The People Behind PeopleService

Steven Robinette

Steven Robinette
Iowa Region Manager

Certifications
– Iowa Grade IV Wastewater
– Iowa Grade IV Water Distribution
– Iowa Grade IV Water
– IWEA Grade IV Collections
– Iowa Class B CDL

Steven attributes much of PeopleService’s success to its structure, expertise and resources.

“For every service situation, we have at least one expert and multiple back-ups at PeopleService,” said Steven. “We have a very strong team with an incredible depth of expertise.”

Steven’s biggest gratification is helping staff at client locations achieve various technical certifications, and staying focused on adherence to proper procedures and regulations. As the company’s newest manager, he understands the importance of people skills and communication with clients. He enjoys working with people who share his values of friendliness and hard work, and who promote the family-like atmosphere successfully established at PeopleService.

Steven is an extremely involved member of the water service community, serving on the board of the Humboldt-Dakota Chamber of Commerce, as well as being a member of the American Water Works Association, AWET and IAWEA.

Heath Draeger

Heath Draeger
Iowa Region Manager

Certifications
– Iowa Grade IV Wastewater License
– Iowa Grade III Water Treatment and Distribution License
– Iowa Class B CDL

Heath is an eight-year veteran of the water/wastewater industry and a highly motivated and knowledgeable member of the PeopleService team. He is a hands-on leader who excels at tackling challenges, no matter what that challenge involves.

Heath graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point, where he majored in Water Resources and minored in Soil Science. In 2010, he began his career as a lab technician and that same year was hired as the Water/Wastewater Operator by the city of Lansing, Iowa. Heath transitioned to PeopleService when we partnered with Lansing in 2013.

“It’s rewarding to be a part of a team that uses expertise to achieve results. PeopleService finds cost-effective solutions to protect the environment while putting the safety of the public and its employees first.

Knowledge, commitment and communication are essential to our success. We all work better when we’re working toward the same goal. PeopleService gives me the ability to work with FEMA and Homeland Security with the same clarity of message that has proven so effective in collaborating with the DNR and local and county officials. This benefits our clients, and it’s one of the differences that makes PeopleService the best choice in water/wastewater operations and management.”

George Hulet

George Hulet
Missouri Region Manager

Certifications
– Missouri Class A Water Treatment
– Missouri Class A Wastewater Treatment
– Missouri DS III Distribution
– Missouri Class B CDL
– Kansas Grade IV Water License
– Kansas Grade IV Wastewater License

George excels in problem management and thrives on being a problem solver. Before joining PeopleService as the lead operator for the city of Bethany, George was the city’s Superintendent of water and wastewater.

“In my years of working for Bethany, I had hands-on experience with every aspect of the city’s utility programs, not only working in water/wastewater but also working with the city’s gas and electric departments. No matter the job, I am always excited to learn more, roll up my sleeves, do what needs to be done and take on new challenges.”

George has 24 years of experience in water/wastewater. He understands both the public and private sides of the industry, as well as what it means to be both management and an operator out working in the field.

“PeopleService gives me the ability to leverage my own expertise as a resource for others, while also having access to the company’s vast accumulated knowledge. I know if there is an issue that I have never dealt with before, I can pick up the phone and get direct relevant advice about the issue I want to solve. That’s an important benefit for the communities we serve.”

Chris Cowell

Chris Cowell
Missouri Region Manager

Certifications
– Missouri Class A Water Treatment
– Missouri Class A Wastewater Treatment
– Missouri DS-III Distribution
– Missouri Class B CDL
– Kansas Grade IV Water License
– Kansas Grade IV Wastewater License

Chris Cowell attributes his success in the water/wastewater industry to how much he enjoys applying his many skills to everyday challenges.

Chris has 18 years of experience in the field and joined the PeopleService team in 2015. Most recently, Chris held the position of PeopleService’s Lead Operator for the city of Bethany, Missouri. A strong leader with extensive experience in operations, management, laboratory, regulatory compliance and troubleshooting, Chris deploys his considerable skill set to help mentor and train the next generation of PeopleService professionals.

