Going the extra mile for members
Tim Frick began his cooperative career on December 26, 1985. He remembers the day well, because he received a ham as a belated Christmas present from Illini Electric and was quite surprised that his new employer gave him a gift on his first day of work. Tim recalls many memorable moments as he reflects on a career spanning most 33 years.
He was originally hired to deliver water heaters and work on the dual heat program. The water heaters were Sepco and Tim estimates he probably delivered over 1,000 of them! That’s quite a feat since each water heater weighed over 400 pounds. He still hears from members today that those water heaters were made to last. The calls now from members regarding the water heaters have to do with how the heck do they get them out of heir basements! Tim smiles and reminds himself that 30 some years ago his job with the cooperative involved hands on, physical work that used his muscles and manpower. Today, his responsibilities entail talking with members about their electric use, consulting with members about building energy efficient new homes, and haring information on ways members can make their existing homes more energy efficient.
Throughout his career, Tim has gone the extra mile for members. He consulted with a member in Watseka to find a work around for installing the meters needed for the dual heat program. The member was very appreciative of Tim’s extra effort and wrote letters to management touting Tim’s willingness to help. Tim just sees it as part of his job and the cooperative way of doing business. Tim meets all kinds of people as an Energy Specialist for Eastern Illini. Sometimes he deals with members who are upset with their electric use and that can be challenging. A few years back, Eastern Illini conducted a survey and randomly gave away $100 bills to members who completed the survey. Tim delivered the money to the winners. At one home, when Tim told the member she had won $100, she was elated and became very excited. She told him, if she didn’t have a bad knee, she’d run out the door and hug him!
“I appreciate the many tools and techniques EIEC has provided to employees over the years,” says Tim. “I hope members know that as a not-for-profit cooperative, EIEC is very conscious of the financial aspects of the business and does an excellent job providing safe and reliable energy at an affordable cost.”
Tim wants members to know that their suggestions and feedback are always welcomed and appreciated. Tim feels Eastern Illini Electric Cooperative is a phenomenal place to work.
Tim resides near Longview with his wife of 41 years, Susan. He has two daughters, Amy and Lori and six grandchildren ranging in age from 5 to 14. His free time is often spent attending sporting events in which his grandchildren are participating. He is also an avid Illini and Cardinals fan. Until fall 2017, Tim farmed 650 acres of corn and soybeans. He decided to get out of the farming business and that has freed him up to spend more time camping. Tim and his family really enjoy camping. They began with tent camping, progressed to pop-up campers, then a travel trailer and now pull a 5th wheel to their campsite.
Tim enjoys traveling and one of his all-time favorite trips was to Alaska. He rode a train through the interior of Alaska taking in the spectacular wildlife and enjoying the breathtaking scenery. He then boarded a cruise-ship to experience another perspective of Alaska. The glaciers were amazing and a day trip on a catamaran provided magnificent glimpses of whales spouting from their blow holes and breaching (jumping out of the water). He hopes to return to Alaska someday and again soak in Alaska’s midnight sun and scenic views.
In the meantime, Tim will continue to spend his days as an Eastern Illini Energy Specialist going the extra mile for members. To set up an appointment for an energy audit, give Tim a call at 217-202-6394 or send him an email at tim.frick@eiec.coop. Tim is always ready to meet with members and offer assistance regarding electricity, energy efficiency and even provide some creative ideas about how to get a 400 pound water heater out of the basement!