On the Rise: Darren Bakkestuen
Darren Bakkestuen
Environmental health and safety manager | Nokian Tyres Inc. | Dayton, Tenn. | Age: 39
What was your first job in the industry?
My first job in the tire industry was with Nokian Tyres, which I joined in 2019.
What attracted you to the industry?
It was a combination of luck and perfect timing. I began my career in a different industry at a 1-million-plus square-foot manufacturing campus within a global organization of over 50,000 employees. I loved my time there and the scale of the operation, but in order to advance my career, I took an opportunity at a smaller company where I could more directly influence strategy and make impactful changes without the bureaucracy often found at large corporations.
What is the biggest challenge you've faced in your career?
One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced in my career — especially earlier on — was overcoming the challenges of being a young professional and sometimes not being taken seriously, particularly when leading more experienced colleagues or presenting new ideas. Over time, I learned to leverage my ‘old soul’ to connect with people across generations, and my perceptiveness to engage with individuals from all backgrounds and walks of life. By focusing on listening, understanding their perspectives, and communicating thoughtfully, I’ve been able to build credibility, foster trust, and create meaningful relationships that allow me to lead effectively regardless of age or experience level.
Who has had the biggest influence on your career?
Many people have influenced my career, and it would be impossible to credit just one. The best parts of me have been shaped by countless interactions and examples throughout my life. My mom modeled love and compassion, while my dad inspired my passion for analyzing mechanical and electrical systems. My high school choir teacher taught me the balance between humor and professionalism, and one of my first managers allowed me to fail so I could learn to succeed. Life’s challenges themselves have been unplanned teaching moments in how to face conflict.
What is your biggest accomplishment in the industry?
My contributions are just one part of a much larger effort, but I’m incredibly proud to work for the sustainability leader in the tire industry. Nokian Tyres has been recognized globally and locally for its commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable performance. At the Dayton factory, I helped facilitate our nomination for — and eventual receipt of — the 2021 Governor’s Environmental Stewardship Award for Excellence in Sustainable Performance, as well as our membership in the Tennessee Green Star Partnership. These accomplishments are the result of a true team effort, and I’m proud to have played a role in advancing initiatives that make a lasting environmental impact.
Tell us about your current job and responsibilities. How do you spend your workday?
I oversee all environmental, health, and safety functions for Nokian Tyres in North America. Because our manufacturing presence here is still relatively new, much of my work has involved building systems from the ground up — developing policies, procedures and processes, and then ensuring employees understand their roles and responsibilities. On the environmental side, permitting has been a major focus, while on the safety side, the greatest challenge has been onboarding hundreds of new employees over the past five years. Many came without manufacturing experience, and some without any industrial background at all, so preparing them for safe and successful careers in tire production has been a central part of my role.
Tell us about your family.
I grew up in Wisconsin, where my mom and dad still live in retirement, along with my sister, her husband, and their two kids — my niece and nephew. Family has always been important to me, and we’ve remained close with our large extended family, which includes 15 aunts and uncles and 18 first cousins. While I don’t yet have a family of my own, I’m fortunate to have a loving girlfriend and her 9-year-old daughter in my life, who I’m still working hard to win over.
What is the most essential professional skill for someone in your job?
One skill that has been essential in my role is understanding the customer. I don’t mean customers in the literal sense of buying tires, but knowing who you’re speaking to and who your work is ultimately for. Whether it’s preparing a presentation and tailoring the content to the attendees, or writing a policy that employees can easily read and apply, being able to adapt communication to different audiences has been invaluable. It’s a skill that has served me not only in EHS, but throughout my career and personal life.
What song takes you back to high school? (Include the artist)
I’ve always considered myself an ‘old soul,’ so the song that takes me back to high school isn’t one that was new at the time. The song that immediately comes to mind is “Tom Sawyer” by Rush, which is also one of my all-time favorites. Its lyrics capture the free-spiritedness of my youth, and it’s tied to a memorable experience: my first big concert. I went with three friends, driving across the state to Milwaukee at just 16 years old — and it still amazes me our parents let us go! That night, listening to Rush live, perfectly captures the excitement, independence, and adventure of my high school years.
