Meet your Co-op: Finishing up 30 years
“You can dip your toes in the pool or jump in— I’m jumping in!” said SLV REC Staking Engineer Troy Golden about his upcoming retirement. Retiring at 59, following 30 years of service to SLV REC, Troy is excited to go out while “I’m still young enough to do the things that I want to do.”
Troy began at SLV REC in October of 1990 as a meter reader. He remembers having to complete a physical test at that time. He had to walk/run from the REC office to Chapman Park, then walk in snowshoes and complete other tasks, such as changing a tire. Lucky for him— and the co-op— he passed.
Two years later Troy moved into the lineman apprenticeship program, journeying out four years later. He enjoyed being a lineman, especially being a part of the “band of brothers,” but took on a position in the staking department in 2002. At that time, he looked to Jerry Dennis as a mentor.
Through the years he has seen many changes, including working under three different CEOs. “We still sell electricity, but the processes are different; everything is much more automated,” Troy commented. “There used to be manual readings; now it’s downloaded on a computer. When we staked, it was all on paper— by hand. In about 2005, we got a computerized staking program, which really changed things.”
As retirement is on the near horizon, Troy looks forward to spending more time with his wife, Judi, son and daughter-in-law Cody and Christina, daughter and son-in-law Amanda and Kyle and five grandchildren. He’ll continue bicycling, traveling, camping and backpacking, and he hopes to soon finish his Lewis and Clark Expedition travels. Troy and Judi will also continue enjoying their Harley rides. To date, they’ve visited every state (in the lower 48), but two. A move to Texas could be in the future as well, but plans are to stay in the Valley for at least the next two years. Giving much credit to his wife, Troy stated, “Judi has put her heart and soul into this career as much as I have— always making up for when I wasn’t around.”
Troy is basically a Valley native, moving here from Nebraska when he was just three years old. His father, Rod, was also a lineman for SLV REC for 27 years. As a child, he remembers tagging along with his dad to different worksites, but never imagined he would follow in his footsteps.
“I won’t miss the work,” Troy stated. What he will miss are the people he’s come to know through the co-op. He’s built relationships with coworkers, members and various contractors. He still remembers how, as a meter reader in the South Fork area, one older member was always ready to serve him cookies and coffee. The rapport he’s built with some members throughout the years has been incredible; he loves the personal touch and getting to know the members.
As far as the future of the staking department goes, Troy knows they’re in good hands. “Kurt [Taffin] has been a great asset. He just has a way of seeing things and will do very well.”
“Thirty years went by fast. I didn’t realize it until a few years ago. We had a motivational speaker here, and he put us in order of our years of service. As I kept moving closer to the end— it hit me,” he trailed off… “it’s been a great place to work!”