired Braaten Cabinets—a respected cabinet manufacturer originally founded in 1974
How long have they been in manufacturing?		Braaten Cabinets—a respected cabinet manufacturer originally founded in 1974. Under Darren’s leadership, the company expanded into new markets, including commercial and multi-family cabinetry, and later entered the hospitality sector. In 2022, Darren led the formation and launch of dakBUILT as a standalone brand focused exclusively on commercial, hospitality, and multi-family work. With nearly a decade of leadership behind him, Darren has successfully guided the business through a major transformation while honoring the company’s nearly 50-year legacy.
One paragraph on why they are fantastic:		Darren is a visionary leader who blends humility, grit, and business acumen to move people and projects forward. He’s not just building cabinets—he’s building a company that puts people first, delivers exceptional quality, and adapts to meet market needs. From leading a successful rebrand and expansion to building a culture of ownership and accountability, Darren consistently shows up with clarity, integrity, and a relentless drive to improve. He invests in his team, serves his clients with excellence, and isn’t afraid to roll up his sleeves to solve problems. Simply put—he’s the kind of leader people want to follow.
Nominator Information:
Name:		Andy S Muhs
Organization Name: (if different than nominee)		dakBUILT
Email Address:		amuhs@dakbuilt.com
Phone Number:		(701) 866-7001

Nominee Information:
Organization Name:		Baker Boy
Name:		Madison Kadrmas
Working/Site Location:		Dickinson
Title:		Production Tech
Email:
Job Duties: (Please explain)		Madison oversees the equipment that rolls out the dough, stamps, and proofs the dough. She also assists in mixing the dough for donuts.
What are they a part of making? (Please explain)		Madison is on the team that makes donuts. They make raised donuts, long johns, donut holes, filled donuts and cake donuts.
How long have they been with the company?		5.5 years
How long have they been in manufacturing?		5.5 years
One paragraph on why they are fantastic:		Madison is a hard-working, dedicated employee who is always helping her teammates, and her positive attitude is a motivator for her team.
Nominator Information:
Name:		Tiffany Benner
Organization Name: (if different than nominee)		Baker Boy
Email Address:		TiffanyB@bakerboy.com
Phone Number:		(701) 456-1506

Nominee Information:
Organization Name:		Doosan Bobcat
Name:		Lynn Hilzendeger
Working/Site Location:		Bismarck Factory, ND
Title:		Production Manager Sr.
Email:		Lynn.Hilzendeger@doosan.com
Job Duties: (Please explain)		Lynn has been responsible for several different departments within the Bismarck factory over his tenure with the organization. Summarized, he has several floor supervisors that rely on him for support in order to effectively lead process improvements to reduce scrap, overtime, downtime, and rework, while also maintaining high standards of housekeeping and safety. This involves conducting root cause analysis and implementing corrective actions, with relevant KPIs including the number of kaizens, information flow, audit scores, 5S scores, and safety metrics. Additionally, Lynn is responsible for reporting daily operational metrics, such as build numbers, downtime, and scrap, coaching and mentoring supervisors, and collaborating with the Manufacturing Engineering group on engineering change notices (ECN) and obsolete material inventory (OSMI) changes. Additionally, he fosters positive interactions across production areas and other sites, ensuring that all pre-determined KPIs are met by involving necessary stakeholders and recognized as good corporate citizens in their communities. To achieve company goals, his role must interpret sales and production forecasts in terms of labor, material, and equipment, while leading the development and improvement of processes, equipment, standards, systems, and procedures to enhance operating efficiency and product quality.
What are they a part of making? (Please explain)		The Bismarck factory manufactures the Mini Excavator, currently building approximately 52 machines per day.
How long have they been with the company?		8 years
How long have they been in manufacturing?		19 years
One paragraph on why they are fantastic:		Lynn's extensive tenure within manufacturing is evident in his ability to effectively and efficiently guide others each day. He is our go-to person when asked to support STEM or community events, as his passion for the industry is contagious. We're lucky to have Lynn as part of the Bobcat team!
Nominator Information:
Name:		Morgan Eckert
Organization Name: (if different than nominee)		Doosan Bobcat
Email Address:		morgan.eckert@doosan.com
Phone Number:		(701) 204-2448

