A self-proclaimed No. 2 pencil kind of guy, Meter Technician Brad Wentworth has strongly advocated for Noble REMC’s progressive stance on technology over the past 28 years.
“The iPad has made my job much simpler,” Wentworth said. “It’s easier than shuffling through 50 papers every day.”
It’s especially impactful when he reflects on his tenure, where he’s driven more than a million miles, tested over 40,000 meters, and been to nearly every home on our lines.
That’s why it was hard for him to say goodbye May 1, when he celebrated his last day at the co-op and his first day of retirement.
“Everybody has made it so easy for me to come to work — honestly,” Wentworth said. “Your job is what you make it, and I chose to be happy.”
Manager of IT, Billing, and Member Relations Sarah Dreibelbis originally hired Wentworth as a meter reader. But with the transition to automated metering in the early 2000s, Wentworth’s role changed, and with it, his responsibilities.
Wentworth worked on two of Noble REMC’s largest projects — replacing the majority of the 12,000 meters throughout the system in 2014 and automating the underground locates in 2017. The latter project earned Noble REMC the first-ever Member Experience Award from software vendor, NISC.
Dreibelbis describes Wentworth as someone who will do whatever is asked of him, which was evident during the COVID-19 pandemic when he was tasked with building a new front desk to accommodate the new vestibule layout. He took a sketch of what the member services team dreamed up and made it a reality — and out of materials found around the co-op, no less.
“He’s been a wonderful addition to our workforce,” Dreibelbis said. “I’m so glad he came here and joined us.”
Thank you, Brad, for your years of service and dedication to the cooperative! We wish you all the best (and some relaxation) in your future.