Ross Tiedemann, 35
Regional Distribution Manager
Van Meter Inc.
Ross joined Van Meter in Cedar Rapids, Iowa—and the industry—in March 2016 as a distribution team member. “Before coming to Van Meter, I spent eight years working for Target in distribution,” he recalled. “I had been leading people for six of those eight years, knowing I enjoyed both leadership and operations. However, I was ready for a change.”
Shortly after joining Van Meter, Ross was promoted to shipping team lead and then given the opportunity to lead shipping in the CDC (as shipping supervisor) in March 2017. “During nearly five years as a supervisor, I also led our inventory, tool crib, and customized solutions teams,” Ross noted. “In November of 2021, Van Meter acquired Werner Electric in Cottage Grove, Minn. I was promoted to operations manager and relocated to Cottage Grove to help with the acquisition and collaborate on processes of the distribution center.”
In May 2023, Ross relocated back to Cedar Rapids to assume the role of operations manager of Van Meter’s largest distribution center and help prepare for company growth to come. In February 2025, he was promoted to his current role of regional distribution manager, overseeing all operations, such as wire, inventory, shipping, picking, returns, receiving, and delivery.
“Van Meter has an amazing culture, supports its people and community, and is 100% employee-owned,” said Ross, when asked what continues to appeal to him about the industry. “How could I not want to be a part of something like that? On top of that, I grew up with a love of building and creating things. At Van Meter, we ‘create lasting value for those we serve’ and I love helping our partners build and power the world we live in.”
When asked about a challenge the industry is currently facing, Ross pointed to the shortage of workers. “At Van Meter we work hard to support our partners in that endeavor,” he noted. “Our work in this space isn’t just talking about Van Meter. It’s talking about electricians, project managers, and the work our customers do to support all the growth throughout the United States. I’ve spent time with our community outreach team meeting with high schools in our community to help drive engagement in the industry and present other opportunities vs. the traditional college path. My favorite experience was working with ninth graders, locally, on a company project. I was so impressed with their final projects—they knew our mission statement, our core values, the impact of electrification, and they could see themselves in the industry.”
Ross added that he is currently working on developing a deeper bench on his team and providing learning opportunities for them to take the next step. “A quote I love is ‘If you’re lucky enough to have done well, then it’s your responsibility to send the elevator back down.’ I want to build others up so they can follow their career path, like many people did for me. I’ve also been given the opportunity to lead more parts of our business,” he explained. “I hope to dive deeper into my growth and future goals by supporting our wire and data center sides of the business. I’ve spent my entire career in traditional distribution, and I look forward to this opportunity, not only personally, but also for our business.”
What would Ross tell someone just entering the industry? “My biggest advice is to take a chance on it, get in as early as you can and at any place,” he said. “I had multiple opportunities because I worked hard and continued to push myself to consistently learn and be coachable. At Van Meter, we talk a lot about accountability and ownership. I’ve earned many opportunities because of my eagerness and work ethic. The industry is constantly changing, which is incredible for anyone who is hungry for opportunities. Knowing and preparing for change will force you to be open to adapting to new ways of solving problems, all of which will make the journey incredible.”
When he’s not working, Ross can be found spending time with family. “I have two young children that I love spending time with, coaching them in sports and life,” he said. “My wife and I enjoy visiting national parks, snowboarding, sports, and tackling the newest DIY project. I grew up on my family farm, and I love working with my father on anything related to that. He is a wealth of knowledge, a great mentor, and provides a strong work ethic and business-minded atmosphere for me and my family.”
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Each year tED magazine recognizes 30 of the industry’s best and brightest under the age of 35. Please visit tEDmag.com/30Under35 for nomination information and updates about the 2026 program. Questions can be sent to tED Editor Misty Byers at mbyers@naed.org.
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