Nominee Information:
Organization Name:		Harvestone Low Carbon Partners
Name:		Dusty Rueb
Working/Site Location:		Blue Flint Ethanol - Underwood, ND
Title:		Operations Analyst
Email:
Job Duties: (Please explain)		This individual plays a pivotal role in Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) and Combined Heat and Power (CHP) operations, with key responsibilities spanning operator training, data analysis, and plant optimization. They lead the development and delivery of comprehensive training programs, ensuring operators are well-equipped for efficient plant operations. Their strong data analysis skills drive performance insights, inform decision-making, and support benchmarking efforts. They are instrumental in implementing optimization strategies, enhancing data capabilities, and integrating new data systems across multiple plants. Their collaborative approach and expertise in mathematics and analytics make them a vital contributor to continuous improvement and operational excellence.
What are they a part of making? (Please explain)		They are a part of making high-quality ethanol and its associated bi-products—including corn oil, wet and dry distillers grains (DDGs), and recovered CO₂. Their role directly supports the production process by gathering and analyzing operational data to identify and implement process improvements across the facility. These improvements enhance efficiency, increase throughput, and optimize equipment performance. Additionally, they play a key role in CO₂ recovery and injection processes, have become a subject matter expert in Combined Heat and Power (CHP) systems, and lead efforts in digital transformation through the DDI program—developing automation tools, software, and reporting systems to better collect, control, and utilize data for continuous improvement.
How long have they been with the company?		8 years (almost 9)
How long have they been in manufacturing?		8 years (almost 9)
One paragraph on why they are fantastic:		He exemplifies how hard work, dedication, and a true passion for continuous improvement can truly set someone apart. Since his first day, he has been a consistent and reliable presence within the Blue Flint team. His commitment to learning is unmatched—he takes the initiative to thoroughly understand every system he encounters and generously shares his knowledge with others. A natural leader, he leads by example, always willing to go the extra mile—whether that means staying late, mentoring a colleague, or stepping up during challenging situations. His flexibility, drive for excellence, and selfless approach make him an invaluable asset. He deeply believes in the power of teamwork and is committed to helping others grow. It’s an honor to have someone of his caliber on our team.
Nominator Information:
Name:		Madi Chrest
Organization Name: (if different than nominee)		Harvestone Low Carbon Partners
Email Address:		mchrest@harvestonelcp.com
Phone Number:		(701) 202-9378

Nominee Information:
Organization Name:		Baker Boy
Name:		Clayton Baxter
Working/Site Location:		Dickinson
Title:		Maintenance Supervisor
Email:
Job Duties: (Please explain)		Clayton oversees our Maintenance team and makes sure our equipment is maintained and working well.
What are they a part of making? (Please explain)		Clayton is the leader of the team that makes all of our products from donuts to baked goods and frozen dough.
How long have they been with the company?		5 years
How long have they been in manufacturing?		12 years
One paragraph on why they are fantastic:		Clayton has brought an extensive amount of knowledge and experience to Baker Boy. Clayton was in the military and has worked in other manufacturing facilities before which is a large contributor as to his success at Baker Boy. Clayton is highly motivated and works alongside his team on the floor troubleshooting, so they are always working as a team and learning together.
Nominator Information:
Name:		Tiffany Benner
Organization Name: (if different than nominee)		Baker Boy
Email Address:		TiffanyB@bakerboy.com
Phone Number:		(701) 456-1506

Nominee Information:
Organization Name:		Baker Boy
Name:		Isaac Zavalney
Working/Site Location:		Dickinson
Title:		Production Tech
Email:
Job Duties: (Please explain)		Isaac is a mixer/ operator. He mixes dough, does quality checks on products, operates the mixers and Gemini that forms and proofs the dough.
What are they a part of making? (Please explain)		Isaac is on the team that produces frozen hamburger buns, pizza dough, cookie dough, and hoagie rolls.
How long have they been with the company?		7 years
How long have they been in manufacturing?		7 years
One paragraph on why they are fantastic:		Isaac is one of our trainers for Side B and he does a phenomenal job with our new hires. Isaac is patient and very thorough when explaining processes and procedures. He is one of our best mixers/operators for our frozen products.
Nominator Information:
Name:		Tiffany Benner
Organization Name: (if different than nominee)		Baker Boy
Email Address:		TiffanyB@bakerboy.com
Phone Number:		(701) 456-1506

