Looking Ahead: Kory Hammerbeck

Kory Hammerbeck

Operations Manager, Rushmore Electric Power Cooperative

What was your first job?

My first job was working on the family farm in central South Dakota, where I started to drive tractors and do field work at 8 years of age. At the time I always wondered why I had to work and all my friends were playing summer sports, but looking back this was my parents setting me up to have a good work ethic and learning responsibility at a young age. I think I could have waited for that lesson until I was older!

Tell us about your current job?

When most people think of an electric cooperative they think of linemen, and rightfully so, that’s what the public sees. We at Rushmore Electric Power Cooperative work behind the scenes to help our distribution cooperatives keep the lights on, from designing substations and power lines, buying and selling wholesale power, communications systems, and computer systems there is a lot more going on in the energy sector than most people know. My position at Rushmore is to oversee the technologies that we and our distribution cooperatives elect to use is up and running when they need it. We call it a lifestyle, not a job. Yes we have set hours on any given day, but when bad weather comes we are at work, no matter the time or date. The reward for me comes from many angles, from the great people that I work with, the daily learning that occurs, and knowing that our members have their power on.

How has 2020 changed you?

2020 was a challenging year from the business side of things, as I work in an industry that is deemed critical infrastructure and not being at work is not an option. We sent those that we could to work from home and those challenges continue to this day. On a personnel level, 2020 really made me reflect on how good I really have it, I feel blessed just to have a job, not all can say that in these times.

Why are you excited for 2021?

I’m excited for everyday! If you were to meet me and ask how I’m doing, my answer is always the same, “It’s the best day of my life until tomorrow.” I look at every day as an opportunity to improve yourself, those around you, and hopefully improve the lives of people you may never meet. Positive attitudes are contagious!

Why do you live in Rapid City?

I moved to Rapid City 21 years ago because I have two brothers that live here. At the time it was just another stop on my journey. But the small town feeling, great weather, outdoor activities, and great people of Rapid City made it my home.