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Services

Behind the Connection

Meet the SEI Fiber Team

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Tyler Wright, Kendall Stephen, Blake Volz, Randy Frye, Aaron Allen, Bryan Miller, Bobby Schaeffler, Nick Meyer, Sarah Scheidler, Tanner McConnell

At Southeastern Indiana REMC, our goal has always been to safely deliver reliable electric service, improve the quality of life of our members, and provide innovative solutions for the future, and our SEI Fiber team is at the heart of that effort. This dedicated group of ten teammates works together to bring reliable, high-speed fiber internet access to our rural communities. From planning to installation, each team member plays a crucial role in making this ambitious project a success.

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The SEI Fiber team is led by Bryan Miller, VP of IT and Diversified Services, whose leadership ensures that every connection we build is strong, sustainable, and member-focused. Supporting him is Bobby Schaeffler, our Outside Plant Manager. With extensive experience in the fiber industry, Bobby brings invaluable expertise to the team. His knowledge and hands-on approach have been instrumental in guiding the team through complex projects.

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“It’s all about the membership,” Bobby shared. “How can our team benefit our members, provide them with much-needed services, and keep costs low? The answer is simple: invest in a business that can return profits to our members and benefit them too.”

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The team’s journey began with a vision—to provide our members with access to world-class internet services while keeping those services affordable. This vision gained traction when the team welcomed Randy Frye, our Fiber Service Coordinator, who’s a communications veteran with nearly 51 years of experience. Randy’s knowledge of the industry and forward-thinking approach helped pave the way to success.

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One of the key additions to the team was Sarah Scheidler, our Fiber Service Representative and meticulous planner. Sarah’s organizational skills and futuristic mindset ensure that the team’s efforts are coordinated and aligned with long-term goals. “Sarah keeps us on track and moving forward,” Bryan explained. “Her work is vital to mapping out projects and ensuring seamless execution."

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On the ground, our three skilled Field Technicians are the backbone of SEI Fiber’s operations. Aaron Allen, Nick Meyer, and Tyler Wright work directly in the field, ensuring that installations are completed efficiently and that every connection meets our high standards. Their commitment and attention to detail help bring our vision to life, one home and business at a time.

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Recently, the SEI Fiber team made the strategic decision to hire three Locators rather than continuing to contract these services. Previously, nearly 2,000 locates were completed each month by contractors. Bringing these roles in-house not only saved money but also allowed the team to grow and gain greater control over the quality of the work. Tanner McConnell, Kendall Stephen, and Blake Volz have been valuable assets to the team thus far.

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Looking ahead, the SEI Fiber team is hoping to expand into non-member territories to deliver high-speed fiber to more areas. This growth strategy not only fulfills the need for reliable internet in underserved regions but also generates additional revenue that directly benefits our members. At the core of every decision is a commitment to putting our members first.

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With their dedication, expertise, and member-first mindset, the SEI Fiber team represents the commitment and values of Southeastern Indiana REMC. Stay tuned for updates and stories as they continue to connect our community to a brighter future.

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sHARE THE sPEED, eNJOY THE rEWARDS

Referral Program

Southeastern Indiana REMC Fiber delivers lightning-fast internet, efficient connectivity, and unmatched reliability—and now, you can share these benefits with your friends and family!

When you spread the word: You receive a $50 bill credit and they receive a $25 discount.

TECH TALK

Got Wi-Fi dead zones in your home? Say goodbye to weak signals and frustrating dropouts! In this quick Tech Talk video, SEI REMC’s own Scot Cunningham explains how Wi-Fi extenders can supercharge your internet experience. Learn where to place them, how to set them up, and the best tips for seamless connectivity.

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REMC Journeyman Lineman, Jordan Ice, and Apprentice Lineman, Kevin Huffman, work together to replace a pole.

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GIS Coordinator, Ron Barnhart, and Staking Technician, Stephen Sieverding work together on a GIS mapping project.

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Apprentice Lineman, Kevin Huffman, in the bucket completes aerial work as Journeyman Linemen, Randall Genda, and Apprentice Lineman, Jordan Cutter,  backfill around the new pole.

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Staking Technician, Ben Lawhorn, checks the details on a recent staking job.

Engineering & Operations:

A powerful partnership in providing reliable electricity

At Southeastern Indiana REMC, our mission to safely deliver reliable electricity and diversified services to our members and the communities we serve is a shared commitment that drives every department. Among these, the collaboration between our engineering and operations teams stands as a cornerstone of our success. Together, they ensure that the lights stay on for homes and businesses across our seven-county service territory.

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Planning for the Future 

Our engineering department lays the foundation for reliability by designing and maintaining a robust electrical system. This team uses advanced technology to analyze grid performance, forecast energy demands, and plan upgrades to the infrastructure. From coordinating with Hoosier Energy, our Generation and Transmission cooperative, on new substation projects to reinforcing power lines, their meticulous planning ensures our system is resilient and prepared for future growth.

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Real-Time Problem Solving 

While the engineers focus on planning and design, our operations team brings those plans to life. They work tirelessly to construct, maintain, and repair the electrical system. Their expertise and quick response times are crucial when outages occur due to severe weather or unexpected equipment failures. Armed with real-time data from our engineering team, operations crews can pinpoint issues, dispatch resources efficiently, and restore power as quickly as possible.

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Advanced Technology 

The integration of smart grid technology has further strengthened this partnership. Our engineering team uses data analytics to monitor system health, identify potential weak points, and recommend proactive maintenance. Meanwhile, operations crews use this information to prioritize their work and address issues before they escalate, reducing both outages and repair times.

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Safety First 

Safety is at the heart of everything we do. Our engineering and operations teams work together to ensure that every project meets the highest safety standards. Engineers design systems with built-in redundancies and protective measures, while operations teams are trained to follow strict safety protocols during installation and repairs. This shared focus not only protects our employees but also safeguards our members and their communities.

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Collaboration in Action 

An excellent example of this teamwork is our recent upgrade to one of our longest feeder lines, which was prone to power quality issues. The engineering team identified the underlying causes and developed a comprehensive improvement plan. The operations team then executed the plan, installing new equipment and reinforcing the line. The result? Significantly improved reliability for hundreds of members.

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Looking Ahead 

As we continue to grow and evolve, the partnership between engineering and operations remains critical to our success. Whether it’s integrating renewable energy sources, expanding our fiber-optic network, or responding to severe storms, these teams work hand-in-hand to provide our members with the reliable electricity they depend on. 

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At Southeastern Indiana REMC, we’re proud of the dedication and expertise of our engineering and operations teams. Their collaboration ensures we not only meet the needs of today but also build a brighter, more reliable future for our members.

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