Nominee Information:
Organization Name:		Baker Boy
Name:		Lindsey McClellan
Working/Site Location:		Dickinson
Title:		Maintenance Team Leader
Email:
Job Duties: (Please explain)		Lindsey leads our weekend maintenance team. She also manages work orders, inventory of parts and entering information into our new maintenance system.
What are they a part of making? (Please explain)		Lindsey is a support employee to help keep our equipment running smoothly so we can produce all products.
How long have they been with the company?		3 years
How long have they been in manufacturing?		3 years
One paragraph on why they are fantastic:		Lindsey plays a key role in the success of our maintenance team. Lindsey has helped implement new systems to assist with our inventory management. She is smart, a problem solver, and has natural leadership skills.
Nominator Information:
Name:		Tiffany Benner
Organization Name: (if different than nominee)		Baker Boy
Email Address:		TiffanyB@bakerboy.com
Phone Number:		(701) 456-1506

Nominee Information:
Organization Name:		Impact Dakota
Name:		Darcy Vaughan
Working/Site Location:		Bismarck
Title:		Sr. Administrative Assistant
Email:		darcyv@impactdakota.com
Job Duties: (Please explain)		Darcy Vaughan has been the indispensable force behind Impact Dakota's seamless operations, ensuring our state's manufacturers receive unparalleled support. Since 2003, she's masterfully orchestrated all open enrollment training logistics, a monumental undertaking that includes scouting and securing venues, meticulously arranging room setups to suit diverse training styles, and coordinating all refreshments and meals. Beyond the logistics, Darcy has personally printed and bound thousands of training manuals for both open enrollment and client-specific sessions, a testament to her unwavering dedication. She's the meticulous guardian of our financial flow, expertly handling accounts payable and receivable to keep critical operations running smoothly, and proactively managing supply and material orders. Darcy is also the unwavering first point of contact, answering thousands of questions and tirelessly following up with staff, clients, and partners. Her commitment ensures everyone has exactly what they need, setting the stage for their success. It's her profound care for each North Dakota manufacturer and their prosperity that truly elevates her contributions, making her an unparalleled asset to our state's industrial growth.
What are they a part of making? (Please explain)		Darcy is the unseen engine behind every critical publication and training material that leaves our doors. She meticulously manages the entire lifecycle, from procuring all necessary materials to expertly maintaining our specialized equipment. More than just an operator, Darcy is the master craftsperson who personally runs the machinery, ensuring every training manual, operational guide, and essential document is flawlessly printed, bound, and swiftly distributed where it needs to be.
How long have they been with the company?		22 years
How long have they been in manufacturing?		22 years
One paragraph on why they are fantastic:		For over two decades, Darcy Vaughan has been the quiet, yet powerful, heartbeat of Impact Dakota, a truly irreplaceable force whose dedication extends far beyond the typical scope of an administrative assistant. Every single day, she infuses our workplace with an infectious "can-do" spirit, always tackling challenges with a genuine smile and a laugh that brightens even the most demanding moments. It's not just about getting the job done for Darcy; it's about going above and beyond, tirelessly following up with clients and colleagues at all hours, driven by a selflessness that is truly rare. Her deep, abiding love for North Dakota's manufacturers is palpable, cultivated over 22 years of witnessing their journeys from nascent startups to thriving enterprises. Darcy isn't just an employee; she's a living archive of North Dakota manufacturing history, possessing an unparalleled understanding and a heartfelt personal connection to every individual she encounters within the industry. A lifelong North Dakotan, her unwavering commitment to the state's manufacturing landscape isn't just a career—it's a profound personal mission, making her an exceptionally deserving candidate for the GNDC/Impact Dakota Faces of Manufacturing award.
Nominator Information:
Name:		Jodie J Mjoen
Organization Name: (if different than nominee)		Impact Dakota
Email Address:		jodiem@impactdakota.com
Phone Number:		(701) 712-1646

