Joe Vienhage

Featured Technician at Entek

FAST FACTS

Key Dates

Joe Joined Entek: 2020

Entek Joined Midway: 2022

Entek Career

Current Position: Team Leader

Starting Position: Technician

Learn About Entek

Meet Joe

Ask Joe Vienhage about his career and what he values in life, and the conversation returns again and again to the theme of helping others. This principle guides Joe in his work at Entek, where he serves as a team leader and technician, treating clients and colleagues with sincere care and attention.

Embracing Entek Culture

“[Entek leadership believes] employees should take some home, meaning you've got to do as much as you can at work, but you can't use your whole energy.”

Joe spent much of his career working as an engineer on different yachts, including as chief engineer for three. It instilled in him an appreciation for premium work that he expected in future jobs. When a friend of his who was working at Entek described the "top-notch, quality service,” he eagerly applied for an open position.

The family-oriented culture at Entek deeply resonated with Joe during his interview. Despite the company's growth, Dave Campbell, one of the owners at the time, conducted the interview himself. Dave emphasized how much he wants employees to have a work-life balance, and he discussed how Entek could be a foundation for Joe’s future. Joe realized how much this sentiment permeates Entek as he began working. He appreciated the language used by another Entek leader, Adam Shero, who teaches that "employees should take some home." To Joe, that means you work hard, but "you can't use your whole energy." Work matters, but there are more important things.

When he started at Entek, Joe had to learn several new technical skills. For example, he was new to electrical work and refrigeration. But because he knew engineering fundamentals from his background working on yachts, he quickly mastered the new systems and became a standout Entek technician. His growing technical mastery, combined with years of experience as an engineering foreman before Entek, positioned him to become a team leader as Entek joined Midway.

The Midway Experience

"Midway bought this company because it was working, and they wanted that to continue."

Joe has witnessed considerable change throughout his career, and the acquisition of Entek by Midway was no exception. He appreciated the transparency of the ownership during this transition and was reassured by their confidence in Midway, which remained committed to local management and a "business as usual" approach. Early on, some long-tenured Entek employees were apprehensive about the changes. However, a retreat with Midway leadership helped alleviate these concerns, with leadership “making it a point to talk to people by themselves."

When asked about whether the culture has changed with Midway, Joe says, "Midway bought this company because it was working, and they wanted that to continue." He says that they are providing the same quality service and family-oriented approach as always. He attributes much of this smooth transition to Dave Campbell's continued role as operations manager, which allowed him to become "a little more personal, getting more involved with teaching." Even his promotion to team leader happened through the same process as before – thoughtful discussions with Dave and approval from other Entek leaders.

There are several positive additions Joe has noticed, including better funding for equipment, more capital to take on larger contracts, and an emphasis on 401K plans. He also notes that when some employees were disappointed about losing banked sick days, Midway helped ease the change by increasing vacation days for those with more experience.

Moving Forward

"I enjoy helping people, and I enjoy getting everybody to work as a better team.”

Joe is excelling in his current position as team leader. "I enjoy helping people,” he says, “and I enjoy getting everybody to work as a better team.” He takes pride in being able to explain to management the challenges technicians are experiencing and where misunderstandings might be happening, and then collaborating on solutions.

Joe is happy with the direction his career has taken. He credits Entek for providing a solid foundation for expanding his skills and leadership abilities, which continues with Midway today. His family is also grateful for the stability and growth opportunities. At Midway, we're truly thankful for Joe's leadership and commitment, and we're excited to see his continued positive influence on both our customers and his colleagues.