April 16, 2024

This week’s Up-and-Comer is Sidney Van Schepen, a mechanical engineer at TSP.

Name: Sidney Van Schepen

Age: 32

Hometown: Marvin

What brought you to Sioux Falls?

After graduating from SDSU with my mechanical engineering degree, I was looking for a career that would challenge me and allow me to grow. TSP was a great fit, and Sioux Falls was the right location for me. It is a place that allows me to learn my industry and not be too far away from home.

What keeps you in Sioux Falls?

Sioux Falls has a lot of opportunities that allow me to grow personally and professionally! There is no shortage of interesting projects to work on and many ways to connect with people in the community. It is a very lively town with a lot of entertainment options, and it is always great to check out the restaurants around town!

What’s your favorite thing about your job?

The variety of my work. I get to work on many projects with different types of clients. It is very rewarding to help bring a client’s vision to life and help grow the community. Each project is unique in its own way and brings its own challenges. Collaborating with my co-workers and the client to overcome these challenges is very rewarding. The building industry is also constantly evolving, and new technology is always being introduced. I love being part of an industry where there is always something new to learn.

How did you get connected to your industry?

I got interested in HVAC design when I took a class on it at SDSU. When I graduated, I was lucky enough to get a position at TSP and really started to learn the industry. Since then, I have developed a passion for the industry and strive to help our clients achieve their best solution for their building projects.

Describe your workplace in three words.

Friendly, collaborative, empowering.

What is something someone might be surprised to learn about you?

My high school had a graduating class of 10 people. It was great to grow up in a town where everyone knew you and supported you. Being raised in a small town made me realize how important community is, and I always look to foster a sense of community when I can.

What’s your favorite way to give back to your community?

Volunteering. I like to volunteer with organizations that encourage kids to pursue engineering and other STEM industries. Also, working with an organization like Feeding South Dakota to give back to the community is very rewarding.

What’s one business you’d like to see in Sioux Falls that isn’t here now?

Blaze Pizza.

If you had $1 million to start a business, what kind of business would it be?

A bakery! I have started making different types of breads on the weekends, and I love the variety of types you can bake.