Flathead Electric adds position to focus on serving business members

After spending more than two decades working for Flathead Electric Cooperative, Andy Masa realized he was ready for a new challenge.

“That world was very busy and it almost became easy as I’ve seen most of the issues,” said Masa. “After 21 years I wondered ‘what else can I do?’”

The Kalispell native, whose education is in computer aided drafting, spent the first part of his career as a staking engineer and from 2009 to 2021 he supervised the distribution design department which is responsible for the design of electrical line extensions, reroutes and removals.

Masa’s desire to be challenged made him the right candidate to blaze the trail as FEC’s new key member advocate focusing on providing the co-op’s commercial, industrial and other key members with a dedicated resource responsible for supporting their business and with the goal of leading to stronger community connections. He is the single point of contact to assist with business needs.

“I like coming up with solutions to problems. This position allows me more time to get in depth with issues,” said Masa.

Previously, commercial customers would contact the energy services department to address business affairs, but according to Masa, “It's more commonplace around the country for commercial businesses to have key account positions for handling their issues.”

Part of the new role’s challenge is figuring out who the key clients are and how to best meet their needs.

“One minute I could be helping a member with a billing question and the next I might be assisting with power quality issues at their facility, or they could be looking at expanding and need to know if they have enough power,” said Masa. “Lately I’ve assisted a few companies that do business in other states that require them to report on greenhouse gas emissions, and I help supply the data. I get calls about EV charging stations or they might be looking at adding solar at their building.”

One of his goals right now is to create a member outreach strategy.

“We don't want to just advertise and not show benefit. When we make contact, we want them to already identify and see ways that we can benefit the relationship,” Masa explained.

Masa’s hope for the future is to service about 30 commercial members and that they will know exactly who to call when they need to discuss business matters.

“One of the principles behind the position is if we can help a local business succeed, that in turn helps us succeed. If they are growing and hiring good employees, then that helps the whole valley,” Masa explained.

Masa’s sphere of influence extends beyond just his new position at Flathead Electric. With four sons, Masa understands the importance of building up youth and hopes to use his platform to make a positive impact.

“Being involved with coaching basketball, I feel a connection to the youth in our community,” said Masa. “And in everything I do, I hope to support the youth.”

Fittingly, Masa’s sons have taken an interest in their father’s trade as his oldest son is set to attend college in the fall for electrical engineering and his second oldest loves working with his hands as a mechanic’s helper.

Reporter Summer Zalesky may be reached at szalesky@dailyinterlake.com.