Helping Neighbors Save Money on their Energy Bills: Cory Falabella
For nearly all his life, Cory Falabella, 35, worked either for himself or for family members, outdoors, on the ocean, and in all kinds of conditions-- just as many of his family did before him.
But instead of being out working in the weather, Falabella now helps people weatherize their homes in Downeast Maine with Downeast Community Partners, thanks to their Clean Energy Partnership (CEP) program and the Governor's Energy Office. The CEP initiative pays to train Mainers for in-demand clean energy jobs, and many find employment immediately after completing a certification process.
“If it’s too cold outside now, I’m working in an office,” he said. “I’ve never experienced that before.”
Cory’s journey to a certified Energy Auditor and a Quality Control Inspector with Downeast Community Partners started with CEP training listed on Indeed.
“I’ve never had a job in my life,” he said. “I’ve always worked for family or myself, so I have no references.” But after his initial inquiry, he got a great impression from his future boss, Dale Basher, and decided to give it a try.
“They took a chance on me, and I took a chance on them,” Cory said. “I tried it and I haven’t looked back. I haven’t even set any lobster traps this year.”
Dale Basher, Director of Housing Services at Downeast Community Partners couldn’t be happier that Cory took a chance with them.
“Cory is a quick study with great social skills and has a keen eye for attention to detail. However, it’s Cory’s empathic accuracy that’s played a key role in his success. He was a lobsterman in Downeast Maine and the impact of climate change directly impacted his family. It’s these types of personal experiences that allow Cory to view his community through a different lens. Cory’s new career path as an Energy Auditor has allowed him to have an impact on climate change by reducing 21% of Maine’s Residential Carbon Dioxide emissions from heating fuel combustion. He’s also impacting the effects of poverty by reducing energy costs for Maine’s most vulnerable populations. We believe this is what the Governor’s Climate Action Plan “Maine Won’t Wait” is all about.”
Cory began his training in March 2023 with nine other new employees as part of the Washington County College Apprenticeship Program and was the top performer, completing hundreds of competencies to complete 7 certifications and 2 licensing requirements.
Today, he goes fishing for fun with his daughters, ages 12 and 14. His lobster boat is still in the water, but his job now is focusing on home weatherization, auditing of homes for efficiency, and final inspections, all of which help his clients save money on energy costs.
“I feel lucky because I really like this job,” he said. “I told my wife I kind of hit the lottery when I got it.”
But for Cory, it’s also bigger than that-- it’s also about making sure he’s diligent in the work he does and a quality inspection.
“You have people’s lives in your hands,” he said. “It’s about keeping people safe.”