August 22, 2023

Few of us can claim to have worked at a company for more than 50 years – But Brian Lowe, general manager, Reading Customer Contact Center can. He came to work for The Illuminating Company (CEI) right out of high school.

“When I was a high school senior in Cleveland, CEI participated in a career day,” he said. “I had the opportunity to complete an application and was subsequently interviewed and hired.”

As a result, Brian began his career with the company in 1970 as a meter reader. Since then, he has learned all about the electric utility industry.

“Brian is beloved and highly respected by the Customer Experience organization, especially the Care Center team in Reading. The well-being of his employees is Brian’s focus and drives his day-to-day interactions with them,” said Matt Green, director, Customer  Contact Centers. “It’s the interpersonal connections he has with others, including myself, that have left an impression on anyone who has worked with him. It’s been an honor working with Brian and I wish him continued health, happiness and friendship in retirement.”

Brian says working at FirstEnergy allowed him to grow in both his career and personal life.

“All of my work experiences at FirstEnergy have been special and memorable. In addition to being a meter reader in Cleveland, I’ve also served in several supervisory, management and director positions at CEI and then Met-Ed,” said Brian, whose been in his current role since 2018. “I also continued my education using FirstEnergy’s tuition reimbursement program. I earned associate, bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business management.”

(L.) Brian in his early days at CEI. (R.) Brian at a CEI volunteer event in 1989.

Brian also holds memberships in two of our Employe Business Resource Groups: MOSaic Reading Chapter and he’s a sponsor of  the Reading Chapter Helping Women Grow.

In his time away from work, Brian is an avid community volunteer.

“Over the years, I’ve enjoyed giving back to the community.  And, since moving to Reading,  I’ve had the opportunity to serve on the boards of The Olivet Boys and Girls Club and on the Greater Reading Food Bank, which is now known as Helping Harvest.”

As for his retirement, Brian hopes to take it slow for a while.

“My plans are to relax from the stress of work life, do some traveling and occasionally play golf,” he said. “I also enjoy working in my yard and taking walks. After Sept. 1, I’ll have plenty of time to do so.”

As Brian concludes his 53½ years of employment with FirstEnergy, he wants to share advice with employees.

“Life is too short and if you have a dream, pursue it. You have to believe in yourself to make your dreams come true.”

Initial Reading Chapter Helping Women Grow leadership tea. Front row, l.-r.: Cheryl Teel, supervisor, Customer Contact Center; Kasey Martin, supervisor, Customer Contact Center; and Jamie Vail (former employee). Back row (standing): Joelia Welmaker, supervisor, Customer Contact Center; Shari Koonce, supervisor, Customer Contact Center,  Brian, Linda Moss, president, Maryland Operations; David Turner, manager, Regional External Affairs; and Deb Adie, supervisor, Customer Contact Center.