For Seth Partridge, Director of Project Management at Nelnet Renewable Energy, agility isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a way of life. Whether he’s carving fresh lines down a mountain or helping lead projects in the fast-evolving solar energy space, Seth thrives on flexibility, resilience, and forward momentum.
A Passion for Adventure
Seth’s love for snowboarding began on weekend night ski trips with family in upstate New York. “I got closer with a lot of family members that maybe I wouldn’t have because of that opportunity,” he recalls. That early experience sparked a lifelong passion for adventure—and a mindset built on exploration.
Though school and work later brought him to Illinois and Chicago, Seth set a personal goal to keep snowboarding a part of his life. “This led me to some really exciting places… exploring different parts of Colorado and then international travel to Sweden, Norway, and Japan,” he says.
One of his most memorable trips? Exploring the fjords of Sweden and Norway by RV, connecting with local snowboarders excited to ride with a rare all-snowboarder crew. “Their excitement made the experience even more special,” says Seth.
Eventually, the call of the mountains pulled him west. Seth moved to northern Washington state in 2022, where snowboarding, nature, and outdoor living keep him energized. “I’m having fun while exercising… and being able to enjoy nature at the same time as being adventurous—I love it.”
Agility and Growth on the Slopes—and in Life
Seth’s background in both snowboarding and soccer helped him build physical and mental agility early on. “It helps I picked up both of these things at a young age so I was a flexible, agile child—and the passion led to continuing to do it a lot,” he says.
Even after decades on the slopes, Seth still sees room to grow. “Even though I’ve been snowboarding for 20 years now, there are still things to learn every time you go, still ways to improve,” he says.
That growth mindset has carried into every part of his life.
We tend to focus on our weaknesses and how we can improve our weaknesses, which is great, but…you can continue to improve your strengths.
Director of Project Management, Nelnet Renewable Energy
Learning to Let Go
Snowboarding has also taught Seth valuable life lessons—particularly about letting go.
Seth points out, “I’m a person who wants to be in control, but snowboarding is a continuing lesson in going with the flow—learning to let things go that are out of your control, and enjoying the things that are in your control.”
That perspective is especially relevant in his work in renewable energy—a fast-moving industry that often requires nimble decision-making and the ability to shift gears quickly.
“That agility of thinking quickly, making a plan, and acting… being able to shift gears, change, and problem-solve quickly has really helped me in my professional career as a project manager.”
And when stress creeps in? Seth draws on lessons from the mountain: “Focus on what’s in my control and what I can do… it’s going to work out how it works out—but that’s all I can do.”
Resilience Through Setbacks
Seth’s resilience was tested early on. In seventh grade, he broke his femur while snowboarding—hours from home, without his parents. The injury took him off the slopes (and soccer field) for nearly eight months.
Says Seth, “What it taught me is how to get back up. I didn’t stop doing what I love doing… Resilience to fight to recover as quickly as possible is really what that taught me.”
That mindset continues to fuel him today—especially when tackling challenges in work and life.
Pushing Boundaries—and Comfort Zones
Seth has set a personal goal to snowboard on six continents—an ambition that stretches his boundaries in more ways than one. With language barriers and travel hurdles, these trips are about more than just snowboarding—they’re about growth.
Next up on his list? New Zealand, Australia, and the South Pacific.
His advice for others looking to stretch themselves, whether personally or professionally?
“Take a breath, count to three, and just go…it almost always works out for the best,” says Seth.
Bringing Agility to Renewable Energy
In many ways, Seth’s approach to snowboarding mirrors his leadership style. He compares the terrain of a mountain to the evolving solar industry:
Different terrain, different conditions need you to change how you're going to do things. Be flexible in the moment to make sure you’re driving safely and having fun at the same time.
Director of Project Management, Nelnet Renewable Energy
Whether he’s navigating a trail or a new project, Seth’s ability to adapt, stay present, and embrace the unknown continues to serve him well.
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