Name: Patrick Larson, EH&S Specialist POET–Arthur
How long have you worked at POET?
Since 2019
How did you first hear about POET?
POET–Arthur was part of the 2021 acquisition, but I grew up in Gowrie, IA, and I knew from living there that POET built a plant over in that area.
Can you tell me about the path that led you to your career?
I was moving around a lot. I grew up in Gowrie, IA. I went to the military in California, went back and forth between Iowa and California a bunch, and then after I got out, I wanted to make a mark out there, and I finally got in the grain inspection space. I did that for a few years, and then in 2019, the opportunity to come to POET–Arthur came to me. I started as a distillation operator, became a shift lead, transitioned to the day shift, grew for production, and then made my way over to EH&S.
What do you do in your position?
I lead safety for the POET–Arthur plant. I'm the guy who does all the environmental accounting. There are a number of reports every year, monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, and annually, that I’m in charge of reporting to make sure our equipment meets the state standards. I also schedule training and make sure that safety is a priority for the team and culture.
What’s your favorite part about your job?
I enjoy the safety piece for sure. I think a lot of it has to do with coming originally from the production team. I have a pretty good understanding of how things work, and a big part and a favorite part of mine is making sure that team members go home the same way they came in.
What is your greatest career accomplishment here at POET?
I would say being promoted to my current EH&S Specialist job.
What’s unique about a career at this company?
The upward mobility. If you care and have good work ethic, you will quickly advance in this company. It’s good working with a company that cares about you and the right thing, so that helps with all the opportunities you can have when going somewhere, moving up quickly, and working for a company that wants to do things the right way is a pretty good deal.
Tell me a little bit about yourself: what hobbies do you enjoy outside of work?
I have a wife and kids, and we love to camp. We have an acreage and like to do things outside!
What’s one thing you want to do that you’ve never done before?
I’m very content – I wouldn’t say I have any specific bucket list item!
