IES Portland: Bidding Farewell to our Retirees

From homemade jams to safety milestones, we honor the years of commitment and legacy that John and Mark leave behind as they step into retirement.

With a touch of sadness and great gratitude, IES Electrical bids farewell to two prominent members of our branch, Warehouse Manager, John Boggs, and Division Safety Manager (DSM), Mark Hillyard. John and Mark both significantly impacted IES culture and leave us better than we were before their service. In celebration of their retirement, members gathered at the Golden Valley Brewery and enjoyed food, speeches and recollections that transported our IES family down memory lane.

John began his career at IES Portland in 1995, back when the shop was still known as New Tech Electric; after a short hiatus in 2002, he returned to complete his quarter-year long tenure in 2006. “There are a dozen guys still at IES today, that I trained in the warehouse as drivers back when I first started,” said John. “I always joke that Craig used to work for me and now I work for him,” he laughed. John’s influence extends far beyond his professional achievements; his care and support for his team members distinguish him as a valued friend at IES—one who even brings homemade blackberry jam into the office for everyone to enjoy.

“I have berries already picked, ready for my next batch of jam, and hopefully I’ll also bring back a bunch of fish from my upcoming trip to Alaska,” says John, describing his first retirement plans after 25 years of service.

“I’ll be training wellness first aid, wellness first responders and emergency medical responders, on top of doing a bunch of volunteer work,” says DSM Mark Hillyard. Mark began working at IES in 2014 and quickly became an integral component of IES processes. “The guys and gals here accepted me as their fellow instead of some safety guru watching over them,” says Mark, “we work shoulder to shoulder, and I’ll miss that camaraderie the most.” Held in high regard as a true friend and servant leader by all his colleagues, field and office members alike, Mark takes the greatest pride in being part of the whole.

“Everyone here is on top of their game, I’m just glad to have partnered with them,” says Mark. With IES Portland going on three and a half years of no recordables, Mark leaves us on a high note, “keep doing what you’re doing guys, proud of you all,” he finishes.

As both John and Mark usher into a new life chapter, IES Electrical extends its deepest gratitude for your commitment, leadership and impact on the organization. From members you’ve worked with directly, to members you’ve impacted in passing, you’ve both set a standard of excellence that will continue to inspire IES operations.

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