Rivian Now & Beyond with Zach Dietmeier
On episode #28 of Building BN, Patrick and Nik talk with Zach Dietmeier, Senior Manager of Plant Communications at Rivian in Normal. Dietmeier, an EDC board member and chair of the EDC Talent Committee, speaks about the path he took that led to his career at Rivian, his idea of the perfect day in Bloomington-Normal, and what it is about our community that makes it so easy to fall in love with.
Dietmeier, an Illinois State University alumni, came to Normal in 2009 as a community college transfer student, studying Communications and Mass Media. During his time at ISU, he worked as a sports announcer for various Redbirds athletic events, as well as game commentary and sports-related news. A stint in radio-announcing followed, which eventually led to a full-time news position on WJBC. After completing graduate school at ISU in 2016, Dietmeier determined that he had a strong interest in economic development. This interest led Dietmeier to a short tenure at the BNEDC, where he worked in various positions from 2016-2019, including vice-president. He eventually landed at Rivian, filling a need the company had for someone who had a deep understanding of the Bloomington-Normal community. He has been with Rivian since late 2019.
Rivian, from their website, is a full-scale automaker and leading mobility technology company, founded in 2009 by MIT engineering PHD graduate, RJ Scaringe. The company purchased the former Mitsubishi plant, a 2.6 million sq. ft production facility located in northwest Normal, in 2017. Dietmeier’s current role focuses on internal communications at the automotive plant, although he is also involved in public relations. The plant culture, Dietmeier says, focuses on the importance of every single team member working at the company, paying special attention to the hourly population. At Rivian, according to Dietmeier, it is all about the people. Said Dietmeier, “One of our key elements as a company is to treat people like people. ...We wouldn't be where we're going as a company without that [hourly] group that is so core, our team member audience, at the plant.”
You can listen to the entire conversation with Dietmeier here, including a full breakdown on Dietmeier’s favorite places in Central Illinois - which include Comlara Park, Lake Bloomington, Sugar Grove Nature Center - and his favorite places to eat - which include Epiphany Farms, DP Dough, Tony’s Tacos, Keg Grove Brewing, and Little Beaver Brewery. Rivian is currently hiring for 200 open positions at the Normal facility. You can find job listings and how to apply for the Normal plant here.
