The IPS Way
At IPS we believe the value of our business is based upon the individuals we employ. The key to our success, growth, and repeat business is our consistent performance, problem-solving, and employee talent. These attributes enable successful execution of our projects, large or small, while exceeding the expectations of our clients. Our corporate mission, vision, and values guide our business on a daily basis and are the foundation of our future.
Mission:
To be a leader in the implementation of municipal and industrial controls and instrumentation systems, while providing exceptional customer service and support.
Vision:
To serve as a trusted partner for our end-users and industry professionals, while providing a safe, enjoyable work environment.
Values:
To maintain long-term customer relationships while upholding our mission and vision through integrity, professionalism, and excellence.
HANDS-ON PHILOSOPHY
Our project execution includes the client as an integral part of our design team from defining the scope, schedule, and deliverables to factory testing and through final system start-up.
Collaboration is our superpower, and with our diverse team of specialists, IPS is ready to start, lead, join, or complete your project.
MEET OUR leadership
At IPS, we employ top talent. From our founder to our most recent hire, excellence is both our inspiration and aspiration. Accomplished and diverse industry leaders from every field complement our shared projects from design to delivery.
peter nelson
chief executive officer
The authenticity of IPS starts with Pete.
From his start with a degree in microprocessor technology to his time growing system integration businesses for others, Pete garnered the knowledge and experience to start his own company, Integrated Process Solutions, from scratch in 2008. His goal? To create a company that he would like to work for.
With nearly four decades specializing in the water/wastewater industry, Peter Nelson has made IPS a leader in systems integration and automation. But Pete’s gravitas doesn’t come from the numbers - the three regional offices or thirteen service centers or annual revenue. Pete’s strength comes from his relationships with his nearly 50 hand-picked employees whose talents he appreciates and relationships he values. It comes from his ever-growing connections with municipalities, consulting engineering firms, contractors, and manufacturers. Success doesn't come after a day of hard work; it comes when you work
hard day after day, and Pete has worn every hat in the company. From field service engineer to field service management and engineer to programmer, from estimating and bidding to business development and management, Pete didn’t just ascend through the ranks of his field, he worked through them. Now as CEO, Pete’s general management includes business strategy and development, as well as recruiting and planning. As for his leadership style . . . no pretense, no pomp - just people respected and promises delivered.
When he’s not in the office, Pete enjoys the outdoors - hunting, fishing, golfing, and working on his ranch.
eric fisher, PE
vice President
As a Professional Engineer licensed in six states and a Master Electrician in Wisconsin, Eric Fisher has been bringing a trifecta of education, experience, and maturity to the VP position at IPS since 2014. Day-to-day, Eric is tasked with business development for the Wisconsin Office, corporate sales, project management, engineering, and liaising with the IPS owner and leadership, as well as contractors, consulting engineers, and clients alike. Why IPS? Eric loves working for a company dedicated to being the best performer in its industry and providing exceptional customer service that is second to none. When he's not on duty, Eric enjoys spending time with his family boating, ATV'ing, snowmobiling, and skiing, especially at the family cabin in Michigan's UP.
LORI ARNOLD
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
From the moment the IPS offices opened in Fosston, Lori was onboard. With an early start in purchasing/shipping/receiving to an evolving portfolio of takeoffs, bookkeeping, and AutoCAD LT, Lori has grown in her commission as IPS has grown as a company. Now as COO, she syncs method to mission as she oversees daily operations and efforts to streamline efficiency. She relished the opportunity to be a part of a start-up, and now enjoys the diversity of responsibilities she carries at IPS. On days off Lori plays as hard as she works and can be found camping or enjoying many outdoor activities, as well as home renos and beekeeping.
RYAN SAUERER
senior automation
account executive
When you have a company that cares as much about its customer as IPS, you can be sure the person with the most customer-centric job is someone like Ryan. Since April of 2018, Ryan has been both an internal and external ambassador, leading customer relations as well as recruiting prospective talent. Not only is Ryan the head of sales, he is also a project manager with a hand in estimating and marketing. With almost two decades of experience, Ryan says he joined IPS because he loves the integration world and the company atmosphere. When he's not int he office or at a conference or trade show, Ryan is a hunter and decorated golfer.
