Josh Dufek

LWEC Reliability Manager

Give us a brief overview of your role.

I am the Reliability Manager at L’Anse Warden Electric Company (LWEC). My primary focus is on the maintenance department at the facility, but with LWEC being a small-staffed power plant, my role expands to meet what is needed daily. I try to focus on identifying key problems in the plant and take those problems and plan the repairs to minimize cost, minimize down time, and maximize generation for years to come.

What is the most memorable moment you have had working for GSI?

My most memorable moment would be taking a risk and leaving everything I know to come work here. My dad always told me to focus on family, work hard, and to give 100% on everything you do. With starting at an entry level position and applying that advice and motto, I got offered an opportunity to show what I am capable of.

What led you to a career in production and quality control and what have you found rewarding from working in the renewables sector?

My journey to this career is a long one. I worked for 16 years for a construction company as a project manager/superintendent for building state funded road projects. I was required to be out of town, away from home, and a lot with punishing long hours. Once my wife and I started a family, it became much harder to leave. I started at LWEC as an entry level assistant operator and, through hard work, dedication, and some luck, this position found me.

This biomass plant is unique. It has its quirks – a lot of the equipment is from the 1950s. Everyday is different and every issue or repair is unique. The job is challenging and keeps you very involved. I like to avoid the mundane, so figuring out ways to fix or make things better is rewarding.

Tell us one interesting fact about yourself that your colleagues might not know.

I am a low-key history buff. I enjoy reading anything about ancient history and lost civilizations. Growing up, I always wanted to be an archeologist.

How do you spend your time outside of work?

I love spending time with my family. I have been blessed with an amazing wife and four beautiful kids, and I love the challenges of raising them and watching them learn and grow. I am very passionate about deer hunting and fishing as well. Not only do I hunt here in Michigan, but I also travel to several other states to hunt.

What is one thing you’d like to cross off your bucket list?

Traveling to Italy would be amazing. That entire southern Europe region would be awesome to see.

Rapid Fire Favorites

  • Movie: American Sniper
  • Tv Show: Game of Thrones
  • Book: Storm before the storm by Mike Duncan
  • Musician/Band: Morgan Wallen
  • Restaurant (City): The English Inn (Fish Creek, WI)
  • Food: Venison/Steak
  • Sports Team: Detroit Lions
  • City/Region: Pelkie, MI