The individuals who work at POET are more than just a group of colleagues; they’re a team, united by a shared mission and a passion for purpose-driven work. You might even hear them refer to themselves as “family” — and sometimes, that sense of family isn’t just figurative.
POET is a family-founded company built on the values of hard work, integrity, and a commitment to making the world a better place. Those same principles continue to shape the culture today, bringing together not just coworkers, but generations of team members. So it’s no surprise that many POET team members have found their own family members — who share similar values — drawn to fulfilling careers at the company as well.
Whether it’s siblings, spouses, parents and children, or extended family, these connections can be an asset, with camaraderie, trust, and mutual support creating a strong foundation for a thriving business.
Discover how three of the many families within POET are working side by side to build a brighter future.
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Andrew Willard, Plant Manager, POET Bioprocessing – Fairbank
Mitch Willard, EH&S Specialist, POET Bioprocessing – Fairbank
With only 10 feet separating their offices at POET Bioprocessing – Fairbank, IA, it’s easy for brothers Andrew and Mitch Willard to stay connected – and share a laugh whenever the moment calls for it.
“It’s fun to be able to razz my little brother every day,” said Andrew, who has served as plant manager for a year and previously worked as an operations manager.
“I don’t know how many times I’ve heard, ‘We’re going to go tell your mom what you two are doing,’” said Mitch.
Joking aside, the brothers have always had a close relationship, and working together helps them maintain their bond. “With our busy lives and kids at home, I don’t know how often we’d see each other outside of work. Working 10 feet apart, we get to spend every day together, which is pretty awesome,” Mitch said.
Andrew has worked for POET’s Fairbank facility for almost four years since it was acquired from Flint Hills Resources, where he worked previously. Mitch came on board nearly three years ago when the right position became available and Andrew encouraged him to apply. Each brother has around 16 years of experience in the bioethanol sector.
Both find fulfillment in different aspects of their roles. Andrew enjoys the challenge of troubleshooting problems and seeing his team grow. Mitch takes pride in the plant’s collaborative and supportive environment.
Andrew and Mitch agree that you don’t have to actually be family to feel like family at POET. “The atmosphere at POET is like a whole big family,” said Mitch. “POET puts forth that you should enjoy being around the people you work with. That definitely makes it enjoyable to show up to work every day.”
According to Andrew, “Working long hours is not bad when you’re surrounded by people you like being around.”
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Blaine Gomer, General Manager, POET Bioprocessing – Big Stone
Blake Gomer, General Manager, POET Bioprocessing – Groton
To use a sports analogy, father-son duo Blaine and Blake Gomer play the same position for Team POET — General Manager — but one is a seasoned veteran and the other a newly promoted rookie.
Blaine, who has more than 23 years of experience as general manager under his belt, left a career in dairy manufacturing to take the reins at POET Bioprocessing – Big Stone, SD, when it opened in 2002. He was drawn to POET because of the opportunity to work with farmers and contribute to a sustainable future.
Blake, who was promoted to general manager at POET Bioprocessing – Groton, SD, last year, started as an engineering intern at the company and went to work full-time as an operator after college. He has worked in various roles for the company over 15 years, most recently as Groton’s plant manager.
Although their plants are 85 miles apart and their professional paths cross only once or twice a month, Blaine and Blake love being part of one POET team.
Blaine emphasizes that POET’s positive culture, outstanding people, and strong purpose make it an exceptional place to work. Working in the same company as his son is a bonus. “Professionally, we don’t talk as often as one might think,” Blaine said. “Work-wise, I stay out of his way. He makes his
own decisions.”
Blake loves that “there’s always a challenge to get to work on,” as well as unlimited opportunities for professional growth at POET. He says that his working relationship with his dad is “still in development” now that they are in the same role. “I’ve always tried to carve my own path with my career. Now that we’re both GMs, I feel like we’ll be bouncing ideas and thoughts off
each other.”
The most important commonality Blaine and Blake share is pride in POET’s status as the world’s leader in biofuels and its mission to make the world a better place. They’re working toward a brighter future for the next generation — including Blake’s two young kids.
“I am working for my grandkids’ future, making the world a better place for them,” Blaine said. Blake agreed: “I do it for my family, my kids. There are so many unknowns for the future, embracing our vision, mission, and culture at work, as well as at home, may someday end up inspiring them as well.”
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Matt Sauer, Maintenance Manager, POET Bioprocessing – Hanlontown
Lucas Sauer, Maintenance Manager, POET Bioprocessing – Lake Crystal
Benton Sauer, Plant Technician, POET Bioprocessing – Lake Crystal
The way in which brothers Matt and Lucas Sauer both ended up working for POET involves a referral, but not in the traditional sense.
“I say it like this: I didn’t refer Lucas to POET. I referred POET to Lucas,” said Matt, a maintenance manager who has worked in various roles for POET Bioprocessing – Hanlontown, IA, since 2007. “It’s a family-first, faith-friendly company that has been a great fit for my family and me. So I knew it would be a great fit for him and his family, too.”
The brothers grew up on a wheat farm in western Oklahoma. Matt moved to Iowa years ago to be closer to his wife’s family. Lucas stayed with his family in Oklahoma, where he worked in the oil and natural gas field until Covid hit and oil prices went negative. “I didn’t lose my job, but I pretty much got demoted. Matt knew what I was going through and that the Lake Crystal plant was hiring for a maintenance manager.” After serious discussions with his wife and kids, Lucas interviewed and accepted the position. He’s had no regrets, as his three sons have made new friends and flourished in school.
One of those sons, Benton, joined his dad at POET Bioprocessing – Lake Crystal, MN, a few years later as a summer intern helping with landscaping and maintenance. It eventually turned into a full-time position as a plant technician.
All three Sauers say it’s rewarding to work for a company with such a powerful mission. “Energy-wise, POET provides a great, viable alternative to fossil fuel. But what really sold me is the local impact POET has. Each plant buys tons of corn, which supports farmers to help them feed their families and fund their community. There’s a huge impact on the economy of each POET site,” Lucas said.
Benton agrees that he’s proud of the environmental impact POET makes and sometimes reflects on how “just a little grain of corn makes all this!”
At POET, the concept of family extends far beyond blood relations — it’s woven into the company’s culture, mission, and daily work. Whether team members share a last name or simply a common purpose, the sense of unity and support among them is the key to their success.
