Owen Bitker is a junior at ROCORI High School and works at JK Landscape in Clearwater, MN.  Owen has worked at JK Landscape for about a year.  Owe enjoys the variety of work at JK Landscape. He gets the opportunity to do everything from mechanical work to landscaping, which allows him to gain experience in different areas and develop new skills.  

Owen is most interested in the Engineering, Manufacturing, Transportation and Construction pathway because he enjoys hands-on work, mechanics, and learning practical skills that he can use in my future career.  After high school Owen plans on obtaining his Commercial Drivers License and finding a company to drive for.
Owen's advice for those interested in the work program is "The work program is a great opportunity for students who enjoy learning through hands-on experience. It is nice to be able to go to work instead of attending regular classes, while also gaining valuable job experience and learning skills that can help prepare you for the future."

Chuck Schmitz graduated from ROCORI High School in 1992. Following high school he attended St. Cloud Technical College and graduated with a Civil Engineering and Technology degree in 1994. After graduating Chuck worked for Polk County in Glenwood on their survey crew. He worked there for one year while gaining experience. After that experience Chuck stayed in the survey/excavation work field. Chuck started Schmitz Excavating in 1999.

Chuck says the best part of owning a business in the ROCORI community is working for friends, family, and fellow community members to make the community a better place. One challenge Schmitz Excavating has found recently is finding the right kind of worker for the job and the evolving business needs in the area. One piece of advice that Chuck would give to high school students is to work hard and keep and open mind. What you think you might be set on in 5 years down the road might change so be flexible and open to new things.