Lighting the Way: Yoder is proud to work at his hometown co-op

A few months away from rounding out his second year at Noble REMC, Sawyer Yoder is enjoying his time on the right-of-way crew.

Maintaining our lines by trimming trees and spraying vegetation may be his day-to-day, but his favorite part is his interactions with members and their appreciation for the often-thankless work that keeps their power flowing.

Let’s learn more about Yoder:

What motivated you to work here?
I had some buddies who worked here. They said it was a good place to work, so I applied when an opening came up.

What appealed to you about this kind of work?
Being outside and growing up around here, you always heard to get in here — it’s a good job to be at.

What’s the favorite part of your job?
Just doing stuff for people that are really appreciative of what you’re doing.

What does an average day look like for you?
Start the truck, go through all your stuff, make sure you have everything you need for the day, and you go out and trim. It depends on the day.

What’s the most interesting day you’ve had here so far?
There have been a couple of days when we’ve taken a truck offroad and gotten stuck a few times, but that’s always fun. That’s probably about the most interesting as it gets. We sunk the skid loader one time pretty good. It was wet right there, and we did it the year before too. Sunk it twice in the same spot.

Are there any misconceptions about what you do?
Here and there. Some people just don’t get why we’re trimming trees and why we have to, but sometimes you just have to walk them through it.

What do you like to do with your time outside of the co-op?
I like wrenching pretty well. I got two bikes and a truck I’ve been working on for years. Get them as cheap as possible and try to make as much money off them as I can.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I grew up just outside Albion and went to Central Noble. I’m the oldest of five kids. We all tried to keep to ourselves pretty much, but it could get loud.

What are you most proud of in your life so far?
I’ve got a fiancée, Addie, so I’d probably say my family. We’ve got two dogs and a house together in Columbia City.

What movie have you watched the most in your life?
“Southpaw.” I’ve probably seen it six, seven, eight times, maybe. It’s a good one.

What was the last book you read?
I don’t know, probably “Hatchet” in like school — all the way through at least.

What band could you listen to on repeat for the rest of your life?
Probably Korn. They’re still around, just not as big as they were.

Do you have a favorite TV show or something you’re currently binge-watching?
The only one I really have watched through is “Longmire.” That one’s a good one.

Do you have a favorite local restaurant?
El Dorado in Columbia City. The California burrito is pretty good.