If you could start a new career tomorrow, what would you do?
One of the things I truly enjoy — though many people fear it — is public speaking. Over the years, I’ve worked hard to become an effective teacher and presenter, and I find it incredibly rewarding to engage and inspire an audience. If I were to start a new career tomorrow, I could see channeling that passion into motivational speaking or a training-focused role. That skillset could also cross over into marketing or sales. If I could do anything, without worrying about money, I’d build and restore cars — a hobby I’ve picked up in my adult life. It can be incredibly frustrating and rewarding at the same time and I love using my creativity and vision to bring new life into old cars.
Do you live by inbox zero, or inbox disaster?
There was a time when I aimed to clear out my inbox by the end of every week, but eventually I hit the point of no return. Now, I rely on search more than zero, and it works surprisingly well. Sometimes chaos can still be managed!
In the next 10 years, what will be the biggest change in the tire industry?
While the United States is still too expansive to transition away from cars anytime soon, driving habits are evolving. More young people are choosing not to get driver’s licenses, and ride-sharing apps have reduced the necessity of owning a car. Additionally, technologies like autonomous vehicles and smart cruise control are shifting driving from an experience to simply a means of getting from point A to point B. As automobile culture changes, consumers will likely prioritize price, longevity and safety when making purchasing decisions. Some product segments, such as ultra-high performance tires, will likely become more niche. The biggest challenge for the tire industry will be meeting these evolving expectations while staying relevant, competitive, and profitable.
What moment in life would you like to live over again?
I really enjoyed my 20s, and those years were full of memorable experiences, friendships, and fun — but if I could live them over again, I might have partied a bit less and focused more on advancing my career. As the saying goes, “Youth is wasted on the young.” Even though I partied a lot, I still earned my MBA and my Certified Safety Professional certification during that decade, so I clearly balanced fun with hard work. I wouldn’t change the memories I made, but I do recognize that a little more focus back then could have helped me get to where I am today even sooner.
What hobby or activity helps you unwind?
One of the best things I ever did for myself was to get into weightlifting. Aside from the obvious physical benefits, those 60 minutes or so in the gym give me a chance to unplug mentally and focus on something completely within my control. A great perk at Nokian Tyres is having an on-site gym, which allows me to fit in a workout over lunch and break up the day in a healthy, productive way!
If it was your job to persuade new people to join the tire industry, what would be your best selling point?
If I were persuading someone to join the tire industry, I’d highlight the stability and resilience it offers. No matter the economic climate, tires remain an essential need — making the industry uniquely steady compared to many others. At the same time, it’s not stagnant; innovation is everywhere, from new materials and manufacturing technologies to smart and sustainable designs. With increasing focus on sustainability, the tire industry holds enormous opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the environment while driving future growth. In short, it’s a field that is both future-proof and full of potential for those who want to be part of something essential, evolving, and impactful.
What's one thing you would change about yourself?
One thing I’d like to change about myself is my tendency to worry about things outside my sphere of control or influence. I’ve learned that focusing on what I can impact is far more productive, but I also recognize that some things slightly outside my control are worth fighting for — and when they are, I fight like hell to make a difference. Cultivating this mindset helps me stay calm under pressure while still committing fully to the issues that truly matter.
Pick a celebrity and explain why you think he/she would be a great tire dealer.
The only correct answer to this question is obviously Tommy Callahan, i.e. Chris Farley, but it would have to be a package deal with both him and Richard (David Spade). It’s not hard to picture a re-imagined version of Tommy Boy where they travel across the country selling tires instead of brake pads. Sure, he’s not the smoothest salesperson at first, but what makes him great is that he never quits, he believes in his product, and he wins people over with genuine enthusiasm. Customers don’t just buy from a business — they buy from people they trust and enjoy working with. Tommy shows that if you lead with heart, humor, and honesty, you can build lasting relationships. Plus, who wouldn’t want to buy tires from someone who could make you laugh the whole time?