In his 39 years with EnergyUnited, Chris Myers credits the welcoming, family-like atmosphere as one of the things he has appreciated most during his nearly four decades of service with the electric cooperative. “It feels like home, and you belong to something special,” Chris said. “That co-op feeling is indescribable.”

That sense of family took on new meaning more than five years ago when his son, Zach, joined EnergyUnited, following in his father’s footsteps.

“He taught me a lot about this job, and working with him pushes me to be better,” Zach said. “It’s a special feeling coming into work and seeing him because we have such a close bond.”

Although Zach, a journeyman lineman, and Chris, a distribution design supervisor, rarely have the opportunity to work together in the field, they are always united by a common goal: getting the job done safely.

Prioritizing safety

In 1998, Chris was involved in an accident in the field that changed his perspective on the career he had always known.

“Safety is always top of mind in the work we do, but that day reinforced just how important it is to take care of yourself and those around you,” Chris said.

Since then, Chris has been a passionate safety advocate, ensuring that everyone—from lineworkers to stakers—prioritizes not just doing the job right but doing it safely. That commitment extends beyond the workplace.

“At EnergyUnited, safety isn’t just something I focus on at work—it’s a value I bring home every day,” Chris said. “Whether I’m spending time with my family or working around the house, I apply the same standards to keeping everyone safe.”

Now, after working at the same co-op for the last five years, Chris and Zach have strengthened their relationship while working together to provide reliable power to their communities.

That dedication to safety is what inspired Zach to follow in his father’s footsteps.

“Watching my dad live out the EnergyUnited Way inspired me growing up,” Zach said. “Now that I work for the co-op, I carry that same sense of responsibility into my personal life. Whether I’m with friends or family, I know safety is always a priority.”

Passing Down Decades of Knowledge

Zach said having his father as a mentor has helped him step up as a leader, passing on the knowledge he has gained about the co-op and the utility industry.

“I want to pass down what he taught me to the younger guys because those lessons changed my life,” Zach said.

Chris has seen that growth firsthand and takes comfort in knowing his son is excelling in the career he has built for himself.

“As a father, you naturally want the best for your son,” Chris said. “I never have to worry about him because I know he’s always prepared. You don’t always get an opportunity to share a career like this with your son, so I cherish every moment of it.”