The places we grow up in and the experiences we have often shape the direction of our lives. Whether it's a childhood fascination with technology, an inspiring mentor in a new school, or lessons learned through adversity, these experiences take root in us. Like landmarks along a journey, they guide our steps and fuel the passions that carry us toward our goals.

For Seth Buddingh, True North Solutions’ OT Digital Solutions Tech Lead, his inter-state move to Denver, Colorado, carved out his path and helped forge his adaptability and problem-solving skills that guide him today.

As a young adult, Seth moved from his home state of Texas to complete his Chemical Engineering degree at the Colorado School of Mines in Denver — a premier engineering and applied science university. The school's hands-on learning style helped bridge the gap between theory and practice, but what Seth didn’t expect was for Denver itself to become his muse.

“Even though there were a lot of jobs back home in Texas in the oil and gas industry, I knew from my experience that I didn’t want to leave Denver,” he says. With over 35 family members in the metro area, the city was more than just a stop along his career path — it became his forever home.

Shortly after graduation, Seth launched his career in Colorado’s capital at a company called Cimation. “It just happened to be the right place and the right time,” he says. Like many in the industry, he wore many hats in his position, from SCADA programming to project estimation. “I even got to the point where I was helping leadership estimate development time for SCADA projects,” he says.

His versatility was noted, and Seth was soon brought into the broader realms of data analytics and project management when Accenture acquired Cimation. Transitioning from industrial automation to leading data analytics projects for Accenture’s charter communications, Seth demonstrated an exceptional ability to learn and excel in new environments. “This was a very different industry from what I knew in my career,” he says. “But in two years, I built up a team of eight, with myself as the manager.”

Seth’s adaptability was tested again as he navigated the unstable job market during the early stages of the pandemic in 2020, transitioning through two more companies to remain in the city he loved. When he was laid off in early 2024, Seth began exploring other growing companies. “That’s when I came across True North.”

Initially considered for a SCADA developer role, Seth’s diverse skillset prompted a conversation with True North’s Director of US Operations, Christian Schacher (a recently appointed Denver-ite himself) who created a unique position for Seth in February 2024. “I had the opportunity to come into an organization where they could provide me the opportunity to grow my skills and share my ideas,” says Seth. “And the other bonus is the culture of True North was just awesome.”

As OT Digital Solutions Tech Lead, Seth’s role is a blend of technical mastery and strategic foresight, all built on the skills he’s learned throughout his career. He says his ability to translate complex technical concepts into strategic insights has been instrumental in his success. “I think one of my strong suits is being able to know the small details but also speak to executives at a higher level without getting into the nitty-gritty.”

Now that Accenture has acquired True North, Seth will play a unique part in helping the company and his team adjust. “Here I am, full circle with Accenture,” he says. He hopes his teams will now have even more opportunities to provide value for clients. “I really am excited for the opportunities to come.”

Outside of work, Seth embraces the city that has become his haven. Whether hiking in the nearby mountains with his wife and their dog, golfing, or cheering on the Denver Broncos as a season ticket holder, Seth’s connection to Denver runs deep. His story is a testament to the power of place, proving that when you find a city that speaks to your soul, it shapes not only your career but the person you become.

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