From framing a house on the weekends to mastering millwork and crafting cabinetry, Hendricks Power Energy Advisor Steve Hite is a master of home renovations. Now he puts his skills to work by answering retail members’ questions and guiding them on home improvements that will improve their energy efficiency – and save them money.

How’d you become an Energy Advisor?
My first job was framing a house and working on a remodeling crew. I worked weekends during the school year and full-time in the summers. My career has just been a steady progression to this point. I went from framing to interior trim where I did more of the finish work. After mastering interior trim, I went into building cabinetry and doing more of the millwork. My construction experience has been invaluable in this position.

What’d you do before?
I worked for a high-end custom builder on the north side of Indianapolis.

What’s the last hobby you picked up?
I enjoy doing home remodeling projects. I have a woodshop and always have a few projects going on.

What’s the best vacation you ever had?
I enjoy going to the beach and just relaxing. My favorite beach vacation was to Turks and Caicos.

If you could switch lives with a person for one day, who would it be?
I would say switching with the president would be very interesting.

In a world without electricity, what would you miss most?
Power tools, of course. Although I have a good selection of hand tools, it takes a great deal more time to build without power tools.

What’s the best thing that happened to you yesterday?
I can’t really recall anything to be honest. It was a nice relaxing day so maybe the chance to relax.

How’d you change your energy habits at home after you took this job?
I did make a few changes geared towards energy efficiency. I added insulation, encapsulated my crawlspace, changed all my light bulbs and put in a heat pump water heater.

What’s the number one thing members want to know?
Why is my bill so high? I get this question a lot in the winter months. It is one of my favorites too because it opens up an opportunity to discuss how they can use less and pay less.

What’s the number one thing you wish they knew?
I spend a great deal of time explaining our metering system. When I get a high bill complaint, it almost always starts with them questioning the accuracy of their meter. I must address that first before they will listen to my recommendations.

If you weren’t an Energy Advisor, what would you be?
I would still be working in the home construction field or maybe doing home inspections.