Noble REMC wouldn’t be successful without our employees and directors. To highlight the work that they do, we’ve established Lighting the Way to place a spotlight on those who help the co-op thrive.
Our right-of-way crew works hard at ensuring the reliability of our system by trimming trees and spraying vegetation. It can be a thankless job that doesn’t get a lot of the limelight.
But this month, it’s time for a bit of spotlight as we feature tree trimmer Kyler Likes.
A Central Noble graduate, Likes enjoys riding his motorcycle, volunteering for the Albion Volunteer Fire Department and listening to someone called Jelly Roll … really.
Let’s learn a bit more about Likes:
What motivated you to work at Noble REMC?
“I’m from the area. If you’re from the area, you know how good of a company the REMC is to work for and how competitive it is to get into.”
Favorite part of your job on the right-of-way crew?
“Working with the guys, for sure. Learning a new trade.”
Any experience in tree trimming before starting?
“Nope. I was fresh off the market. I was a welder before, and I was tired of having a black nose by the time I left.”
Any misconceptions about the work that you do?
“We know how bad you don’t want your trees trimmed, but they need to be maintained to keep our system reliable.”
What do you like to do outside of the co-op?
“I have a fiancée and a daughter. Me and my fiancée ride the motorcycle a lot, and we go fishing with my dad and my daughter.”
What are you most proud of in your life?
“The family I created.”
When did you start growing your beard?
“I started growing it about a year and a half ago. I grew it a little bit before the daughter was born and shaved it once since then. I just always wanted a beard. It gives me something that I’m in control of.”
What kind of music do you listen to?
“Mainly country. I like a little bit of rock. I like old rock more than new rock.”
Who’s your favorite artist right now?
“I like some Jelly Roll,” he said with a laugh and a smile.
Who?
“That’s real. Jelly Roll. And some Morgan Wallen.”
What are you watching on TV right now?
“The Terminal List. I just finished it – it was really good.”
favorite restaurant?
“We like Coody Brown’s in Wolcottville. We go a lot in the summertime, ride our bikes up there.”
Do you volunteer in the community?
“I am a volunteer firefighter with the Albion Volunteer Fire Department. I’ve been there going on six years.”
Why did you want to become a firefighter?
“I always loved going up there for the breakfasts and stuff, and I always thought the fire trucks were cool. Once I got a little older and realized what they really did, it wasn’t just all about fire trucks, but helping people out. I loved doing it.”
You have some neat tattoos. What can you tell us about them?
“All of these, except for one, were on a whim. I sat in a chair, and the guy that does my tattoos basically showed me a bunch of them. And I said, ‘I like it, let’s put them on.’ That was back in my wild days. I’m not that crazy anymore.”
