Collins traces his path to North Dakota back to his wife, Pam, whom he met while working in air traffic control on the East Coast. Pam was working as an air traffic controller in the region, and Collins resigned from his role to relocate and start a life together.

Before air traffic control, Collins spent seven years in defense contracting, where he worked with high-power transmitters and troubleshooting communications systems. When Cass County Electric launched SERVE TV, the co-op needed someone with transmitter experience, and the fit made sense.

His decision to stay came down to variety and connection.

“My old job had me in a room with no windows, building widgets,” Collins said. “Here, I’m outside every day, meeting people, solving different problems. Every day is different. That alone made it an easy choice.”

Collins began at the co-op in the mid-1990s, when Cass County Electric served roughly 14,000 members, most in rural areas. Rural participation in load management programs exceeded 70% in those early years, and the culture felt personal and purpose driven. The region has since grown and shifted, with much of the co-op’s membership expansion happening in town. While rural members now represent a smaller portion of the overall membership, Collins emphasized their role remains central to the co-op story.

“The co-op was built on the idea of member first, member always,” Collins said. “We serve members, not customers. That language carries meaning. It’s a reminder of who we work for, and why the connections matter.”

When asked which projects best reflected his impact, Collins did not hesitate.

“Energy audits, hands down,” he said.

In the early days, he conducted audits without mobile tools or data insights, relying on experience and intuition. The introduction of metering tools, MDM data, and smartphone access transformed the process and outcomes. Collins also noted a shift in satisfaction scores over time, moving from an average of two or three stars to a consistent four or five stars today. But for him, the real impact is education and empowerment.

“Almost everyone has a smartphone now,” Collins said. “I can show members how to access their own data, spot seasonal spikes, troubleshoot their energy use. Empowering them to be their own energy detectives, that’s where the impact lives.”

Collins highlighted leaders who shaped his career, pointing first to the accessibility of the past and current CEOs.

“It never felt like someone was too busy to listen,” he said. “They listened, discussed ideas, treated you like your voice mattered.”

He named Bob Miller and Chad Brousseau as leaders who carry that same openness today.
“That accessibility, that dialogue, it’s one of the strongest parts of working here,” Collins said.

To those stepping into his role, Collins offered simple, practical guidance.

“Keep learning, ask questions, and build good people skills,” he said. “Take pride in representing the co-op. Even when you’re driving the truck, you’re an ambassador. People notice the logo. How you show up reflects on Cass.”

He also emphasized one universal relationship builder.

“Be on time,” Collins said. “It’s one of the best ways to start a conversation. Respecting someone’s time sets the tone.”

In retirement, Collins said he will miss staying busy and the people connections most, including the small team-building moments that kept the cooperative strong. But retirement, he added, does not mean slowing down.

“There’s no way I can sit at home and do nothing,” he said. “I used to help at the VFW with steak nights and burger baskets. That chapter closed, so now I’m looking for the next place to serve. I’m ready for the next problem to solve. That’s who I am, and that’s not changing now.”