IGSHPA Spotlight Interview with Sheri Rice

Name:
Sheri Rice

Company, Position & Title:
Fire & Ice Geothermal, LLC, General Manager

How long have you worked in the Geo Industry?
22 Years

How did you get into the Geo Industry/Why did you choose to work in Geo?
I was trying to be a stay-at-home mom with my 3-year-old daughter at the time and realized that she and I both needed much more contact with other people in our lives. My dad was working for Fire & Ice Geothermal at the time. So, I knew the owner, Ray Bayliff. I kept asking Ray if there was anything I could do, like mow his pastures, clean the barns, fill in at the office, etc. He finally sat me down and showed me how to read a set of plans and conduct a material take off, and the rest is history! Over the years I have had the incredible opportunity to learn from this pioneer in the industry and take multiple classes and expand on my geothermal education. I have had the pleasure of getting involved with the design of some incredibly unique systems and outside-the-box projects.

Tell us what you love about your job.

I love the challenge that goes along with creating a design for a project that is unlike any other. There are so many unique challenges and so many opportunities to create systems that do so much more than the typical space heating and cooling that people think of. It is enjoyable to work through the challenges and come up with something that not only works but is incredibly efficient and gives the customer a better system than they even hoped for.

What do you want to see for the future of the Geothermal Industry?

I would like to see people look at Geothermal Systems as the norm instead of something only the rich can do. Geothermal HVAC should be the most common type of system out there. I would also like to see equipment manufacturers focus more on affordability than on efficiency. Geo Systems are highly efficient but can be made much more affordable for the common homeowner while retaining the high efficiency that is unique to Geothermal Systems.

Three interesting facts about yourself?

Since the loss of my husband, I have been setting up a 10-acre homestead with chickens, ducks, meat rabbits, and mini cattle.

I have been making homemade soap for about 8 years and have not purchased a single bar of soap in that time!

I enjoy gardening, reading, knitting, and spending time with my grown daughter.