NDSU alumnus leads journey of leadership and lifelong learning

When Jay Peltier graduated from NDSU in 2006 with degrees in communications and business administration, he knew one thing for certain: he wanted to build a career centered on people.

Today, he does exactly that.

As the architect of the Learning and Development program at Breckenridge Grand Vacations, Peltier designs programs that help more than 700 employees grow as professionals, leaders and individuals. From new employee orientation to leadership development and AI-driven process improvement training, his work is focused on helping people reach their potential.

“What excites me most is the impact I get to have on people,” Peltier said. “Helping employees understand their own values, how those align with the company's values, and how they can become better teammates, leaders, family members and members of their community — that's what motivates me every day.”

The role also gave him something he has always enjoyed: the opportunity to build something from the ground up.

“I was able to create the vision for the entire learning program,” he said. “I learned what our leaders wanted, then built it for them. It was an entrepreneurial role within the company, and having that freedom made it incredibly rewarding.”

Before joining Breckenridge Grand Vacations, Peltier’s career impact was made as a teacher, coach, and entrepreneur. He was the Owner of Dale Carnegie of North Dakota and NW Minnesota, being named Start-up of the Year in 2019. As a coach, he has been named CHSAA 4A Track and Field Coach of the Year, Adidas Runners Roost Coach of the Year, 4x League Coach of the Year, Positive Athlete Coach of the Year, and was named Sasson Sharify Award winner.

Learning Beyond the Classroom

While Peltier's career has taken many unexpected turns, the foundation was built during his time at the NDSU College of Business.

“I had to work at school,” he said. “It didn't come easy, and I definitely didn't get through it alone.”

He credits the faculty, advisors and fellow students with helping him grow both personally and professionally.

“The people I met through student organizations were huge. Professors challenged us, but they also stayed after class and held office hours because they genuinely wanted to help. Dr. Gerry Macintosh was incredibly influential in my personal growth, and the advisors were always there to support me.”

Opening Doors Through Connections

Peltier believes one of the College of Business's greatest strengths is the opportunities it creates for students to build meaningful connections.

“The College of Business and NDSU gave me so many ways to get involved, connect and network,” he said. “Sometimes it was something as simple as offering extra credit for attending an event. That got me there, introduced me to new ideas and connected me with people I never would have met otherwise.”

Student organizations, faculty mentors and professional networking opportunities all helped expand his perspective.

“They opened the door for me," he said. "But once the door opens, you have to choose to walk through it.”

Curiosity as a Career Skill

Among the many lessons he learned at NDSU, one has remained at the center of everything he does.

“The biggest skill I developed was learning to be curious about other people,” Peltier said. “Where I am today is because of the people who have helped me and the people I've surrounded myself with.”

That curiosity gave him the confidence to introduce himself to business leaders, ask thoughtful questions and build relationships that would last well beyond graduation.

“Having the confidence to be able to talk to an exec of a bank, and be curious about how they got there, and follow-up and stay connected has shaped my career.”

A Lifetime of Bison Pride

When asked what being a College of Business alumnus means to him today, his answer comes quickly.

“Pride,” he said. “Growing up in North Dakota and graduating from NDSU brings me so much pride. The people who come out of NDSU are good people. They work hard, and they're going to succeed. The future is bright, and the opportunities are endless.”