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Worked at Louisville Water since 2013
Erik Whitehead’s determination never wavered as he waited for a door to open for him at Louisville Water.
“I was really trying to get that job.”
At the time, he worked for another local utility.
“I was a contractor for LG&E. I was their equivalent of a CSR (customer service representative). I was the person turning the power on and off, getting the (meter) reads,” Whitehead explained.
That job introduced him to other CSRs out in the community, including Kevin Brooks who worked for Louisville Water.
Whitehead said, “Every time I saw him out in the field, he told me how good of a job it was. He spoke very highly of the job. I really felt I could trust his word.”
Eventually, Whitehead made the switch from power to water. He’s now in his 12th year with the company. As a metering specialist, he spends most of his days working by himself.
“That’s one of the best parts of the job. I’m an introverted person, so relying on myself and being able to work at my own pace is something that I really appreciate,” he shared.
Alternatively, his interactions with customers are often very rewarding.
“When people have any questions about their bill, their service, their line, their meter, whatever it is, being able to answer it and to help them, to try to give them some sort of comfort is a good thing,” Whitehead said.
Part of that fulfillment may come from his own curious nature.
“I’m always going to look for solutions to different issues. I’m going to be the one that’s going to go a little deeper and think about how we can find a way to bridge the gap.”
And he literally did just that when trying to bridge a gap with some of the meter lids as Louisville Water transitioned all customers over to the advanced metering technology. He went to his supervisors with an idea to add steel braces around the lids.
“You can adjust to whatever size you need. Some lids are a lot larger, some fit like a glove. They reduce the space and they secure the lid around the (vault) ring, so that it will not move,” he said.
Investing his time to research a temporary solution is just one example of the pride Whitehead takes in his job.
“I enjoy being part of a company that serves the community,” he said.
Although he’s not originally from Louisville, this has become home. When he’s not working, he says he enjoys hiking, fishing, and bowling.
When he can spare it, Whitehead is eager to check off new places to explore.
“We’re supposed to be going to New York in April and taking an Alaskan cruise in September. I think that should be something that I’m very much looking forward to; I’ve never been on a cruise before, so this will be my first.”
We’re guessing there’s a good chance it won’t be his last.
