Solving The Mysteries: Cooper Beaudet’s Story

PLYMOUTH – An interest in physics and chemistry, coupled with an aptitude in maths and sciences seemed like a natural gravitational pull toward an engineering career for Cooper Beaudet. 

The engineering associate has been at the Co-op about a year and likens some of his work, including the mysteries of voltage interruptions and system coordination, to being a little Sherlock Holmes mixed with Tetris.  

Cooper is part of our team of engineers at the Co-op who collaborate to solve problems – from the simple to the complex – to better serve our members. Sometimes, it takes some digging. 

At other times, issues are just a matter of a member’s needs changing with more devices and additions such as hot tubs. Or maybe hiccups come with the demands of a growing neighborhood that requires upsizing transformers.  

“I work really closely with my colleagues and superiors,” Cooper said. “I feel like I am becoming a better engineer because I learn so much from them and the expertise they bring to the table.” 

He also said he learns a lot from members. “I get to know them and ask what their problems are firsthand. I see it on paper first, but you get a lot more from people when they explain it to you themselves and describe the issues they’re experiencing. That helps me help them,” he said.  

“Members put a lot of trust in you and they should. Having that trust allows you to effectively work the best way you can. If there’s too many roadblocks and bureaucracy gets in the way, you can’t do what’s best for the company and what’s best for the members,” Cooper said.  

Sometimes, he also learns about members’ lives. “Just recently I talked to someone who has solar and this has been their project since they’ve retired. They walked me through why they’re doing it and they are trying to live as much off the grid as possible, which is interesting,” he said. 

Outside of work, Cooper, who is newly engaged, enjoys cooking and eating, as well as travelling to other countries. He also is studying Spanish, his fiancée Juli’s native tongue. They met when Juli, a native of Colombia, was in New Hampshire working with a Guest Visa at a summer camp for people with special needs. They began talking online and about a week later, planned a date.  

“Honestly, it was the best date either of us had been on,” he said. When Juli returned to Colombia, they stayed in touch. After graduation, Cooper spent a month there so they could have quality time together. That’s when he proposed. 

“I just knew it was right,” Cooper said. 

With her fiancée visa recently approved, Juli will be here next month.