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.
Recently re-elected to his second term, Noble REMC Director Jay Wysong continues to learn and grow as he steps outside of his comfort zone as a local farmer to represent members in District 1.
His responsibility taking care of thousands of acres of land and tens of thousands of pigs brings with it an entrepreneurial spirit and a care for relationships that serves him well in his role.
Let’s learn a bit more about Jay:
What motivated you to run for the board of directors?
“I’ve farmed my whole life and really put my heart and soul into that and spent a lot of hours working. As you start to get older, you start thinking, ‘You know, maybe I need to start doing something else.’
“When the opportunity came, I thought it might be a good fit. I’m ready to slow down farming, not work quite so many hours, and this is another opportunity for me to stretch myself a little bit and to serve the community. I think that’s important.”
Did you know much about the co-op before you ran?
“I knew we got an electric bill from them. Other than that, no,” Wysong said with a laugh. “I’ve learned a lot in three years.”
What’s your favorite part of being a director?
“In life, I think you always go back to relationships. As you look at any business, it’s nice to make a profit, it’s nice to have good numbers, but ultimately, it’s about relationships in life.”
The Wysong name is well-known in the community. How many generations have been here?
“My grandpa grew up a mile that way (west). My dad and I grew up a mile this way (north), so we’ve got a little triangle here — three generations. And now my son and my nephew are back, so this is the fourth generation within a mile or two of Wawaka here.”
I saw some bikes on the porch as I walked in. What can you tell me about them?
“That’s our number one hobby: biking. We bike a lot. Sunday, we went for 25 miles, and in the evenings, after we eat dinner, we’ll go out for a 6-8 mile ride. Ever since we’ve been married, we’ve enjoyed it. In fact, we even go when we’re on vacation. We look at bike trails, and we take them with us. We’ve taken them to Florida, to Ohio, to Canada.”
What is your favorite book?
“The Bible. I read a lot of novels, but I also read biographies, informational books. I like reading. It’s one of my favorite pastimes. As Brian Shepherd (West Noble Primary School principal) would say, ‘Readers are leaders.’”
What music do you listen to?
“I love music. I’m a terrible singer, cannot carry a tune worth anything, but I love to listen to music, anything from country to contemporary Christian to hymns to the oldies.”
