Working at a cooperative as a lineworker wasn’t something Cole Leier planned to do, but it turned out to be a great career choice. A Bismarck native, Cole grew up playing a variety of sports at Century High School, graduating in 2018. He immediately entered Bismarck State College’s lineworker school after a couple of high school friends recommended the program. During that time, Cole worked in the Scheel’s hunting department. When Cole graduated from line school in 2019, he worked at Montana-Dakota Utilities (MDU) as summer help. He then gained more lineworker experience with Cass County Electric Cooperative. He has been working out of Capital Electric’s Wing outpost since May. Cole enjoys the small-town feel. “The environment is relaxed, and you can concentrate on learning the system when you are focused on a smaller area. I am also closer to family around the Wing area. We have a great bunch of guys at the co-op, and I enjoy working with them,” he says. One of his first assignments was to help restore power in McLean Electric Cooperative’s service area following a spring storm that resulted in downed powerlines. Cole has a variety of interests including hunting, fishing and travel. On a fishing experience at Cascade Lake in Idaho, Cole snagged a 16.5-inch perch, which he mounted. He also enjoys hunting and fishing tournaments with his dad. We welcome Cole to Capital Electric!