Lighting the Way: Stangland feels right at home

He’s been a part of the Noble REMC team for less than a year, but Journeyman Lineman Eli Stangland is already one of the guys.

Stangland grew up in the Wolf Lake area before heading a bit south to learn the electric industry at Columbia City Municipal Utilities. But when he had an opportunity to come back closer to his roots, he took the chance and began his tenure at the co-op last April.

Let’s hear from Stangland himself:

YOU’VE BEEN HERE ALMOST A YEAR. HOW HAS IT BEEN SO FAR?

I really enjoyed coming here. I grew up just outside Wolf Lake, so it’s nice to be back in my home county. I started my career in Columbia City and enjoyed my time there, but it was time to move on. This was a good opening. I’m learning a lot, and it’s been a good move.

YOU CAME TO THE CO-OP AS A JOURNEYMAN LINEMAN. WERE YOU ALWAYS INTERESTED IN THIS INDUSTRY?

I was mostly in areas like welding, fabrication and agriculture, and I knew that probably wasn’t going to be what I was going to do for the rest of my life. My dad was a lineman, and he enjoyed it, so I thought I’d give it a try when Columbia City was hiring. It opened up a bunch of doors.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB? 

Camaraderie.

WHAT’S SOMETHING PEOPLE MAY NOT KNOW OR UNDERSTAND ABOUT WHAT YOU DO? 

Some people don’t understand how things work or how the electrical system works. That’s probably the biggest. 

WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO OUTSIDE OF THE CO-OP?

Hang out with friends and family, my wife and my kids. Hunting is a big thing. I like to hunt waterfowl, deer and pheasant. I golf, or I try to, but it’s hard with kids. I have too many hobbies.

TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOUR FAMILY.

I lived north of Wolf Lake until I got married and moved to the Churubusco/Tri-Lakes area. It was mom, dad and five of us kids. It was busy. 

WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF IN YOUR LIFE?

My wife, Audra, and my kids, Leo and Bri. The home we’ve made.

WHAT MOVIE DO YOU THINK YOU’VE WATCHED THE MOST?

I really like “Lord of the Rings.” I’ve seen it quite a few times. It’s a good movie. You can watch it and wait a year or two or whatever and watch them all again.

WHAT WAS THE LAST BOOK YOU READ?

Oh boy. “The Lineman’s and Cableman’s Handbook”? [Laughs] And the Bible.

IF YOU COULD LISTEN TO ONE BAND FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE, WHICH WOULD YOU CHOOSE? 

Man, that’s a tough one. I like rock. I enjoy Rush, but I don’t know if I could listen to it for the rest of my life. Let’s say Rush.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE TV SHOW OR SOMETHING YOU’RE CURRENTLY BINGE WATCHING?

My favorite TV show is probably “King of Queens.” I’ve seen that a hundred thousand times.

DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE LOCAL RESTAURANT? 

I don’t go very often, but every time I do, I enjoy Club Soda in Fort Wayne. It’s a good atmosphere and really good food. I like the filet mignon. 

WHAT IS ONE THING WE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU?

I don’t know. I can be surprisingly stubborn, I guess? At certain times.