Jordan Spilde

Jordan Spilde – Watertown, SD
Building Trades Technology – Class of 2014

Why did you choose Lake Area Tech?
I had seen Watertown as more than just where I grew up — it’s a community with plenty of opportunity and where I could envision building a future, while contributing to the place I call home.

Where are you currently employed?
Self-employed, Spilde Construction & Windows

What was your favorite thing about Lake Area Tech?
The friendships I built and the memories we made along the way are something I’m thankful for and enjoy looking back on.

What was the biggest lesson you learned at Lake Area Tech?
LATC showed me the value of staying disciplined, taking pride in my work, and always looking for ways to get better.

What made you want to continue your education?
I have always been mechanically minded and enjoyed being hands-on. While I was in high school, my parents were having an addition built onto our home; the exposure of living on the jobsite really sparked my interest in a potential trades related career.

What advice would you give a current Lake Area Tech student?
Take your education seriously – you are investing your time and money in it, so show up, pay attention, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty. The skills and habits you build now are what will set you apart once you’re out in the workforce.

What makes you proud to be an Alumni of Lake Area Tech?
I’m proud to have a college degree while building a blue-collar career and owning my own company. I hope it shows what’s possible—that you can succeed in the skilled trades while investing in your education.

What advice can you give to Lake Area Tech students that will be entering the workforce?
Stay open to learning new methods and techniques. Mastering your craft is a lifelong process.