For Jason Depuydt, being out in the field and making a direct impact is not just part of the job — it is what makes the work meaningful.
Jason started at Frontier a year ago and has been a valuable member of the Frontier team serving as the lead auditor for the Low-Income Rental Efficiency (LIRE) program. Focused on one to four-unit rental properties, Jason works closely with property managers and tenants to identify energy-saving opportunities in heating systems, water heaters, and insulation. “I think of myself as a field guy,” he shared. “Helping people solve concrete problems — like getting heat restored in the winter — is what drives me.”
Jason brings a diverse skill set to his role, blending hands-on experience from farm work and road construction with strong communication and teaching abilities from his background in English education. “All my training in energy auditing was on the job. I didn’t even know this field existed when I started. But I’ve learned as I’ve gone and really enjoy both the hands-on and educational aspects,” he said.
One of Jason's most rewarding experiences so far has involved a long-term project in Brainerd, where he has worked closely with a property owner managing dozens of rental homes demonstrating his commitment to building strong client relationships and navigating complex situations. Jason has adapted well to the increased responsibility of seeing projects through from start to finish. His coworkers describe him as knowledgeable, friendly, and adaptable — and his collaborative spirit shines both in the field and with his team.
Jason values the culture at Frontier, noting the willingness of colleagues to collaborate and share knowledge. “Everyone here is open and friendly. When I run into something new, someone is always willing to help workshop it,” he said. Jason also credits his colleague Alexia Harrison for being a great partner in building the LIRE program.
Outside of work, Jason enjoys video games, particularly retro Nintendo games—as well as reading and collecting Transformers. He also spends time gardening with his wife and chasing after his three cats. Reflecting on his journey, Jason credits his father’s encouragement and steady support as key motivators in navigating his career path. “It wasn’t a catchy phrase, but my dad always supported me through the twists and turns of figuring out my career path and that kind of support has been really meaningful,” he said.
With his technical expertise and commitment to helping others, Jason continues to play a vital role in LIRE’s success and in building a culture of support and service at Frontier Energy.