Hobby:
Fishing. I prefer largemouth bass, but any type of fishing is fun.

How long have you been fishing?

For more than 46 years.

Who taught you?
My grandfather taught me different strategies for catching a variety of fish like bluegill, carp, catfish, bass, crappie, even an occasional turtle.

What do you enjoy most about it?
I don’t use depth finders or electronics so sizing up wind direction, water clarity, temperature and other conditions to locate the larger fish is fun. The fight while landing a large bass is second to none too. I always photograph and release the fish I catch.

What’s the biggest you’ve ever caught?
The largest bass I ever landed was 8.5 lbs. If I ever catch one over 10 lbs., I’d like to mount it.

How did you hear about the job at Coles-Moultrie?
It was posted online. Being from Mattoon, I always wanted to work at CMEC and am grateful for the opportunity.

What were you doing before you joined the co-op?
I worked at GE Aviation in Terre Haute, Indiana.

What do you like about working at the co-op?
I really like my co-workers, and the “all-inclusive” management style, which creates a great work environment.

Education:
CISCO Networking Certificate from Parkland College in Champaign, Illinois, and Associates in Applied Science from Lake Land College in Mattoon.

What else do you like doing in your free time?
I’ve coached youth sports for 20 years. I was head coach for the 2010 Mattoon Babe Ruth 15-year-old Illinois State Champions.

One random fact about you:
I am the youngest of seven children and was named after “Mr. Cub” Ernie Banks.