At DANNAR, innovation is more than a product—it’s a philosophy. Known for its groundbreaking Mobile Power Station®, the Muncie-based company is equally committed to transforming the workforce through meaningful work-based learning (WBL) experiences. Through its internship program, DANNAR is helping young people discover their passions, develop real-world skills and contribute to a company that values education as much as engineering.
Despite being a small company with just 26 employees—21 of whom work onsite—DANNAR welcomed seven interns this past summer. The interns ranged from high school students to college engineering majors, and remarkably, most of them found their way to DANNAR without the company actively recruiting. Some were family members of employees, others came through school tours and one even discovered DANNAR through a neighbor’s recommendation. This organic interest speaks volumes about the company’s reputation and the culture it fosters.
Mary Hughes, DANNAR’s director of Human Resources, runs the entire HR department solo. Yet she manages to coordinate the internship program with care and enthusiasm. “Internships are about learning and figuring out what you want to do,” she explained. “Whether this is it or it’s not, that’s okay. It’s about finding your passion.”
Interns at DANNAR are treated as full-fledged team members from day one. They go through orientation, work on tangible projects and collaborate directly with staff. This summer, engineering interns began on the manufacturing floor to understand the product before transitioning to design work. Their contributions included redesigning wire harnesses and building a mobile battery charger that is now in use. Past interns have worked in purchasing, marketing and operations—each role tailored to their interests and the company’s needs.
Donna Marie, who supports DANNAR’s marketing and community outreach, emphasized that the company’s founder, Gary Dannar, envisioned not only a revolutionary product but also a transformative workforce. “It’s part of our core values,” she said. “We’re not just building equipment—we’re building people.”
The company’s approach to internships is deeply intentional. Interns are encouraged to ask questions, explore different departments and even discover what they don’t want to do. This flexibility allows them to pivot early in their careers, saving time and frustration down the road. Donna Marie shared how one group of interns created their own call scripts and outreach plans during a product launch, embedding their work into the company’s long-term strategy.
DANNAR’s culture of mentorship is another key ingredient in its success. Staff members are eager to teach and share their expertise, knowing that their product is the only one of its kind. This summer, even a potential disagreement between two former high school classmates was resolved through a shift in mindset and mutual respect. The result was a collaborative and enriching experience for everyone involved.
The impact of DANNAR’s internship program is already visible. Some interns have pursued successful careers, while others have joined the company full-time. One standout is Jaigen, who started as a sophomore intern at Ball State University and now holds a management role after earning his master’s degree. His journey from intern to leader exemplifies the potential of DANNAR’s approach.
Looking ahead, DANNAR is preparing for growth and hopes to expand its internship program further. They’re currently seeking a marketing intern and envisioning a future where word-of-mouth alone brings in new talent. With strong partnerships with nearby institutions like Ball State and Ivy Tech Community College, DANNAR is well-positioned to continue offering transformative experiences to students across disciplines.
In a manufacturing landscape where many companies hesitate to host interns due to size or staffing constraints, DANNAR stands out as a model of what’s possible. Their story is a testament to the power of curiosity, mentorship and a culture that believes in investing in the next generation.
To learn more about DANNAR, visit dannar.us.com.
