Jeff Knutson

"First, I would like to thank you for this opportunity to tell my success story. I am currently the plant manager/vice president of Central Indiana Ethanol in Marion, Indiana. I say that with great pride and accomplishment. I am responsible for all aspects of the ethanol plant operations including production, maintenance, shipping and receiving, and quality control. I am also responsible for hiring all plant personnel, reviewing reports from supervisors, evaluating all raises and pay, and unfortunately discipline.

I enrolled at Minnesota West in the summer of 2001 for biofuels technology. After completing my first year, I did my internship at MCP (Minnesota Corn Processors in Marshall, Minnesota). I went back in the fall of 2002 and continued my education for the final year and graduated from the program in the spring of 2003. I was not the straight A student, but I did my best and learned a lot. I accepted a job as a process operator at the ethanol plant in Lakota, Iowa in May 2003. My family stayed behind in Minnesota until I could find something closer to home. I was at Lakota, Iowa for five months. I left there and joined VeraSun Energy in Brookings, South Dakota as a lead shift supervisor. We made Brookings our home for the next three years. In the fall of 2006, I wanted to explore other opportunities in the industry. I knew I wouldn't reach my goal that I had made the day I graduated from Minnesota West. That goal was to become a plant manager within five years. My wife and I sat down and decided that we would do what it takes for me to reach that goal.

I applied at Central Indiana Ethanol in Marion, Indiana where they were looking for a production supervisor. I accepted the job in November 2006. Within six months, I was promoted to production manager. I loved everything about what I did. This was truly a dream come true. Things were finally going in the right direction. Three months later, I was promoted to operations manager. I couldn't believe how truly blessed I had been. Then I was promoted to plant manager in February 2008. I did it. It shows what happens when you write down your goals in life. My hard work and dedication has brought me to that goal. Being plant manager is very rewarding and a tremendous adventure. I never knew someone could absolutely love their job, but I do. My new career goal is to become the CEO within the next two years.

The greatest part about Minnesota West was the degree I received and graduating in the field that offers endless opportunity. The biofuels technology program was just getting started when I came aboard. I was making a good wage at my job, but I was bored. There weren't a lot of jobs to pick from since I didn't have a college degree. It was an extremely hard decision to go back to school after being out and working full time and raising a family. This was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I owe a lot of my success not only to the program at Minnesota West, but also to Duane Carrow. He has been a great mentor and contact over the years. The only advice I could give to someone looking into the field is that there are tremendous opportunities out there. But you have to be willing to challenge yourself to get where you want to be in life. I could never be in the position I am in without the knowledge and confidence that I received at Minnesota West.

For the first time, I can honestly say that I am providing for my family like I want. I want to give a special thank you to my wife, Stacy, for being my biggest fan through all of this, even when it came to moving away from home. She is the one who told me "You will never know what's out there for you unless you're willing to try." This move was difficult, but our family has grown closer and stronger. I am truly living my dream. She is my rock. I could have never done this without her support and encouragement. I have been married to her for 12 years, and we have two beautiful children (Ashton, 11, and Tawny, 8). They have adjusted better than I could have ever expected. Someone has truly watched over our family. I also want to thank my parents who have supported me in everything I have done, especially encouraging me to go back to college and get my degree. Thank you to my loving family (I love you) and to Minnesota West."