Cody Crouse
- Energy Advisor
- Franklin Energy
School Information
School: University of Illinois
College Major: Business
Years at College Works: 2011-2012
Career Information
Working For: Franklin Energy
Title: Energy Advisor
Industry: Energy
Brief Description of Duties / Responsibilities:
Collaborating with local business owners save energy.
What Has Been Your Proudest Accomplishment Post-CWP?Having a child.
College Works Career Impact
In one sentence, what has CW meant to you?
It was a starting point for how to manage the needs and wants of field technicians, management and customers.
How did your CW experience impact your career? Immediately after graduation? Now?
It did not have an impact directly after graduation, but it did allow me to know how to be a Service Coordinator at a commercial HVAC company in Chicago years later. It helps me now because I know how to speak to the tradespeople and to the business owners.
What do you want to tell your clients about what it meant to work with them and how it has helped you get to where you are today?
My clients were mostly tough to deal with. My favorite was an older couple who trusted us to seal their roof with marine sealant. I would let my clients know that by holding my feet to the fire to deliver what I promised them that I learned how to better deal with people in the future. Thanks for allowing me not to be a pushover later in life.
What was the greatest lesson you learned from your CW experience?
Set correct expectations with the customer, example: don’t overpromise on quality or time of completion.
How have the friendships and networks you built during CW affected you?
My first friend in College Works Painting changed my life. Through him I joined a fraternity on campus. Through him I met my wife. He was the officiant at my wedding. No doubt about it, College Works Painting changed my life for the better.
Advice
What advice do you have for potential CW participants? Current CW participants?
Make sure you know what you are getting yourself into. Don’t think it will be easy. For current participants, seek the advice of others, listen to your painters and stand up for yourself and your time when needed.
Many college students struggle to choose between an internship specific to their target industry or doing CW. What advice would you give them on this subject if they wanted to enter your career field?
It is all situation-dependent. If you have a certain industry in mind, go for an internship in that area. If you are not sure what you want to do, and have the drive to start a business, consider College Works Painting carefully.
What’s your best advice for someone interested in entering your career field?
Learn the basics of how energy is used (electricity, HVAC, controls) in buildings, learn how to communicate your ideas and how to manage expectations with management, clients and employees.
What’s your favorite memory from CW?
Cancun
Last words of wisdom?
Make sure you know what you are getting yourself into. I didn’t sign up to work as many hours as I did. I was miserable at times but pushed through and came out the other side a better person.