Justin "Mack" Fleming found his calling in the U.S. Army, serving as an Infantryman with the 1st Infantry Division at Fort Riley, Kansas, from 2013 to 2016. Inspired by a desire to serve his country, he chose the infantry because he wanted to challenge himself and be part of something larger than himself. As a Squad Leader, he gravitated toward reconnaissance missions, where success depended on preparation, teamwork, and sound decision making. The experience taught him that difficult objectives are accomplished one step at a time with the support of those around you, a lesson that continues to shape both his career and his outlook on life.
Following his military service, Fleming joined Southwest Iowa Renewable Energy (SIRE), a company that supported his transition to civilian life from the very beginning. SIRE held his position while he completed his military obligation and later encouraged his professional growth, even as he balanced night shift work with nursing school. Although he originally viewed the ethanol industry as a temporary stop, he quickly recognized the opportunities it offered and chose to build his career at SIRE.
Today, Fleming serves as Water Treatment and Boiler Specialist, overseeing the systems that supply and treat approximately four million gallons of water each day for plant operations. His dedication to expanding his technical knowledge recently led him to earn the City of Omaha 3rd Grade Boiler Operator's License, a credential requiring 15 weeks of coursework followed by a comprehensive six-hour examination. The license is widely recognized by regulatory agencies across the country and reflects his commitment to safe and efficient plant operations.
Fleming believes the renewable fuels industry continues to offer tremendous opportunities for innovation and professional growth. He credits SIRE's culture of continuous improvement and its willingness to invest in employees for allowing him to develop both personally and professionally. Looking ahead, he is excited to see how the industry evolves and is proud to play a role in its future.
Away from the plant, Fleming enjoys spending time with his three children and competing in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, where he has trained for the past five years with Pedigo Submission Fighting's Blackfish team. Whether at work, at home, or on the mats, he approaches every challenge with the same mindset that guided him in uniform: put in the work, trust your team, and keep moving forward.
