35 Years of Dedication – Meet Rick Leebens
Nobles Cooperative Electric has thrived thanks to the commitment and skill of individuals such as Rick Leebens. This January, we celebrated a major milestone for Rick, who started his career with us as an apprentice lineman in 1990 and has been with us for 35 years! He advanced to a journeyman lineworker and has been an integral part of our team ever since. Currently, he serves as one of our line foremen.
His days are filled with diverse responsibilities, from meticulously drawing up projects for member upgrades and new services to conducting quarterly inspections of our 18 substations, ensuring preventative maintenance is always up to par. His work is just a small part of our focus to provide reliable service, ensuring that our members have consistent and safe access to power.
Being a lineworker is far more than just climbing poles and fixing wires. It demands strength, expertise and resilience. From responding to emergency situations to mastering complex systems and safety, Rick embodies these qualities and is a true asset to our team.
Rick acknowledges the vital role of the incredible team of people at Nobles Cooperative Electric. They each have a crucial part to play in keeping everything running smoothly. He and Jeff Ahlschlager, in particular, form a dynamic partnership, tag-teaming member calls, upgrades and mapping projects. Rick says he is often the initial point of contact for new projects, but he emphasizes that Jeff is instrumental in scheduling. They both bring those plans to life 'on paper,' through meticulous planning. When we move into the new building, it should allow us work even more cohesively as a team.
Looking back on his career, Rick recalls some truly challenging moments. The devastating 1992 Chandler Tornado and the crippling 1996 ice storm, which took down nearly 2,000 poles, stand out the most. But amidst the chaos, it was the unwavering support of the community that left the most lasting impression. "What I remember most is all the good-hearted people," Rick shares. "They knew we were working hard to restore power. Many would drop off donuts or sandwiches, and I especially remember a member who brought the team BBQ and hot chocolate. It was those gestures that kept us going, reminding us that we are all part of a great community."
The technological evolution Rick has witnessed is remarkable. From the choppy two-way radio communications and bulky bag cell phones to today’s seamless GPS and digital systems, the changes have been significant. "When I first started, we were called on a two-way radio via a phone," Rick recounts. "It sounded like a walkie-talkie, and people didn’t always realize it and it could be frustrating talking over each other. Now, everything is digital, and we can access vital information at our fingertips."
Equipment has also undergone a dramatic trans-formation, becoming larger, safer and more efficient. And in the past year, the transition to NISC has revolutionized project management, replacing hand-drawn paper files with digital precision. "The new system is a bit harder for an ‘old guy’ like me," Rick jokes, "but I know it’s much more accurate, and the digital backgrounds make everything easier, especially when planning new lines or addressing outages." While bucket trucks have improved safety, pole climbing remains a necessary skill, especially in hard-to-reach areas, emphasizing the importance of ongoing training and rigorous safety checks.
He fondly recalls a time when he was the 'new kid' himself, and now he takes great pleasure in working alongside the 'real new kids' on the team. He recognizes that each team member brings invaluable skills and perspectives, contributing to the team's overall success. "We all have our strengths, and we rely on each other," Rick says. "It's a team effort, and I'm proud to be a part of it." He has enjoyed watching the newer linemen learn and grow, and he knows they are the future of the cooperative. He also enjoys the fact that he can pass along some of his hard-earned knowledge to them.
Beyond his dedication to Nobles Cooperative Electric, Rick values spending time with his wife, Lisa, and enjoys camping and connecting with nature. He's also a proud father of five and a doting grandfather to five grandchildren.
We want to say thank you to Rick and congratulations on your first 35 years at Nobles Cooperative Electric! You are just one of the many linemen throughout our history who have made Nobles Cooperative Electric what it is today.
As we look towards National Lineworker Appreciation Day in April, we want to take this opportunity to acknowledge all of our lineworkers. They are the backbone of our cooperative, and we are deeply grateful for their service. Thank you all the line-workers at Nobles Cooperative Electric for your dedication, skill and commitment to keeping our lights on.
