At I&M, we have customer service specialists specifically assigned to large accounts or large businesses. For Lee Rodenbeck, Key Account manager principal, he enjoys diving into a customer’s needs and providing a timely, efficient and personable experience.
How long have you been with I&M/AEP? What roles have you held?
I have been with I&M for 32 years. In that time, I have had roles in distribution planning, engineering customer design, as an area office engineering supervisor and as a customer services engineer/manager.
How would you describe your job?
As a Key Account manager, I strive to develop relationships with our larger customers and provide services for them to meet their traditional electric service needs. I also match customers with energy efficiency and various other programs that make economic or operational sense for them to take advantage of with I&M.
Why do you like your job?
The best part of my job is the non-repetitive nature of my days. Every day presents new and unique challenges that keep it interesting and fresh. No two customers or their needs are the same.
In what ways does your job challenge you?
The job becomes interesting in meeting both the customer and company needs. Sometimes these can be diametrically different. Sometimes it takes negotiating skills to get each side to see the other’s point of view and meet in the middle to achieve the overall goals of the project or service at hand.
What’s the biggest lesson you have learned at I&M?
The art of negotiation. I have learned not being liked or agreed with is part of the overall process to meet a customer or company need and to create a long term, positive solution.
What’s the best career advice you have to share?
Always learn and take chances with your career in moves and promotions. Do not get comfortable and when the tough times come up, just focus on the future, and keep working.
What do you like to do outside of work?
My wife and I travel extensively. I also coach both high school football and track. Travel and being around young men and women keep you young and open to learning new things.
If you are interested in joining the I&M and AEP team, click here to learn more about the wide-variety of careers we offer.