Some people start crossing off the days on their calendar until they retire from their jobs—especially if it’s one from which they have not derived a sense of satisfaction. But for someone like Charles Kelley, 79, every day at work is another opportunity to do what he loves to do—and after doing it for 60 years, Kelley has no plans to retire. He works as a field services representative for Indiana American Water and is its longest-tenured employee.
“The time just sneaks up on you,” points out Kelley. “It goes by so fast, especially if you enjoy what you’re doing.”
In late March, the staff of Indiana American Water—a subsidiary of American Water—recognized Kelley at an employee event at its Michigan Street distribution center in Gary, IN. The kudos came from as high up the chain as Indiana American Water president Deron Allen, who says “Kelley is one of those employees who just seems to have an endless supply of energy and enthusiasm for everything he does. After more than six decades, he still is one of the hardest working employees we have. Fortunately for our customers and his co-workers, he’s a great guy who just has an impeccable work ethic. We are very lucky to have had him around for all these years.”
That admiration for Kelley is echoed among his peers, who acknowledge his energy and enthusiasm and what he’s brought to the table for the company. “He’s a wonderful man and the hardest-working employee I’ve ever met,” points out Tommy Makatura, a fellow field services representative and 21-year employee who takes care of the water meter shop in northwest Indiana. “He’s a loyal employee and an awesome, friendly guy. He’s also very knowledgeable. He’s seen it all. We like to joke around here that God created the water company with Kelley as the hammer.”
Kelley credits his wife—who passed away more than three decades ago–and his growing family for reminding him “that the grass isn’t always greener on the other side. I had bills and babies, man—I didn’t have any choice but to work,” he says. “I like what I do here. I enjoy the job, so I never really had a reason to leave. I’ll know when it’s time to retire. I haven’t reached that point yet, and even when I do retire, I will likely continue working on the side on a plumbing business I own. I’ve set aside some money and my bills are paid. I’m in a great position. I’m a blessed man.”
What He Does Day to Day
As a field service representative for Indiana American Water, Kelley spends his days tending to job responsibilities that include customer appointments, meter changes, and turning water on or off per customer requests.
What Led Him Into This Line of Work
Kelley’s stepfather was a plumber, which inspired him to go into a career in the water sector. He attended Purdue University Calumet to study mechanical drawing. He then joined a plumbing and heating company, where he picked up skills in a plumbing apprenticeship. He also worked a short stint at a local steel mill after high school. Kelley officially started his career in the water sector as a laborer with the Gary-Hobart Water Corporation in 1956, installing water mains and other underground infrastructure.
Indiana American Water acquired the utility in 1999 as part of a larger acquisition effort that included the system in northwest Indiana. With that acquisition, Kelley became part of the nation’s largest publicly traded water and wastewater utility company.
What He Likes Best About His Work
During the years when Kelley was raising his family, the money and benefits he derived from his job gave him his greatest sense of satisfaction. These days, he says his joy comes from the ongoing interaction with the water utility’s customers and his work associates.
