Flippin' the Switch

A light switch feels ordinary until you stand in a place that has never had one. We sit down with journeyman lineman Joe Zernhild from Jones-Onslow EMC, who volunteered for a mission trip to Guatemala alongside 14 linemen from electric cooperatives across North Carolina. It is Joe’s first time out of the country, and he walks us through what it takes to say yes, get outside your comfort zone, and use your trade to deliver something life-changing: electricity access. Joe shares the reality of...

Career Day gets a lot more interesting when the kids take the mic. We’re at Clearview Elementary with students who tell us what they learned about Jones Onslow EMC, what electricity powers in their homes, and what they’d change if they could give “electric powers” to anything from a bed to a flying carpet. Subscribe to Flippin’ the Switch, share this with a parent or teacher, and leave us a review. Then follow us on social media to stay in the loop with Jones Onslow EMC.

Your winter bill doesn’t have to be a mystery. We sit down with Member Services representative Staci Berkner to unpack the hidden habits that raise costs, the simple tweaks that actually work, and the free tools that help you manage energy like a pro. From the 68-degree thermostat baseline to spotting when auxiliary heat kicks in, we walk through how to interpret your daily usage, connect it to real-life choices, and act before a small spike becomes an expensive surprise. We also highlight k...

On this episode of Flippin' the Switch, we highlight how United Way of Onslow County shows what happens when generosity works like infrastructure—steady, practical, and built to last. Raquel Painter joins us to share how small, consistent acts can have a real impact: students are fed through the CHEW program, families gain access to fresh produce, and neighbors move from crisis to stable housing with wraparound support. Raquel walks us through their model—funding vetted nonprofits, coordinati...

Leadership born from experience stands at the heart of our latest Flippin' the Switch episode featuring Ricky Maready, Jones-Onslow EMC's new CEO who brings an extraordinary 37 years of cooperative service to his role. Ricky's journey from load management technician to chief executive offers a masterclass in understanding electric cooperative operations from the ground up. This front-row seat to Jones-Onslow's evolution has shaped his leadership philosophy, which he summarizes beautifully as ...

Grab your peanuts and Cracker Jacks! Summer in Jacksonville means baseball season is in full swing, and we're diving deep into the heart of our hometown team. Ever wondered how a summer collegiate baseball team comes to life? Dylan Hughes, General Manager of the Jacksonville Ospreys, takes us behind the scenes of creating a baseball tradition from scratch. What began as a simple desire to avoid long drives to neighboring cities for baseball games has blossomed into a community cornerst...

In honor of Month of the Military Child, we’re spotlighting the power of storytelling to reflect the lives and resilience of military kids. In this heartwarming episode, we sit down with Quincy Martin—Jones-Onslow employee, US Marine veteran, and proud uncle—whose children’s book "Breezy’s World Adventure" draws deeply from his global travels and military service. The story follows Breezy, a curious 10-year-old girl, as she explores Japan, London, Australia, and Dubai—mirroring the journeys o...

Ready for warmer weather? Your home's energy needs are about to shift, and we've got you covered with essential tips to make the transition smooth and cost-effective. The winter-to-spring changeover in eastern North Carolina brings unique energy challenges. That's why we invited our energy services representative TJ Smith to share expert advice on preparing your home for the warmer months while keeping your energy bills in check. TJ walks us through the critical importance of spring HVAC mai...

Discover the incredible journey of LaShea Cavers, a trailblazer in business diversity and a beacon of inspiration for budding entrepreneurs. After two decades of serving in the Marine Corps, LaShea transitioned from a career in food service to higher education in psychology, ultimately carving her niche in business psychology. Her dedication to fostering minority entrepreneurship and her deep connection to Jacksonville's vibrant community are nothing short of inspiring. In part one of this sp...

Unlock the spirit of the season and learn how community kindness can light up lives through our latest inspiring conversation. Jennifer Rawls from Jones-Onslow’s Member Services Department shares moving stories about the Power Bucks program. Discover how you can contribute to easing the burden for those facing tough times by giving the gift of energy, whether to someone you know or anonymously. Jennifer’s hands-on experiences reveal the deep gratitude of those who helped and highlight the tra...

Join us for a heartwarming celebration of Co-op Month as we share the inspiring journey of Mary Ann Gurganus, who has devoted 54 years to Jones-Onslow EMC. Her story is a testament to the remarkable technological advancements and unwavering community spirit that define the cooperative experience. We also take a nostalgic look back at Jones-Onslow EMC’s 85-year history, spotlighting its growth from humble origins to a cornerstone of community strength. But the conversation doesn't stop there....

Curious about how cooperative principles can shape the future of our youth? In this episode of Flippin' the Switch, we take you on an enlightening journey with Carson Lee, a rising senior from Jacksonville High School, as well as Caleb Snyder and Corinne Renny, both students from Jones Senior High School. Carson shares heartfelt stories from his time at the North Carolina Cooperative Camp, Caleb reflects on the transformative Washington DC Youth Tour, and Corinne shares the valuable lessons l...

What does it take to keep our power lines clear and our homes well-lit? Join us on this captivating episode of "Flippin' the Switch" as we celebrate Right-of-Way Professionals Week with special guest, James Collins. As a dedicated right-of-way worker at Jones-Onslow for nearly eight years, James opens up about his journey into the world of vegetation management. From early morning equipment checks to maneuvering around power lines and homeowners' properties, James shares the intricacies of hi...