Black Hills/Nebraska Gas Utility Company, LLC d/b/a Black Hills Energy serves 196,000 natural gas customers in 106 eastern Nebraska communities. Black Hills Energy is a subsidiary of Black Hills Corp., a diversified energy company with a tradition of exemplary service and a vision to be the energy partner of choice. Black Hills Corp. is based in Rapid City, S.D., with corporate offices in Denver and Papillion, Neb. Black Hills Corp. serves 765,000 natural gas and electric utility customers in Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wyoming, and its non-regulated businesses generate wholesale electricity and produce natural gas, oil and coal. Black Hills’ 2,000 employees partner to produce results that are improving life with energy. Jeff Sylvester is the Vice President of Nebraska Gas Operations for Black Hills Energy.
How did you get started in the business? – I got started in the utility business in 1998 when I went to work for GTE (local telephone company) in Tampa, Florida. I eventually joined the energy utility business in 2003. I have been with Black Hills Energy since October 2012.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – So far, the greatest challenge has been learning to have patience. Often times great change occurs over time, not in an instant.
What has been your most important achievement professionally? – I feel like my most important achievement was joining the Black Hills Energy family. We have a lot of great people and I feel humbled every day to be part of the team.
Tell me a little about your family. – My wife Nancy and I met in Clemson, SC while attending Clemson University, Go Tigers. My son Steven is 14 and loves baseball, golf and video games. My daughter Kelly is 12 and love piano, guitar, singing, and dancing. They are all adapting well to our recent relocation from Tampa, FL to Lincoln, NE.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – The biggest turning point in my life was my decision to leave my home town of Dover, DE to attend Clemson University which was over 700 miles away. I arrived on campus not knowing a single person. This experience gave me the confidence to look beyond my comfort zone to new experiences. This has been the theme of my adult life.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – Spend time with my family or play golf with great friends.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? – My first career choice was a Financial Planner.
What are you the most proud of? – Easy one – my wife and children.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – Take your work seriously, not yourself.
If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? – Fun
If you could have a super power, what would it be? – Flight. I would love to soar with the birds.
Which talent would you most like to have? – A talent for music, specifically playing the piano.
If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? – Professional Golfer.
What is your favorite movie? – Caddyshack
What is your favorite TV show? – Seinfeld (old school), Big Bang Theory (current)
What is your favorite local restaurant? – Lazlo’s
If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? – Arnold Palmer
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – By email at Jeff.sylvester@blackhillscorp.com