After spending 20 years working as a civil engineer in state government and three years with a private consulting firm, Paul Cammack was hired by the former Aquila company. When Black Hills Energy acquired Aquila in 2008, he was promoted to his current position as Customer Relations Manager for Nebraska. While most people think of Black Hills Energy as their local natural gas distribution company, providing safe and reliable service to their 197,000 customers in 110 eastern Nebraska communities (which they have been doing as one company or another since the 1930s), they are also part of Black Hills Corporation, a diversified energy company based in Rapid City, S.D. In addition, BHC’s non-regulated businesses generate wholesale electricity, produce natural gas, oil and coal, and market energy.
Tell us a little about your family.
I have been happily married to my best friend, Terri, for almost 32 years. We have six children: Jacob (30), Jacqueline (29 and married to Patrick), Katherine (27 and married to Kevin), Nicholas (25 and married to Laura), Christina (23 and married to Luke), and Maria (22). We also have been blessed with four grandchildren (Olivia, Jack, Madaline, and Joseph), with three more on the way.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life?
The biggest turning points in my life were my conversion to Catholicism, my marriage to Terri, and the birth of my six children. These events continue to change the way I look at life and help me focus on what is truly important.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off?
If the weather is nice, I’ll be outside doing something—yard work, playing golf, working in my shop, walking, whatever it takes to enjoy the day. If the weather is nasty, I’ll be inside reading a good book, watching a movie, or just spending time with my wife.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know?
I’ve traveled to 49 out of the 50 states (we’re still trying to get to Hawaii).
What are you the most proud of?
My six children, their spouses, and my four (soon to be seven) grandkids.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
“Pray, hope, and don’t worry.” (Padre Pio)
What is the one goal you would most like to accomplish?
I would love to travel to the Holy Lands, and immerse myself in the places where Jesus and his disciples walked and breathed and preached.
What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life?
This isn’t a talent, but I really enjoy history. However, it didn’t take me long when I was in college to realize that there weren’t a lot of jobs for history majors.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
That I would appreciate the simple things in life. Time doesn’t give us a second chance very often, and the things that are truly precious are the things that money cannot buy.
What is your favorite book or the last good book you read?
The last book that I read was The Everlasting Man by G.K. Chesterton
What is your favorite movie?
John Wayne in The Cowboys
What is your favorite TV show?
Everybody Loves Raymond
What is your favorite Lincoln restaurant?
The Venue (their cedar plank salmon is fantastic).
If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be?
No question about it – Jesus (even though there are a lot of saints who I would invite to join us).
What is the best way to contact you?
Call (888) 890-5554 or visit us online at http://www.blackhillsenergy.com/