May 10, 2022
Miles Seppelt is Economic Development Director for the City of Hutchinson. Contact Miles
How long have you been a member of EDAM? 24 years
What do you find valuable about belonging to EDAM? The most valuable thing by far is the connections and relationships with peers in the industry. To be able to learn what others are doing and how they're doing it is hugely valuable. Also, just being able to connect with someone who understands the things we're wrestling with is a real blessing. On top of all that, EDAM provides a lot of excellent training opportunities that help me serve my community better.
What is something you are passionate about or a hobby you really enjoy? My wife and I live on a hobby farm in Benton County so I spend a lot of time outdoors working on that. I always have multiple home improvement projects in progress. I love doing these because it's sort of the opposite of my day job in the office - a whole different type of problem solving!
Share an interesting fact about yourself that few of your fellow EDAM members may know. Many years ago, after a slightly unpleasant experience working for a community, I bought a van, threw a bed in the back and just took off to see America! I spent the whole summer traveling around the United States and saw EVERYTHING!!!
What's the greatest advice a mentor has given you? "Never try to win the argument, instead build good will." I think that actually comes from Dale Carnegie in his book How to Win Friends and Influence People. A great book.
What was the best concert you've ever attended? What's a bucket list concert for you? Ladysmith Black Mambazo while a student at the University of Minnesota, Morris. Bucket list concert would be to go back in time and see Queen with Freddy Mercury.
Other than your current job, what would your dream job be? I'm going to cheat: my current job is my dream job! It's hard for me to think of it as work because I get to work on fun stuff all the time and they pay me for it! I feel like I have the best job in Minnesota.
What are you currently watching on Netflix or another streaming service? Better Call Saul