POET EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT BUILDING TOGETHER: WADE AUKES Behind every successful company is a team of hardworking individuals who bring passion and dedication to their work every day. At POET - Bingham Lake, Wade Aukes exemplifies what it means to be a leader and team player. His journey to success reflects the core values of POET commitment to growth, collaboration, and continuous learning-while also demonstrating how diverse experiences can shape a great leader. Aukes, who resides in Windom, MN, began his career at POET in 2013 as a plant technician before working his way up to a supervisory role. Before joining POET, he worked on his family's farm in Buffalo Center, IA, where, from a young age, he leamed the value of hard work by raising com and soybeans, as well as managing a cow-calf operation. This hands-on experience formed the foundation of his work ethic and gave him a deep understanding of the agricultural industry. When his wife, Kim, found a job opportunity at POET years later, he took a leap into the world of biofuels - and hasn't looked back since. "Coming from a farming background, I knew where the grain was going, but I didn't understand the entire bioethanol production process," he said. "Once I learned it, I gained a whole new appreciation for how much we can produce from a single bushel of corn." Now, as a plant shift supervisor, Aukes is responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations, managing chemical inventory, ensuring safety protocols are met, and working with his team to maintain smooth production. No two days are ever the same, and while some days run without a hitch, others bring unexpected challenges. "We rely on communication, teamwork, and problem-solving to make sure everything stays on track," he said. "Every part of the process is connected, so if one area faces an issue, it's up to us to work together and find a solution. That's what makes this job exciting - there's always something new to learn, and we're constantly improving." One of the things that stood out to him most when he joined POET was the company's strong culture and its "one team" mindset. "Everyone checks their ego at the door," he said. "We all work together, share updates across shifts, and support one another to make sure everything runs as efficiently as possible." Beyond the workplace, family is at the heart of everything Aukes does. He enjoys spending time with his wife and their two children, Charlie (8) and Kylee (5). Whether it's building snowmen and sledding in the winter or tending to their backyard garden in the summer, their family embraces every season together. For those considering a career at POET, he has one piece of advice: "If you work hard, communicate well, and stay open to learning, there are endless opportunities to grow." With employees like Aukes, POET continues to lead the way in bioproduct innovation one dedicated team member at a time. NIGHT POET TO LEARN MORE ABOUT POET, VISIT POET.COM/BINGHAMLAKE. POET EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT BUILDING TOGETHER : WADE AUKES Behind every successful company is a team of hardworking individuals who bring passion and dedication to their work every day . At POET - Bingham Lake , Wade Aukes exemplifies what it means to be a leader and team player . His journey to success reflects the core values of POET commitment to growth , collaboration , and continuous learning - while also demonstrating how diverse experiences can shape a great leader . Aukes , who resides in Windom , MN , began his career at POET in 2013 as a plant technician before working his way up to a supervisory role . Before joining POET , he worked on his family's farm in Buffalo Center , IA , where , from a young age , he leamed the value of hard work by raising com and soybeans , as well as managing a cow - calf operation . This hands - on experience formed the foundation of his work ethic and gave him a deep understanding of the agricultural industry . When his wife , Kim , found a job opportunity at POET years later , he took a leap into the world of biofuels - and hasn't looked back since . " Coming from a farming background , I knew where the grain was going , but I didn't understand the entire bioethanol production process , " he said . " Once I learned it , I gained a whole new appreciation for how much we can produce from a single bushel of corn . " Now , as a plant shift supervisor , Aukes is responsible for overseeing day - to - day operations , managing chemical inventory , ensuring safety protocols are met , and working with his team to maintain smooth production . No two days are ever the same , and while some days run without a hitch , others bring unexpected challenges . " We rely on communication , teamwork , and problem - solving to make sure everything stays on track , " he said . " Every part of the process is connected , so if one area faces an issue , it's up to us to work together and find a solution . That's what makes this job exciting - there's always something new to learn , and we're constantly improving . " One of the things that stood out to him most when he joined POET was the company's strong culture and its " one team " mindset . " Everyone checks their ego at the door , " he said . " We all work together , share updates across shifts , and support one another to make sure everything runs as efficiently as possible . " Beyond the workplace , family is at the heart of everything Aukes does . He enjoys spending time with his wife and their two children , Charlie ( 8 ) and Kylee ( 5 ) . Whether it's building snowmen and sledding in the winter or tending to their backyard garden in the summer , their family embraces every season together . For those considering a career at POET , he has one piece of advice : " If you work hard , communicate well , and stay open to learning , there are endless opportunities to grow . " With employees like Aukes , POET continues to lead the way in bioproduct innovation one dedicated team member at a time . NIGHT POET TO LEARN MORE ABOUT POET , VISIT POET.COM/BINGHAMLAKE .