Ethan Sweet, 35
Account Manager—Utility
Border States
Ethan joined Border States nine years ago. “My wife had a connection with Andrew Puckett [alliance manager at Border States], who was looking to expand his team—and I was his first hire,” said Ethan, who has previously worked for another employee-owned company. “Border States being employee owned is what pulled me in.”
After starting in the Branch Support Center in Fargo, N.D., as an alliance inventory specialist, “I knew I had a desire to get into sales,” recalled Ethan. “A year and a half in I moved to our main utility office in Minnesota to take an inside sales role. I did that for a year and a half and then moved into my current role of account manager.”
Asked what keeps him interested in the industry, Ethan said “Every day there is something to accomplish for our customers and that keeps me going.”
Ethan pointed to the supply chain when asked to identify a challenge the industry is currently facing. “I think Border States is uniquely positioned to support utilities through material challenges and form deeper partnerships because of it,” he said. “Their work never stops, so neither should ours. It’s more than just selling product.”
Looking ahead, “I am in a solid position to stay where I am for the foreseeable future,” said Ethan, adding he does have a desire to lead in a bigger way someday. “I’m not certain what that means at this point in my career. I am continuing to feed my mind with leadership and sales content, surround myself with good people, and have conversations to learn more about Border States and how we can continue to innovate and be better for our customers.”
What would Ethan tell someone just entering the industry? “Do it!” he said.” It’s the best decision I have ever made.”
When he’s not working Ethan can be found fishing, golfing, and being dad to his two young children. “I’m also an avid hunter; I hunt multiple states and species every year,” he added.
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 2025 program. Questions can be sent to tED Editor Misty Byers at mbyers@naed.org.
Tagged with 2024 30 Under 35, 30 under 35, Border States, people