July 16, 2019

This week’s Up-and-Comer is Barclay Bates, an associate in the Leadership Development Rotation Program at Midco.

Name: Barclay Bates

Age: 22

Hometown: Sauk Rapids, Minn.

What brought you to Sioux Falls?

I came to Sioux Falls originally as a summer intern at Midco in 2018. After graduating from Augsburg University in Minneapolis, I came back to work full time, piloting a new rotational program Midco started in central operations.

What keeps you in Sioux Falls?

Sioux Falls is a great city with a lot going on. Coming from Minneapolis, it was important to me that I land somewhere with plenty to do outside of work, and Sioux Falls has certainly fit that bill. With the miles of bike paths and golf courses around town, it’s never a challenge to find fun ways to fill summer weekends. I’ve also found that Sioux Falls has some great restaurants with Bread & Circus Sandwich Kitchen being my favorite so far!

What’s your favorite thing about your job?

The best part about my job is the opportunity to be constantly learning. Given that the job is rotational in nature, I get to see the business from multiple perspectives. It’s a great way to get to know the industry while working with some of the most talented and ambitious people around.

How did you get connected to your industry?

The internship program at Midco was my first experience in the telecommunications industry. From the beginning, I was fascinated with the technology and quickly became interested in how fast the industry changes. It was a great fit from the start, and I have really enjoyed learning and working in this environment.

Describe Midco in three words.

Dynamic, forward-thinking, passionate.

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

The best way I’ve found to give back is by volunteering my time. There are some great organizations in Sioux Falls that I have really enjoyed working with. Two in particular are Habitat for Humanity and Feeding South Dakota.

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

Whole Foods.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

In the future, I expect to continue contributing to the success of my organization. I hope to be looked to as a leader and someone who can help make a difference for our customers.