Nominee Information:
Organization Name:		Motor Coach Industries
Name:		Mavis Keena
Working/Site Location:		Pembina, ND
Title:		Materials Manager
Email:		mavis.keena@mcicoach.com
Job Duties: (Please explain)		The Materials Manager is responsible for overseeing the end-to-end flow of materials to support production needs. This includes managing inventory levels and ensuring the timely delivery of components to the manufacturing floor. The role works closely with procurement and production teams to prevent shortages, minimize downtime, and maintain accurate inventory records. The Materials Manager also leads a team responsible for material handling and planning and plays a key role in identifying opportunities for process improvement, cost savings, and supply chain efficiency.
What are they a part of making? (Please explain)		Motor Coaches - we are a coach manufacturing facility in North Dakota.
How long have they been with the company?		37 years
How long have they been in manufacturing?		37 years
One paragraph on why they are fantastic:		Mavis manages complex supply challenges with a practical, solution-focused approach and works closely with all teams across the plant to minimize disruptions. Mavis has been a steady and reliable leader in our manufacturing operations, ensuring materials are where they need to be, when they need to be there. Her efforts have improved material flow, reduced delays, and strengthened supplier relationships. Mavis is a key contributor to keeping our operations running efficiently every day and has been for the last 37 years!
Nominator Information:
Name:		Jamie Moffitt
Organization Name: (if different than nominee)		Motor Coach Industries
Email Address:		jamie.moffitt@mcicoach.com
Phone Number:		(204) 287-4864

Nominee Information:
Organization Name:		Pure Dakota
Name:		Kyle Reis
Working/Site Location:		Bismarck
Title:		Lab Manager
Email:		Kyle@puredakotand.com
Job Duties: (Please explain)		Kyle is responsible for the creation and manufacturing of all concentrates, topicals, oral solutions, and transdermal patches for the state of North Dakota
What are they a part of making? (Please explain)		Kyle part of the entire production process for all processed medical marijuana products across the state. He is responsible for ensuring all products are clean, safe, and readily available for the medical marijuana patients of North Dakota
How long have they been with the company?		7 Years
How long have they been in manufacturing?		10 Years
One paragraph on why they are fantastic:		Kyle took the initiative to leave his home state after college and enter into the legal medical marijuana program in Montana. Kyle learned the skills necessary to successfully process marijuana into its final product form. He then moved back to North Dakota to enter into our market when it became legal, and used his knowledge to help launch our Medical Marijuana program.
Nominator Information:
Name:		Todd Nagel
Organization Name: (if different than nominee)		Pure Dakota
Email Address:		todd@puredakotand.com
Phone Number:		(701) 220-6678

Nominee Information:
Organization Name:		Northrop Grumman
Name:		Rangehawk Mod Team
Working/Site Location:		Grand Sky
Title:		Rangehawk Mod team
Email:		michael.fridolfs@ngc.com
Job Duties: (Please explain)		This is a nomination for the team that is performing complete modification and rework of the Global Hawk Aircraft into Rangehawks to test Hypersonics. This team of A&P mechanics and technicians bends metal, repairs cables, and reworks composites for this very large 135 wing span autonomous aircraft. We currently have 24 737 size aircraft onsite that will be worked on over the next decade.
What are they a part of making? (Please explain)		This is a nomination for the team that is performing complete modification and rework of the Global Hawk Aircraft into Rangehawks to test Hypersonics. This team of A&P mechanics and technicians bends metal, repairs cables, and reworks composites for this very large 135 wing span autonomous aircraft. We currently have 24 737 size aircraft onsite that will be worked on over the next decade.
How long have they been with the company?		Multiple for different team members
How long have they been in manufacturing?		multiple time frames - some worked at GFAFB manufacturing and reworking the aircraft.
One paragraph on why they are fantastic:		This team is motivated on quality and safety from the start. When you are putting together a 15K lb aircraft that will carry 17K lbs of fuel, 1st time quality is key. Secondly the entire team understand the mission, provide the best system to the people that protect our great nation.
Nominator Information:
Name:		Michael Fridolfs
Organization Name: (if different than nominee)		Northrop Grumman
Email Address:		michael.fridolfs@ngc.com
Phone Number:		(619) 348-7321

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