Our Team

Executive Team

Meet the leaders who are not only shaping the future of direct steam injection technology but also creating a culture that brings out the best in every team member.

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Jim Zaiser

President & CEO

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Jim Zaiser is the President & CEO of Hydro-Thermal Corporation, a third-generation leader in direct steam injection technology.

With a background in mechanical engineering from Lehigh University and an MBA from Keller Graduate School, Jim combines technical expertise with strategic vision. Before joining Hydro-Thermal, he gained experience at Robert Bosch and Strattec Security Corp.

Since becoming CEO in 2015, Jim has driven international growth, achieved ISO 9001 certification, and championed Lean Manufacturing. Under his leadership, the company has doubled its facility size, expanded manufacturing capabilities, and achieved double-digit revenue growth.

Michelle Palmquist

Vice President & CFO

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Michelle Palmquist is the Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Hydro-Thermal Corporation, bringing over 24 years of financial leadership experience. She has held key roles at companies like Kellogg, Baxter Healthcare, and GE Healthcare and worked as an independent consultant.

Michelle holds a BS in Accounting and finance from the University of Wisconsin-Parkside, an MBA in Finance and project Management, and completed the Women’s Leadership Program at Yale. She is also a Certified Public Accountant in Wisconsin.

How We Invest in Our Team…  And Our Community

Hydro-Thermal employees are involved in a variety of committees and initiatives that promote teamwork, inclusivity, well-being and giving back. Together, we strive to make an impact within our company and in the broader community.

Promoting a Culture of Fun

From chili cook-offs to our annual holiday party to celebrating Manufacturing Month with food trucks, raffles and a bowling outing, we make sure to have plenty of fun at Hydro-Thermal (in between getting the job done)!

Giving Back to Our Community

With the dedication of our incredible volunteers, we actively support organizations such as the Hope Center, Humane Animal Welfare Society (HAWS), and the Food Pantry of Waukesha County through service work and charity drives. Additionally, we participate in blood drives and Earth Day cleanups to further extend our community impact.

Our People. Our Strength.

Scroll through some pictures that capture the vibrant culture that drives innovation, excellence and fun at Hydro-Thermal.

The Hydro Way

Discover our core values, which we call the Hydro Way, that drive us every single day:

Do Unto
Others

We treat each other with the utmost respect and integrity. We’re open and honest with one another and have each other’s back through thick or thin.

Roll Up Your
Sleeves

We work hard and contribute value to our customers every day. We embrace our responsibilities and are here to make a difference. You can count on us.

Never Stop
Growing

Emphasizes continuous learning and personal development to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving field

It’s in the
Details

We take the time to do things the right way, precision matters. We sweat the small stuff and are proud of anything with our name on it.

Collaborative
Ingenuity

We are a tight-knit team of creative problem solvers tackling the challenges others won’t touch. We know that all of us are smarter than any one of us. Together, there is nothing we can’t do.

Interested in working here?

Hydro-Thermal is always on the lookout for exceptional people. We value innovative, growth-centric minded folks who have integrity and never stop being a customer advocate

Employment Opportunities