Aug. 1, 2023

This week’s Up-and-Comer is Kade Rexwinkel, director of corporate development at POET.

Name: Kade Rexwinkel

Age: 27

Hometown: Corsica

What brought you to Sioux Falls?

I interned at POET in Sioux Falls the summer after my junior year of college. I was fortunate enough to be retained throughout my senior year and offered a full-time position, so work is what originally brought me to Sioux Falls!

What keeps you in Sioux Falls?

Six years later, I’m still at the same company that originally brought me here. I mention that because POET is a huge part of why I’m still here. I love the work I do but also the company I work for. Additionally, Sioux Falls is in close proximity to all of my family and friends, and serves as a great gathering point for all of us as there is an endless amount of activities to participate in!

What’s your favorite thing about your job?

I have actually just recently started this new role at POET, so I may not have even discovered my favorite thing yet, but I will say this: What excites me the most is that I get to meet a lot of unique, innovative people in this position, and I get the opportunity to tell the POET story, which is a lot of fun to tell and to be a part of.

How did you get connected to your industry?

As I had mentioned before, I participated in the internship program at POET between my junior and senior years of school. Growing up in a small, agriculture-based community, I had been aware of POET and, from mutual friends employed here, had always heard great things. I applied, thankfully was hired, and now here we are.

Describe POET in three words.

Culture, innovation, sustainability.

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

My role at POET prior to my current one was focused internationally, so I traveled to nine different countries last year!

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

I enjoy volunteering and feel there are a lot of great programs in Sioux Falls. At POET, we are actually allotted a certain number of volunteer hours, so we are really encouraged to get into the community! My favorite programs I’ve been a part of have been Habitat for Humanity and serving meals at The Banquet.

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

Going back to my college days at USD, if we could get a Mister Smith’s sandwich shop opened up in Sioux Falls, I would definitely join their rewards program!

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

A bit off the beaten path, but I would do landscaping/decorative concrete. My father owns a flatwork concrete business in my hometown, and my favorite jobs growing up were backyard patios, fire pits, etc. I purchased a house a few years ago and feel like I have just been constantly doing backyard projects since I moved in, so I think the work would be enjoyable as well!