Dan Unglenieks-Ploeg

I've been inquisitive about systems since childhood, thanks to a dad who made every "how?" into an adventure. Today, I blend deep environmental insight with hands-on tech skills to help communities thrive. Whether analyzing wildfire risk on a GIS map, supporting a DMO's brand pivot, or crewing grassroots rally cars, I'm driven by one purpose: building local resiliency through sustainability and circular thinking.

My Journey

My fascination with how things work started early. Growing up with a father who was a PhD and an amazing engineer meant that no question went unexplored and every system became a learning opportunity. By high school, I was pouring my attention into every fact I could get my hands on, especially when it came to systems, technology, and community.

This curiosity led me to the Careerline Tech Center through the Ottawa Area ISD in 2017, where I dove deep into network technologies. Over that specialized year, I earned certifications spanning the full IT spectrum: CompTIA A+, IC3, Microsoft Office Specialist suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote), Microsoft Security Fundamentals, Mobile Device Administration, ETA Customer Service, Network Fundamentals, and Windows Operating Systems. I also gained hands-on experience with Cisco networking, Linux, and hardware repair. After graduating from West Ottawa High School in 2019, I was ready to tackle bigger challenges.

Education & Environmental Focus

I spent three years at Michigan Technological University in the Natural Resources Management program, where I discovered my passion for circular economy principles. During my time at Tech, I co-founded HotForest Enterprise, a student startup focused on advancing the circular bioeconomy. As Vice President for two years and then Treasurer, I helped establish organizational operational standards, recruited interdisciplinary student teams, and led our group through WEGE Prize competitions. We worked directly with major Michigan manufacturers to develop circular economy solutions and collaborated with students from Linnaeus University to workshop circular biodesign concepts.

My journey continued at Northern Michigan University, where I focused specifically on Environmental Studies and Sustainability. Before graduating in May 2025, I completed an impactful GIS analysis of wildfire risk to structures in Marquette County. Teaching myself GIS along the way, I was able to present this research alongside my colleagues at NMU's semester-end showcase, and spread greater awareness of the resources available for landowners in the process.

Professional Experience

Visit Keweenaw: Rebranding a Region

From July 2021 to May 2023, I worked with Visit Keweenaw, the destination marketing organization for Houghton and Keweenaw counties. I joined during a pivotal time as we oversaw the transition away from "Copper Country" branding rooted in extractive industry history to "Adventure North," a sustainability focused brand that better reflected the region's future.

My responsibilities spanned the technical and creative spectrum. I worked on the migration of our website and CMS/CRM platforms, designed interactive tourism maps using both ArcGIS and QGIS, and created outdoor guide publications. On the analytical side, I dove deep into short-term rental and room assessment district data, creating reports that demonstrated tangible and quantifiable impacts from tourism in the region. This analysis proved instrumental in bringing local tourism industry stakeholders' attention to the importance of destination marketing, especially as we undertook an assessment increase and major rebranding campaign.

I also handled content publishing workflows across all channels: scheduling blog posts, crafting email campaigns, designing and sending mailers, and managing our digital presence through WordPress, Adobe Creative Cloud, Looker Studio, and Google Analytics.

Broadcasting & Technical Leadership

When I moved to Marquette in June 2023, I picked back up my tech skills to join WBUP & WBKP Channels 5 & 10, initially working in production control, master control, and IT administration. I ran digital broadcast automation systems for the channels and performed technical directing for news broadcasts. When our station was purchased by Morgan Murphy Media and merged with WJMN Channel 3, I stepped into a larger role.

Now, as IT and Engineering Lead for My UP News, I maintain three OTA broadcast transmitters that serve most of the western UP television market. This involves coordinating contractors and vendors for infrastructure projects, providing 24/7 on-call support for transmission service interruptions, and maintaining our studio production computer equipment. I work daily with systems including AP ENPS, Ross Xpression, BitCentral, WideOrbit, and other NRCS technologies that keep live TV broadcasting running smoothly.

Rally Racing & Entrepreneurship

Since my time at MTU, I've been heavily involved in the stage rally community, particularly rally in the UP. My wife and I started Radix Racing Collective in March 2024 after a successful Sno*Drift event crewing for Cam Sheridan in Car 262. We wanted to see rally continue to be filled with grassroots competitors for years to come.

As Crew Chief, I manage all crew logistics, on-site service, and equipment. We've provided professional crew services for teams competing in ARA national rallies including Sno*Drift, Lake Superior Performance Rally, and Rally in the 100 Acre Wood. We've also run our own car in races including Press On Regardless and local Lake Superior region SCCA rallycross events. My wife handles general manager duties and client communications, while I focus on the technical and logistical challenges of keeping rally teams competitive.

Scouting & Leadership

Scouting shaped much of my approach to leadership and community service. I earned my Eagle Scout award in 2020 and was inducted as a Vigil Honor recipient of Scouting's Order of the Arrow national honor society that same year. As Lodge Vice Chief of Program, I led the planning and execution of events across West Michigan. I held numerous leadership roles in my troop and at the lodge chapter level.

Between 2017 and 2019, I served on staff at Gerber Scout Reservation in the Scoutcraft area, teaching wilderness survival, lashings and pioneering skills, orienteering, and knots. My scouting journey included attending National Youth Leadership Training in 2015, National Leadership Seminar in 2018, the National Order of the Arrow Conference in both 2015 and 2018, and the World Scout Jamboree in 2019.

Technical Expertise

My technical toolkit reflects my diverse experiences. I'm proficient in GIS platforms (ArcGIS and QGIS), web technologies (WordPress and various CMS/CRM platforms), creative software (Adobe Creative Cloud), analytics tools (Looker Studio and Google Analytics), and system administration (particularly Debian Linux). My broadcast engineering work keeps me current with production technologies like AP ENPS, Ross Xpression, BitCentral, and WideOrbit, while my IT background ensures I'm comfortable with Cisco networking, server administration, and infrastructure management.

Looking Forward

I seek a career where I am knowingly contributing to the resiliency, sustainability, and circularity of my local community throughout my life. My approach combines systems thinking with collaborative local action, understanding the interconnected roles of various stakeholders in addressing complex challenges. Whether I'm mapping environmental risks, maintaining critical broadcast infrastructure, analyzing tourism economics, or keeping rally cars running, I'm always looking for ways to strengthen the communities I serve.

I'm deeply passionate about solving unique problems through technology, environmental science, and good old-fashioned teamwork. If you're working on something that makes communities more resilient, sustainable, or connected, I'd love to hear about it.