Reader Profile—Peter Selberg II

Charlotte County Utilities, Port Charlotte

I’ve been the inventory supervisor for Charlotte County Utilities for 16 years.

The crew and I are responsible for purchasing and stocking materials used by the distribution and wastewater departments, as well as the plants. Our department also handles acquisitions of items for special situations or projects.

I have been very lucky to be part of an organization that supports education and training. I received most of my certifications through the Georgia Institute of Technology, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Emergency Management Institute, and Florida Gulf Coast University.

First would be the crew I have the privilege to work with. They are true professionals and make our area one of the most efficient and best-run in our industry. We have had numerous organizations visit to observe and learn from our procedures.

Second, in this position you get to be part of so many aspects within the utility department. This is due to the position being both operational and relational. Having that exposure also allows you to work alongside just about everyone in the organization. I’m lucky to have known so many colleagues for years that have turned into an extended family.

I belong to FWPCOA.

The FWPCOA has been a tremendous asset to my career. I have had such a great experience to be an instructor for the organization. This has opened many other opportunities to teach other courses, and many of them are right here within the utility department. It’s amazing how many years have passed since I’ve been instructing in a classroom.

Being the chair of the association’s Customer Relations Committee, and an instructor, I get to meet so many professionals at the short schools. You get to hear and learn from the experiences of all the students. By the end of a week you see that we all face the same challenges no matter where we are. The students always teach me more than I teach them.

My role is to be successful in this industry because so much is dependent upon it. We’re fulfilling basic needs for our citizens and protecting the environment in which they live. Nothing in our community would function without the services we provide.

Next is that the industry is always changing, with new technology and better processes and procedures. This increases the chance for a better tomorrow for future generations. I enjoy being part of something much larger than myself.

I spend most of my time away from work with my family; they are the biggest driving force in my life. They give support and great advice before I screw something up!

I also love to be at the gym. Everyone has that place where the world’s issues go away for a bit. Exercising is where I find a great deal of peace. S