Former farm kid brings clean energy conversations home

Growing up in Fergus Falls, Minn. Schroeder spent his childhood on a dairy farm, a place that had been in his family for generations. Farm life instilled in him a deep sense of resourcefulness, efficiency, and problem-solving, ideas that would stay with him long after he left rural Minnesota.

“In agriculture, things don’t always go right. Things break, cows get out, fences need fixing,” Schroeder says. “In Minnesota, farm work has to get done no matter the weather, whether it’s 90 degrees or 40 below.”

Though he appreciated the lessons farm life taught him, Schroeder knew early on that it wasn’t his path. After high school and college, his curiosity led him around the world. He spent nearly a decade teaching primary school in Europe and Asia. Far from home, he began to see how those same lessons from the farm, like adapting, troubleshooting, and making the most of what’s available, applied everywhere. 

When he eventually returned to Minnesota in 2021, Schroeder says he felt the lessons he learned as a kid were stronger than ever. Today, he applies that mindset to his work for the City of Saint Paul, focusing on sustainability initiatives and income-qualified programs to help lower people’s burdens related to energy.

Schroeder says he joined the CERTs Community Energy Ambassador program looking for connection and inspiration.

“Sometimes it’s hard to find positive stories about people improving their communities,” he shares. “This program was a chance to be part of that. To meet people who see the same challenges and are working on solutions.”

Schroeder signed on to the self-directed program, meaning it didn’t impact his work schedule or other commitments. He found time to run through the short training videos and related materials on the weekends. He was also able to attend a number of optional in-person events. 

In doing so, Schroeder says he was able to connect with a network of like-minded individuals from all walks of life, college students, retirees, and professionals. He also appreciated that the program wasn’t just focused on the Twin Cities but also reached rural Minnesotans.

“Outside the Twin Cities, the landscape and approach may shift a bit,” Schroeder says. “But no matter where you live, energy efficiency often comes down to practical solutions that just make sense.”

When Schroeder completed his online training, it came time to design his Community Energy Ambassador project. After receiving a wave of questions in recent years from friends asking about solar panels, heat pumps, and energy-efficient upgrades, he chose to host a get together that doubled as an open discussion.

“I kept getting texts from them asking about clean energy. After a while, I was like, ‘Okay, we need to actually sit down and talk about this.’”

Over dinner, Schroeder answered questions, debunked myths, and shared resources about rebates and tax credits. The group’s motivations varied, some friends were focused on saving money, while others wanted to reduce their carbon footprint, but the conversation was judgment-free and engaging.

“It was interesting to learn their different motivations,” he says. “Some were in it for financial reasons, some were more sustainability-minded. The conversation shifted based on what each person cared about.”

For Schroeder, the Community Energy Ambassador program has been about more than just sharing information, it’s about empowering others to make meaningful changes in their own lives. And that’s exactly what the program is designed to do.

“You don’t have to be an expert to have these conversations,” Schroeder said. “You just have to be willing to learn and share. Clean energy is for everyone.”

CERTs is looking for more Community Energy Ambassadors across Minnesota, people who want to bring these conversations into their own communities. Whether you’re a farm kid like Schroeder was, a student, a retiree, or just someone passionate about saving energy, the program provides the resources and support to help you make a difference.

Because sometimes, all it takes to spark change is a good meal and an open conversation.