Ken Wade, Assistant Director of Electric, recently celebrated 35 years of service at GUC. He has many responsibilities that include overseeing all aspects of our electric system, and coordinating electric engineering work within GUC and with outside consultants. He works closely with Director of Electric John Worrell to oversee, maintain, and enhance all areas of the department. Ken also coordinates our mutual aid efforts, like the recent assistance we provided to Western NC following Hurricane Helene. Prior to his current role, Ken was a Water Resources Instrumentation Tech, Control Systems Supervisor in Electric, Substation Engineer, Substation Supervisor, and Substation/Distribution Engineer (dual roles). Ken has served on the NC Association of Municipal Electric Systems Board. He came to GUC with experience from AT&T and Mitsubishi Semiconductor.

FUN FACT! Ken trained in Japan for six months while working at Mitsubishi. It was the mid-80s, and Mike Tyson was the reigning heavy weight champion and had a fight scheduled with Marvis Frazier. Ken and his co-workers convinced their trainers to let them go back to their apartment to watch the fight during work hours by agreeing to return as soon as the fight was over. They had just sat down to enjoy the fight after a mile-long walk in hot summer temps, when Tyson knocked out Frazier in under 30 seconds of the first round. When they arrived back at the plant soaked with perspiration, they were greeted by their managers who were laughing and chanting “Iron Mike.” 

Did you choose leadership, or did leadership choose you?
I wanted to be in a leadership or supervisory role. Leadership gives you an opportunity to affect the direction of your area or organization and to drive change.   

What have you enjoyed most about your leadership role?
I like technological and work process improvements. Some people tend to resist change, but I like encouraging others to find the opportunities to improve versus focusing on what we have already done.   

What have you enjoyed most about your career in the utility industry?
First, the work relationships and friendships created at GUC. Second, I have enjoyed knowing that the work we do matters. Reliable and affordable utility service improves our customers’ lives.   

What advice do you give to those new to a leadership role?
Transitioning from a hands-on role to a leadership role can be challenging. Often, the technical skills that made you successful in your past role are less important in your new role. You can lean on your technical skill, but your supervisory and interpersonal skills will determine future success.   

How do you approach decision-making in challenging situations?
I like to focus on the data or facts when making decisions but temper those decisions with the experience I’ve gained throughout the years.   

Did you have any role models or mentors who helped you along the way, and can you share any of their advice?
Dave Smith was a great mentor in the Electric Department. I worked with Dave near the end of his career and watched him balance his work and a difficult family situation. He was always upbeat despite what was happening around him.   

How do you prioritize work-life balance as a leader?
It is easier to balance work and life as I have matured. I loved raising a family but struggled at times to strike a good balance early in my career. If you put family and God first, the rest will fall into place. You must realize that you can not do everything on your own. I work with a wonderful team. When you need help or must be away, others will pick up the slack. 

What did you want to be when you were younger?
I wanted to be in the electric/electronics field. However, I did not know exactly what I wanted to do.

What is your proudest career accomplishment?
Promoting into the Substation Engineer role gave me the greatest sense of accomplishment. I had worked for years in the substation group. However, I was not the typical candidate for the position. Roger Jones had enough faith in me to give me the opportunity. I did not want to disappoint or let him down.  

What was your very first job?
I started working on the family tobacco farm at age 9. By age 14, my uncle made me responsible for keeping the crew working and racking the tobacco in the field. The job was physically the toughest job I ever worked. I was trying to lead men 10 to 30 years older than me with exponentially more experience. I quickly learned that leadership was more about working together and gaining the respect of the men than being “large and in charge.” 

What would you like us to know about your family?
Amy and I married in 2017. We have a blended family with four adult children, Dillon, Haley, Sarah, and Robbie. In the last two years, we have been blessed with four grandkids, Saylor, Ella, Grady, and Carter. 

What is your favorite family or holiday tradition?
Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday because it brings all the family together to enjoy each others’ company, share a meal, and reflect on what matters most in life.

Who is your favorite band, singer, or music genre?
I like all types of music, except for rap.

What have been your favorite travel destinations?
Amy and I have traveled to Hungary, Germany, Italy, France, and  a few other European countries. I enjoy discovering the history and architecture of European countries. We hope to make a few more trips.

Do you collect anything or have any hobbies?
I am the opposite of a collector, and it drives Amy a little crazy. I believe if you do not use something for a few years, it is time to toss it. Clutter drives me crazy.   

What is at the top of your bucket list?
I would like to explore a few more European countries. I am really lucky. Amy does a fantastic job researching and planning trips. She could have a second career as a travel agent.

What’s your favorite season of the year?
Spring. I love going to the beach and boating during the summer. Spring brings warm weather and anticipation of what is to come.

Do have you have a favorite sports team?
The Dallas Cowboys and ECU. Neither have been impressive for quite a while. I’m learning to live by the mantra “just wait until next year.”

Do you have a favorite quote?
“The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.”