spotlight
Kortney Lull, Midwest Geothermal, Vice President
IGSHPA is pleased to place a “Spotlight” on women in the geothermal industry, starting with the September 2023 issue of GeoOutlook. By recognizing and highlighting the accomplishments of women in this traditionally male dominated field, IGSHPA is actively promoting gender diversity and inclusivity. This initiative not only celebrates the achievements of women who have made meaningful contributions to the geothermal sector but also serves as an inspiration for aspiring female professionals. Through showcasing their expertise, leadership, and innovation, IGSHPA is breaking down barriers and fostering an environment where all voices can thrive, ultimately enriching the industry with fresh perspectives and driving it towards a more sustainable and equitable future. In this issue we place the spotlight on Kortney Lull of Midwest Geothermal (and IGSHPA Board Chair). We plan to continue spotlighting talented women in our industry over the next year. Who will be next?!?!
Spotlight on Women in the Geothermal Industry
How long have you worked in the Geo Industry?
15 years
How did you get into the Geo Industry/Why did you choose to work in Geo?
The stars just aligned. I was young - 24, and I was laid off from my job. It just so happened that a friend of mine knew of a company starting up and they needed help. Oddly, or serendipitously, I had been to a presentation on geothermal and immediately thought how crazy it was that this technology wasn't everywhere! I was anxious to learn more. My friend connected me with the owners of the new entity, and after interviewing in a crazy snowstorm, found my home here in 2008. I've worked my way up through the company, wearing many different hats over the years, and have loved every minute. I couldn't be more passionate about the work and what I, we, do. I am in awe of where the industry, and our company, has come over 15 years and couldn't be prouder to be a part.
Kortney Lull
Tell us what you love about your job:
I am passionate about geothermal and what it can offer the world. From a single-family home to big campus solutions, and all those that fit in between, what geothermal can offer goes so far beyond payback - the benefits to this technology are unmatched in the industry. I love teaching people about those benefits, and then watching them realize not only the benefits that we discuss, but that it goes above and beyond their expectations. I love sharing my knowledge and passion with those new to the industry and getting them excited about using our technology.
I love working with industry leadership, brainstorming ways that we can take the geothermal industry to the next level. And, even after 15 years, I LOVE seeing the systems installed. Getting into the field - from seeing a drill rig go down hundreds of feet, seeing how the grout sets up around the pipe, to seeing rows of lateral pipe, running together back to serve the building... seeing that in action never gets old. Those in the field working, the pipelayers, the drillers, the excavation crews - I love being able to support them and being cheerleader for them. I realize that could be a shorter answer to just summarize - I love it all.
What do you want to see for the future of the Geothermal Industry?
This is a tough one to define - but to pinpoint one path for the future, I want to see geothermal always be the first-choice source for HVAC systems. We are the solution to so many problems - we are renewable and sustainable, a big leap towards electrification. Look no further than geothermal.
I dream of a day where not only is that statement true, but that organizations like IGSHPA and GeoExchange are THE resources to help geothermal customers find all the resources they need, with even more support from a network of state organizations. I dream of a day where I don't hear "it was so hard to find..." but rather hear "I was able to find some great resources!". I dream of a day where you can talk to someone about geothermal, they know what it is, and think it's odd if you DON'T have it in your home or business.
I have big dreams, but if any industry could do it, could be THE answer in our push towards electrification - this industry is it. We have such incredible resources and talent in our industry - we really can change the world.
Two Interesting Facts about yourself:
I have recently opened a retail store, The Hive Mercantile, in my hometown. It's a store to celebrate confidence and teaching people to be confident. I am thrilled to give back to my community, and as an avid crafter, I couldn't be more excited to get started.
I am nuts for anything tennis related. I picked the sport back up as an adult and would play all the time if I could. I had picked it back up as a way to exercise that didn't feel like exercise but realize now it means so much more than that. There's something about playing tennis, being set up for an amazing shot, only to have it go right into the net. It's probably one of the most humbling sports I've played, for that very reason. That and the sound a tennis ball makes in the middle of the racket after a great shot is awesome.
