Owen Piette Named First Quarter “Bigger Than Us” Gamechanger
April 9, 2025
Making time for community while bringing excellence to his role
At Bazooka Farmstar, we believe we’re more than just the work we do. Our “Bigger Than Us” core value celebrates team members who make time for family and community while excelling in their professional roles. This quarter, we’re proud to recognize Electrical Engineer Owen Piette as our Gamechanger Award winner.
Engineering Success Beyond the Workplace
Owen joined Bazooka Farmstar two years ago, drawn to the opportunity to work for a local business while being an active part of the community he calls home. In his role as an Electrical Engineer, Owen embraces new challenges and continuously seeks opportunities to learn and grow. But what truly sets him apart is his commitment to making a meaningful impact outside of work.
According to his nominator, “Owen is one who advocates for community involvement and volunteers himself in various ways.” His community service portfolio is impressive: he works with the local theater setting up and controlling lighting for productions, serves on the Washington Library board, and volunteers with the local STEM learning program to inspire the next generation of engineers and innovators.
A Commitment from Day One
Owen’s dedication to community involvement isn’t new. During his initial interview with Bazooka Farmstar, he specifically mentioned how important it was to him that the company shared his values around community engagement. “Being involved in the community in which he lives was important and knowing that it was a part of Bazooka’s Core Values was key in what his employer offers,” his nominator recalls.
This alignment between personal and company values has created a perfect match that benefits both Owen and the broader community.
Recognition While Away
Interestingly, when Owen received this recognition, he was actually on vacation in Panama celebrating a friend’s wedding—a fitting circumstance for someone being recognized for valuing life beyond work!
“I felt appreciated,” Owen shares about receiving the award. “It’s good to know people realize things come up when I share what I am doing and that we have lives outside of work. I hope it also inspires others that they too can do things outside of here.”
The Recipe for Success
When asked what behaviors contributed to his recognition, Owen points to courage and prioritization skills. “I am willing to take time to go and volunteer and do something in which I believe in. I am also following through on my commitments not only at work but also outside.”
His advice for colleagues who might aspire to win this award? “First of all, get involved. Second, talk about it with your coworkers and encourage them to get involved.”
Giving Back Where It Matters
As part of the Gamechanger Award, Owen selected the Washington Free Public Library Foundation as his nonprofit recipient for a company donation. This choice reflects his deep commitment to ensuring community resources remain available to all.
“With the recent budget cuts for LSTA funding that pays for ebooks—a grant program that provides $2 million to Iowa which then goes towards the states’ library websites and ebooks—this donation helps rural libraries continue offering services they couldn’t otherwise afford,” Owen explains. The local library offers free memberships to the community and is dependent on these donations to offer books.
Why Bazooka Farmstar?
When asked why others should consider working at Bazooka Farmstar, Owen’s answer was simple but powerful: “Flexible organization that gives back.”
Owen Piette exemplifies our belief that being a part of something bigger than ourselves enriches both our professional and personal lives. His dedication to community service while maintaining excellence in his role makes him a true Gamechanger and an inspiration to us all.