LUKE GRUBBS
Director of engineering
Attracted by the work environment and a great team of colleagues, Luke joined IPS in August of 2017. While he has a B.S. degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Cincinnati, Luke says it has been the hands-on experience at job sites that have taught him the most. In fact that experience is paramount when your job is maintaining industry standards. Luke oversees the flow of projects through the process of design and drafting while working to elevate best practices. He works closely with the IPS production team to ensure designs are UL508A- and 698A-compliant, as well as relays feedback to the design team for a cycle of constant improvement in creation and execution. Luke says he appreciates the opportunity to be involved in diverse projects, and that it is Pete's mission to be the best system integrator company that keeps him passionate about his role. He's proud of the quality of designs and workmanship that goes into the equipment that IPS provides its customers. While he says his sons keep him young at heart, Luke has taken up running to stay young in body to keep up with them. He teaches Sunday School at his church and tries to find an evening each month for date night with his beautiful wife, Danielle.
SCOTT RIVELAND
director of purchasing and logistics
Recruited in 2017, Scott stepped into the role of Purchasing Manager for IPS after decades of experience in service, retail, and business management. Now as Director of Purchasing and Logistics, he purchases and receives all job materials and ships equipment to job sites and clients. Scott also maintains the IPS inventory, a perfect skill-match to his quantum memory. Scott liaises with every department as projects are shepherded through the process to make sure IPS delivers on time. He enjoys the variety of projects at IPS and being close to family in Fosston.
BRENDA HARTMANn
accounting & Invoicing Specialist
With an AAS in Accounting and nearly two decades of experience in office management, inventory, purchasing, and payroll, Brenda brings a wealth of knowledge to IPS. She now oversees company DOT, business licenses, state registrations, and sales tax in multiple states, not to mention invoicing and payroll. She was thrilled to join the team in 2017 for an opportunity to grow in her career and raise her family in a small, friendly community. Brenda is proud of her impact at IPS, as well as the achievements of her son, now working on his Masters in Hydrology at the U of M. When she's not at work, Brenda spends time learning to garden and with her adorable Australian Shepherd/Lab, Willow.
KYLE DJERNES
PRODUCTION MANAGER
Kyle joined the IPS in 2016, and now with over two decades of experience in the electrical field, Kyle is Production Manager with duties ranging from overseeing project production to helping schedule field service, shipping, and factory testing. Why IPS? Kyle appreciates the work-friendly environment, the skill-development of IPS, and great friends and colleagues to work with. When he's not on the production floor, you can find Kyle outdoors, hunting and fishing.
ERIk OLSON
SENIOR PROGRAMMER
With hands on the projects before, during, and after start-up, Erik has been an integral to the production process at IPS since 2017. Erik has used his degree in Electronic Technology to compound his education in PLC/HMI Programming to decades of experience in Industrial Electronics in the Water/Wastewater systems integration and design fields. At IPS, Erik appreciates that he is part of a team that really cares of about the product and service they offer clients. Erik provides exceptional support to clients long after the project is up-and-running and says he is proudest of the opportunities IPS has had to upgrade a plant for a second time. At the end of the day, Erik loves to spend time with his family, including his wife Staci and young grandchildren. Erik enjoys music and the outdoors, especially motorcycling and fishing.
JARROD VINK
director of technology
While Jarrod may have just joined IPS in 2024, he brought with him experience developing and managing a water/wastewater operational software business with over 100 facility installations. With a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering from the South Dakota Schools of Mines & Technology and control system experience in water, wastewater, industrial, manufacturing, pharmaceutical, and software development, Jarrod is well-positioned as the IPS Director of Technology to streamline and automate internal processes to improve project delivery. Jarrod lives with his wife and three children on an acreage in South Dakota where he loves to play music with his family.
JEFF LEE
FIELD TECHNICIAN MANAGER
With 37 years of on-the-job training at IPS and four previous companies, Jeff has been leading the field crew at IPS to success since 2014. As service manager, he oversees job start-up and scheduling, and is especially proud of the jobs he and the team have taken over and completed, like the Wastewater Treatment Plant project in Morgantown, West Virginia. What attracted Jeff to IPS? In a word, the "employees." Jeff has been married for 35 years and has two sons, both with dad-like industry sensibilities - one working as an electrical engineer and the other as a heavy equipment operator. He also has one grandchild on the way. When Jeff's off-the-clock, he enjoys hunting, camping, and woodworking.
Jason Whitesock
senior automation
account executive
As a 2024 hire, Jason may be new to IPS, but he is not new to industrial automation. He has been working as a programmer and consulting engineer in control systems since 2001. In fact, with his considerable curiosity for cutting-edge industrial technology, he has become a driving force that keeps IPS at the forefront of its field. With a head for work and responsibilities that range from project manager to design as well as sales, and a heart for mentorship, Jason is both a passionate learner and teacher. Why IPS? Jason says he felt it a great place to learn and grow with good people. Off the clock you might find Jason on the range as the VP of the Red River Archers. During his time as president, he helped turn the non-profit into a strong foundation. Jason also enjoys hunting, golf, and being a dad to his three daughters.
