Episode 1: Jim Sieben

For the first episode of the MinnWest Podcast, it only felt right to sit down with Jim Sieben. As the President of both MinnWest Technology Campus + Nova-Tech Engineering, Jim has had a hand in things since the beginning. It was fun to spend some time talking (and frankly reminiscing) about how it all began over 15 years ago.

Back in 2005, Nova-Tech was around 40 employees strong and outgrowing their space. Jim and Mark Gorans - the founder of NTE, along with Ted, Ray + Rick Huisinga from Willmar Poultry had a “crazy idea” to purchase the former regional treatment center. This would not only allow for the growth of NTE, but also create a community where other businesses could start and grow. It was by no means an easy feat to purchase and transition the buildings to be suited for business, but the MWTC campus officially opened in 2007.

Jim was raised on a dairy farm in the area alongside his FIFTEEN brothers and sisters. He falls somewhere in the middle of that large Sieben crew! Ever since he graduated from college with a degree in electronics, Jim has found himself connected to early development companies. It’s what eventually led himself to Willmar to work for NTE in their genesis of streamlining hatchery processes.

NTE has been driven by the mission to create revolutionary solutions that advance their customers ability to feed the world. Their unique business model and innovative culture has taken the turkey industry by storm, and has recently gained traction in the shrimp industry. All from their headquarters in Willmar MN, NTE’s products can be found in 59 countries around the world. That equates to impacting nearly 2.6 billion birds per year, and touching 100% of the turkeys in U.S. and Canada. (Some impressive stats that often take people by surprise!)

And as far as the campus goes, MWTC is now home to over 30 businesses with nearly 800 employees that spend their work days on the beautiful and historic 1200 acres. Learn more about the campus or come see it for yourself by scheduling a tour with Joanna here!

“I have always felt, I am where I want to be. No matter where I was.”

Learn more about Nova-Tech Engineering: https://nteglobal.com/