“The best part of working for PeopleService is the tremendous support I get from the team of water/wastewater experts I work with in Missouri and across the Midwest. Having that kind of support, that amount of expertise as a resource is empowering and it translates into doing excellent work for the benefit of our clients.

During our annual Safety Training Seminars, we get the chance to come together as operators and share our insights and experiences. I am proud to be a part of such a knowledgeable team and to work for a company that puts such an emphasis on education and excellence of service.”

Paul Christensen

Paul Christensen
Minnesota Region Manager

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Certifications
– Minnesota Class A Wastewater
– Minnesota Class B Water
– Minnesota Type IV Biosolids

“We find solutions for our clients. We don’t wait for them to ask.”

Paul is PeopleService’s expert in problem management with his ability to meet constantly evolving industry regulations with deep understanding. Paul attributes this to his years of experience in the industry, the depth of resources and knowledge available within the core of PeopleService and his team. In Paul’s words, PeopleService will take control of a job and get it done.

“The seamless support among our team of co-workers anchors the same support for their clients,” said Paul. “Together, we encounter diverse issues. From these encounters, we pull unique, big-picture insights that translate into huge risk reduction for our clients and maximize reliability.”

Paul and his team look for ways to find local, innovative and cost-effective solutions that benefit each community’s water quality and its economy. His team has received numerous awards from state environmental organizations. In addition, Paul received multiple Certificates of Commendation from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.

Greg J. Stang

Greg J. Stang
Minnesota Region Manager

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Certifications
– Minnesota Class A Wastewater
– Minnesota Class B Water
– Minnesota Type IV Biosolids
– Subsurface Sewage Treatment Systems License

Greg appreciates the value in strong, interactive communication and harnesses its power to make PeopleService an incredibly effective service-provider. He utilizes the network of PeopleService managers across the Midwest as a resource as he encounters and applies resolutions to meet each client’s custom requirements.

“Our deep level of expertise and information exchange makes PeopleService a stand-out among the competition,” said Greg. “We support our clients by getting things done quickly and efficiently because we utilize our resources.”

Greg is active in the water and wastewater treatment industry, and was a presenter sitting in on a round table discussion on reed beds at the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s 2015 Annual Conference.

Herb Krueger

Herb Krueger
Minnesota Region Manager

Certifications
– Minnesota Class A Wastewater
– Minnesota Class B Water
– Minnesota Type IV Biosolids
– Minnesota SSTS Service Provider

Herb is all about finding the most direct and cost effective solution for his clients. In fact, he believes that his solutions are just “common sense” but that’s what happens when you’ve been working in the water and wastewater treatment industry for over 30 years. Herb’s clients are always satisfied with his work, because he takes care of all staffing and operations – leaving the client to focus on community planning and other projects.

“PeopleService fully assimilates into every client relationship and the individual projects we commit to,” said Herb. “Our clients’ issues become our challenges to solve. That is what sets us apart from the competition.”

Herb is extremely involved in the community, as a member of such organizations as the Water Environmental Federation and the Minnesota Wastewater Operator Association.

Mike Adair

Mike Adair
Nebraska Region Manager

Certifications
– Nebraska: Water Grade II
– Nebraska: Wastewater Grade II
– Iowa: Water Treatment Grade III
– Iowa: Water Distribution Grade III
– Iowa: Wastewater Grade III
– Missouri: Water Treatment Grade II
– Minnesota: Water Supply System Class C
– Minnesota: Wastewater Class C

Mike Adair brings 16 years of experience in the water and wastewater industry to his role as Nebraska Region Manager. He is committed to ensuring that the service he continues to provide to clients is second to none. Mike takes pride in his role of helping countless clients save budget and improve the quality of operations.

“Being an operator in Nebraska and then taking the position of Director of Operations for PeopleService has prepared me for the Region Manager position in so many ways. I have worked with and in many different water and wastewater treatments and worked with state agencies in NE, MN, IA, MO, and Kansas.”

Mike is a family man. When he is not working he enjoys archery hunting, spending time with family and working on cars with his 2 sons.

Chris McMillen

To learn more about partnering with PeopleService in your community, contact Chris McMillen, Director of Sales.