For many who spent decades at Rawhide, coming back for an outage isn’t just about the work, it’s about being part of something bigger than themselves. Retirees describe a deep sense of purpose and pride in supporting the organization and future generations. It’s about camaraderie, trust built over years and the unique bond formed through shared challenges and successes.
They return because Rawhide feels like family. People step up for each other, not just on the job, but in life, through fundraisers, emotional support and a willingness to help in times of need. That spirit of community extends beyond Platte River employees to contractors and vendors, creating an environment where everyone works together selflessly and seamlessly.
For Mike Kerr and Mike Meade, that sense of belonging runs deep. Combined, they’ve given nearly 70 years of service to Platte River. Both started their careers when Rawhide was still new, and they’ve seen the plant through decades of change. Coming back for outages is their way of honoring that legacy and helping ensure Rawhide finishes strong. “What truly stood out was the level of ownership, attention to detail and their consistent approach to be a part of the solution, not the problem,” said Skip Akers, manager of generation maintenance.
In this recent major outage, Mike Kerr was instrumental in supporting the critical work performed on the FD, ID and PA fan equipment. “He was literally on his hands and knees cleaning oil and dirt from the FD fan motor pedestal,” shares Skip. Kerr used moments like that to teach the younger mechanics about pride and responsibility, explaining that those values were foundational to what made Rawhide what it is today. No task was ever too small or insignificant; both Mikes approached every job with the same commitment and attitude.
Mike Meade’s machining services were invaluable as coal mill 3 was overhauled and the bull and worm gear were replaced and repaired. “Meade is truly the best machinist I’ve had the opportunity to work with in my 35 years in this industry,” shares Skip. “His machining expertise was relied on throughout the outage. The coal mill table machining job would have been contracted out because our current machinists were assigned to other outage work. Having Meade here prevented that, we completed the job internally without bringing in additional contractors. I have complete confidence this coal mill will run well because he machined the table.”
Countless times during the outage the two retirees would be walking through the maintenance shops and get stopped by other mechanics seeking their advice or input on a job or piece of equipment they were working on. As Kerr shared, “Some of the best friends I’ve ever had were made right here. You think about high school friends, but I’ve known these people for 40 years.” For him and Meade, it’s about more than machinery, it’s about people, teamwork and the pride of contributing to something that matters. They know their experience can make a difference, and they’re willing to step in, not for recognition, but because they care.
“I was very fortunate as a young maintenance manager at the beginning of my career to have such high-quality mechanics like Mike and Mike. They truly built a foundation not just for me but for the next generation of leaders at Rawhide,” shares Jason Frisbie, general manager and CEO for Platte River.
Returning for an outage is a way to share knowledge, mentor the next generation and reinforce the values that define Platte River. It’s about pride, connection and the recognition that reliability doesn’t happen by chance, it’s built by people who care.