For most people, the weather is something to quickly check in the morning or desperately turn to for small talk. For Scot Price, the weather could perhaps best be described as an obsession.
That happens when you devote 30-plus years of service to Tipmont — from Price’s initial groundman duties in the field circa 1990 to managing operations and safety for the cooperative.
“Taking away my access to the maps may be the cure to my weather compulsion,” says Price — who celebrated his retirement from Tipmont after 33 years of service at the end of 2023.
In November, the Tipmont team gathered at the Lafayette Country Club to celebrate Price’s achievements, influence, and friendship. At an all-employee meeting that month, Tipmont Manager of Safety and Compliance Jon Biggs introduced a new, annual employee safety award named to honor Price.
“There’s a tremendous group of talented people at Tipmont, and it’s great to know things are in such great hands for the membership and the future,” Price says. “The Tipmont family supports people with constructive feedback, too. That’s unique in the work environment, and I’m lucky to have had it.”
During his time as a groundman and a lineman, Price encountered a major evolution in the lineman way of life — moving beyond what he calls the previous decade’s technology. Although he’s encountered his fair share of severe weather, one event that sticks out is the 1991 ice storm — the likes of which haven’t been seen since. Price’s eventual transition from linework to engineering opened his eyes to opportunities for meaningful, collaborative ties with operations and safety.
“At Tipmont, anyone who wants to improve can go very far,” Price says. “I’ve been blessed for the opportunity to be part of that and to see so much growth among membership and employees. It’s a fast-paced place, and being a part of it has been exciting.”
What’s next for Price? Taking away his weather maps hasn’t removed his penchant for planning. Price and his wife, Becky, will visit Florida for several months and spend time this spring in Maine with one of their sons. He also looks forward to fishing and landscaping. “I worry our poor yard is not going to get any rest when he’s home all the time,” Becky jokes.
“I think the biggest lesson for me from Tipmont has been to do your best and support your team,” Price says. “No one here succeeds alone. So many people have helped me, and it’s been an honor to work alongside them.”
Thank you, Scot, for decades of leadership, innovation and service to Tipmont members and employees!
