As a farm kid growing up on the rolling croplands of southwestern Minnesota, lake life wasn’t something Premier Production Manager Pete Spoelstra had instilled at a young age. Instead it was tractors, combines, and watching his father work as a certified Massey Ferguson mechanic. By the time he was 16, Pete was often working alongside his father in the shop, learning, listening, and soaking in the mechanical workings at every turn. After graduation, Pete’s fascination with airplanes and an exemplary score on his military ASVAB test set him on a path that would become a 20-year career in the U.S. Air Force.

“I worked on or around F-16 airplanes for nearly my entire 20-year Air Force career,” said the E-8, Senior Master Sergeant (SMSgt). “Ten of those were spent overseas including two deployments. I was also fortunate enough to have two incentive flights in the back seat of an F-16 where I learned that I was meant to stay on the ground.”

One of the highlights of his military career included being selected to the “Thunderbirds” air demonstration team where he worked as the production superintendent for two show seasons.

It was this military experience that attracted Pete to Premier Marine, a 30-year-old pontoon manufacturer headquartered in Big Lake, Minn., with core values that echoed those of his own. A natural leader who brings energy and likable spirit to every situation, Pete has been working as the production manager for nearly two years. The transition from the Air Force to Premier was a lot smoother than he had orginally anticpated and he’s constantly encouraging others to follow his wake.

“Specifically for my aircraft maintenance friends in the military, I encourage them to look into manufacturing when they’re ready to hang up the uniform,” said Pete, when asked if he had any advice or insight to share with those who serve in our armed forces. “Our skills are more translatable than people realize; you don’t need to focus so narrowly on the defense industry. For everyone else, find a place that appreciates you and the skills you bring.”

The place for Pete is clearly Premier, and while manufacturing can certainly be fast paced and high stress, the skills he learned in the Air Force have helped him grow.

“Having been tested in austere conditions and preparing a team for combat missions, I feel I’m better prepared to maintain perspective, stay calm, and continue to make level-headed decisions,” explained Pete. “I’ve worked with people from all over the world and experienced many different cultures. That exposure has helped me gain a greater appreciation for diverse teams and the benefits that people with a different world view, a different perspective, or different ideas than my own can bring to a team, an organization, or company.”

One of the main reasons Pete has enjoyed his time is the similarities between what he was doing in the Air Force and what he’s doing today.

“While a pontoon might not be an F-16, the technology and engineering that goes into something such as our PTX hull, is just as impressive,” said Pete. “I love the speed with which we can make changes. There is no ‘corporate Premier watchdog’ that we need approval from. Here, all ideas are welcome…and we aren’t afraid to take risks. More importantly, work ethic is appreciated and rewarded.”

While he may not have been thinking about boats growing up, Pete has quickly developed a love for the lake life along with his wife Michaela of 14 years and their two daughters. Welcome aboard Pete. The boating industry is excited to have you.