Get to know IPF: Brent Weber

At work, Brent Weber, an IPF electrician of seven years, is all about saving energy. But after hours, he’s all about consuming energy — running, biking and swimming his way through triathlon competitions.

“I got into triathlons when my wife and I were looking for a new activity we could do together,” Weber said. “We started working out with other people that were into the sport and then I took it to the next level.”

That “next level” is the Ironman; a grueling endurance event combining a 2.4 mile swim, a 112 mile bike ride and a marathon run of 26.2 miles, all of which Weber completed in 11.5 hours.  For the past five years, Weber has dedicated time training for these triathlon races.

“My training plan for the Ironman consists of 10 hours per week on average for 30 weeks, with peak weeks of 14 or more hours,” Weber said. “It is a great way to stay in shape.”

Along with the full Ironman event, Weber has also completed six half-Ironman competitions. When he’s not busy tackling the incredible, Weber’s job has him tackling energy consumption on campus.

“My job responsibilities include installation and upgrading of building automation systems that control things such as chillers, hot water systems, air handling equipment, motors and lighting,” Weber said. “My projects can run from one day up to one year.” 

“When lighting occupancy sensors in classrooms and offices are not activated, it sends a signal to the room heating and cooling variable air volume box and either lowers or raises the temperature depending on time of year in that room,” Weber said. “This saves energy when the room is not occupied, which turns into big money savings for MSU.”  

Weber thinks the best part about working at MSU is the support from other groups. “If you have an issue there is always someone to ask who can either help you or point you in the right direction for a solution,” he said.  

In his free time, Weber hunts and spends time with his wife and two kids. They enjoy going on vacation together or even weekend getaways at Higgins Lake.  

“If there is one piece of advice I learned after training and finishing an Ironman is that nothing is unattainable,” Weber said. “Whether it’s in your professional career or home life, if you want it bad enough and work hard anything is possible.”