For Makers, By Makers – Heidi Spotlight

Heidi has been part of the DCM Tech team for over a decade, but her journey didn’t begin in electrical assembly—it started with pulling parts and tending to the stock room. Today, she plays a key role in bringing DCM’s CNC machines to life, building the electrical systems that power them from the inside out.

“I started here doing some of the most basic tasks—whatever was needed, really,” Heidi says. “Then I moved into the stockroom, then shipping and receiving. When one of the electrical assemblers left, I saw the opportunity and thought, ‘Why not give it a try?’ I applied, and DCM gave me a chance.”

That chance came with more than just a new job title. DCM supported Heidi’s transition by enrolling her in the mechatronics program from Minnesota State College, Southeast Tech to develop the foundational skills needed for the role.

“They taught me everything from how to read schematics to understanding components and electrical theory,” she explains. “We even covered welding, machining, hydraulics, pneumatics, CAD—you name it. I enjoyed welding so much that I took extra classes, and DCM paid for those too through the employee reimbursement program.”

A typical day for Heidi is hands-on and technical, involving everything from reading schematics to troubleshooting systems.

“My day usually starts with laying out a panel,” she says. “Then I mount all the components and start running the wires based on the schematic. I take a blueprint and translate it into a real, working electrical system.”

Heidi’s role fits squarely into the middle of DCM’s machine build process.

“Engineering creates schematics, and then I take over,” she explains. “While the mechanical team builds the frame, I’m wiring the brains. Once both parts are done, we bring everything together—finalize the build, program it, and make sure it runs the way it should.”

Troubleshooting is part of the process—and sometimes the most difficult part.

“The biggest challenge is when something just doesn’t work and you don’t immediately know why,” she says. “It could be a wire in the wrong spot, a bad part, or something else. You have to understand how everything works together. But once you figure it out, that ‘aha’ moment is really satisfying.”

Heidi typically troubleshoots on her own, but she knows the team has her back when she needs support.

“If I’m stuck, I’ll check in with Eric Turner or one of the other engineers—Blake, Erik, Mike. Sometimes a second set of eyes is all it takes.”

One of the things Heidi values most about DCM is the strong sense of community.

“This place feels like family,” she says. “I’ve worked at big corporate companies before, and it’s not like this. Here, everyone knows everyone. If you need help, people drop what they’re doing to give you a hand.”

And it’s not just the people—it’s the environment, too.

“Our shop is immaculate,” Heidi says proudly. “The Arnolds hold everything to such a high standard. We’ve got air conditioning in the summer, heat in the winter—they really take care of us.”

DCM’s commitment to supporting employee growth has made a lasting impact on Heidi’s career.

“They sent me to school when I switched into electrical assembly, and they encouraged me to keep learning,” she explains. “I’ve used the employee reimbursement program to take additional classes, and they’ve always been supportive. They want us to keep improving.”

That investment pays off in day-to-day innovation, too. One of Heidi’s favorite projects involved redesigning DCM’s electrical boxes for better layout and functionality.

“We upgraded some components and made everything more efficient,” she says. “It was exciting to be part of something that improves our machines and makes our work easier.”

Outside the shop, Heidi stays just as active. Born and raised in Winona, she finds joy in the natural beauty of the area and the time she spends with her family outdoors.

“We’re always outside—hiking, hunting, fishing, boating,” she says. “Winona is perfect for that lifestyle. It’s just a beautiful place to live.”

She also gives back to the community through her role as a Girl Scout Troop Leader.

“My daughter joined when she was in kindergarten, and now she’s in seventh grade,” Heidi says. “I’ve been her leader the whole time, guiding the same group of girls from the beginning. It’s been a really rewarding experience.”

When asked what she’d say to someone considering a job at DCM, Heidi doesn’t hesitate.

“This is a great place to work. The Arnolds are amazing people. If you’re going through something—whether it’s personal or professional—they’ll be the first to ask how they can help. They don’t just care about the company; they care about you.”

She points to the longevity of the team as a testament to the workplace culture.

“There are people here who’ve been with DCM for 30, 40 years. You don’t see that unless a company is doing something right.”