Ryan Sestak
Fleet Technician, Xcel Energy; Sioux Falls, SD
STI Class of 2000
Degree: Diesel Technology

Power Player
Ryan Sestak works to maintain Xcel Energy’s fleet in top form.

Ryan Sestak knew he loved to work in the garage, so when he had the chance to pursue a career working with the big rigs he went for it. He chose Southeast Tech to earn his Diesel Technology degree because it was close to home and affordable.

Working for the region’s leading energy provider Xcel Energy as a Fleet Technician, Ryan enjoys the diversity of his position. Not an office job by any means, Ryan and two other colleagues are kept busy servicing and maintaining 125 pieces of equipment in the Sioux Falls’ area alone, with a potential of 100 additional pieces of equipment from out of their territory, depending on how many projects are going on. Ryan notes, “Most of the trucks are very important to be ready to go. Some are critical and can’t be down for more than a day. We work in the shop but we do a lot of work in the field too.”

In addition to the shop in Sioux Falls, Ryan also works in the Montevideo, MN area maintaining Xcel Energy equipment there as well. “We pretty much work on anything and everything as long as it’s in the fleet. We do all the engine transmission and drive-train work, the hydraulic work and the electrical work. There isn’t anything that we don’t do. We travel at least a couple of times a month to do service, inspections and to repair what breaks down.”

With such a challenging and busy work schedule, Ryan is happy he chose Southeast Tech to give him the foundation to build his career on. “I really liked the fact that my classes were small. With only 15 to 20 people in each class, it gave me a great deal more one-on-one time with the instructors and lab specialists. They were friendly and took a lot of pride in their work which really helped me learn.”

As to making any career changes in the near future? Ryan shares, “I like my job because I get to work outside and I couldn’t handle working behind a desk. It’s fun and challenging because you’re doing something different every day, it’s never the same routine. It can be challenging at times which makes it especially rewarding when you figure it out and fix it.”