A journeyman carpenter by trade, Brian Hawk credits his work in construction as a benefit to his role as Noble REMC’s energy advisor.
It also helps that he started here as a tree trimmer, which helped him to understand the co-op’s commitment to our members before the strenuous work showed him it was time for a change.
With 20 years of service under his belt and now in charge of helping members with their energy questions, let’s ask him a few of our own:
WHAT DREW YOU TO THIS ROLE?
Multiple injuries — I’m being dead serious. I liked the idea of this job for a long time because (former advisor) Rex (Shisler) got to go out and meet with the Impact 4-County Vocational kids. So, I knew it was heavy on being involved with the trades and businesses. I like the idea of it being an indoor/outdoor position, so I get the best of both worlds. But in all reality, my body was telling me my physical career was about to be done.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB?
Honestly, probably the variety. I feel like it’s a pat answer sometimes, but I pull no punches. I think I have the best job in the company. I’m a journeyman carpenter by trade, so when I get a chance to work with anything in the building industry, I really enjoy it. But I also enjoy people, whether they’re happy or glad or mad as a hornet because of their electric bill. It’s my job to make them happy when we’re done.
WHAT DOES AN AVERAGE DAY LOOK LIKE FOR YOU?
A mound of paperwork on my desk that I need to get through. Some days, one phone call after another. Some days, the phone never rings. I always have a list of things that I can fall back on, but a day can have anything from a water heater question to “What’s the heat pump rebate right now?” to fixing stucco on the exterior of the building.
WHAT IS ONE THING YOU WOULD WANT OUR MEMBERS TO KNOW?
I think the one thing if I could convey it and shout it from the rooftops: We are just like our members. We are our members. It is never us against you. We are always trying to help you and better your experience with the REMC.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO OUTSIDE OF THE CO-OP?
Golfing, fishing, and I’m a mediocre hunter. Anything outside. And I love, love, love ice fishing.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAMILY.
I grew up in Albion, but we moved to Burr Oak in 1983. I bought my family home in 1995. I just celebrated 40 years in the same home last November.
I met Karen in 2001, and found myself marrying a woman with four kids. And now all four of those kids are all grown up — two are in different states, and there are five grandchildren total.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF IN YOUR LIFE?
We all looked up to my grandpa growing up. Everything we’ve ever wanted to be, we wanted to live up to our grandpa’s standard. I’ll tell you that we will never be as good as he was, because he was just a tremendous man. But, we all have great careers, we all have great homes, and, fortunately, the Hawk name carries “If you need something done, you can call a Hawk, and it’ll get done.”
WHAT MOVIE HAVE YOU WATCHED THE MOST?
It would be a toss-up. “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” or “Cars.” “Ferris Bueller” was my doing. The “Cars” saga is because of my grandson.
WHAT WAS THE LAST BOOK YOU READ?
“The Bible.” That’s the only book I’ve ever paid any attention to.
WHAT DO YOU LISTEN TO WHEN YOU’RE IN THE CAR?
I have developed into a podcast person, through and through. My favorite right now is Patrick Bet-David.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LOCAL RESTAURANT?
My favorite local restaurant is the Ale House. I think my favorite meal is going to be black and blue burger or buffalo chicken wrap, with no onion — and Cheshire Brown Ale.
