About Us

John C. Young has been the Analyst/Manager of Energy Consulting at Provident Energy for twelve years. Provident was a customer of his when he worked as a small business information technology consultant. When energy deregulation brought a new opportunity in Pennsylvania, it was a logical and natural career change for John to join Provident as an energy consultant.

He says, “The ongoing data management and operations needs of Provident Energy, at the time, allowed me to use my history and experience in information technology to provide value early on in my new field of energy consulting while I learned the (energy) industry.”

John's hometown is Havertown, PA, and he attended the University of Pennsylvania, earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business. He gained experience in the information management field at his first job at a regional bank from 2001 through 2006 before moving to small business IT consulting.
John Young's professional strengths include dedication and investment in positive outcomes for clients. He believes in developing a sense of urgency for client needs and is determined to provide clients with a clear understanding of how proposed changes will impact them. In addition, he is a member of the Greater Philadelphia Association of Energy Engineers.

When talking about what he likes best about working at Provident, he said, "I like the opportunity to interact and educate clients, to help them identify ways to lower costs and save energy. Questions from clients help me to better understand their needs and provide all clients with the best answers.”

He and his family have lived in Media, PA, for over six years. When not working, he likes playing roller hockey in a men’s league and golf in various charity outings around Philadelphia and the nearby beach areas. He also enjoys supporting his children, ages 3 and 5, in their various sports activities from dance to t-ball.

Michael Lang has been with Provident Energy Consulting since he graduated from Penn State in 1999. Being with the company for over 22 years, he started his career here as an Energy Analyst, soon moving on to a Senior Energy Analyst position. After serving as Principal Analyst, Michael became the Director of Energy Consulting about five years ago.

Michael thinks it’s amazing that he has worked at only one company and has been with Provident for 22 years. What he likes best about working at Provident is “the partnerships we have with our clients.” He understands how important those relationships are, and his experience and energy contribute extensively to all the company’s endeavors. A highly motivated professional, he attributes his success and longevity at Provident to his diligent, steadfast nature and dedication to client needs and goals.

Since earning his degree from Penn State, Michael has been certified as an Energy Manager by the Association of Energy Engineers. He’s also a member of that association, the Pennsylvania Association of School Business Officials (PASBO), and the Greater Philadelphia Association of Energy Engineers (GPAEE).

Michael Lang’s hometown is Media, PA, but he has loved living in Philadelphia for 22 years since graduating from college and joining Provident. Michael likes spending time at the beach or traveling with his family when he's not working. He's also a sports enthusiast, especially when it comes to football. He played and coached football for more than 15 years.

TJ Schenkel joined the Provident Energy team in August 2022 as an Energy Development Engineer. He started his career in the sustainable building consulting field after earning a degree in Energy Engineering from Penn State. He spent three years working at Sustainable Solution Companies in the green building industry. From 2018 through August 2022, he worked for The Vertex Companies in environmental due diligence before coming to Provident.

What he likes best about working at Provident, is how much he admires and appreciates everyone on the team. He enjoys collaborating and being part of the group. His professional strengths include attention to detail and a complete dedication to each task he undertakes.

In addition to his bachelor’s degree in Energy Engineering from Penn State, TJ has continued to develop in the field, earning additional professional certifications. These certifications include being a LEED Accredited Professional for Existing Building - Operation and Maintenance. He is also an AEE Certified Energy Manager, an ITC Level 1 Thermographer, and a member of the Association of Energy Engineers.

Richboro, PA is TJ's hometown, but he has lived in Manayunk, PA, since graduating from college. He loves being outdoors and recently has enjoyed spending time exploring Pennsylvania's many state parks. He likes working on and driving unique cars, including his 1979 Alfa Romeo Spider. He also has a passion for home renovation projects and has recently renovated his kitchen.

Russell Heist started as an Energy Analyst with Provident in early 2020. His two Bachelor of Science degrees in Energy Business and Finance and Economics from Pennsylvania State University prepared him well to help clients understand energy buying choices and their advantages.

After graduating from college, he spent some months helping manage his township’s landscaping division before learning about Provident Energy from a college friend in the same degree program. He loved the small company atmosphere at Provident and happily accepted his position in February of 2020, just before the COVID shutdowns started.

Working from home was a little challenging, but Russell soon discovered that everyone in the company had close relationships despite physical distancing. His personable demeanor has helped him quickly grow relationships with his clients. He prides himself on being dedicated, organized, and detail-oriented. Since the offices reopened in the Spring of 2021, Russell has grown in his position, gaining additional knowledge and experience in the energy consulting field.

Russell Heist’s hometown is Warrington, PA, but he's lived in Philadelphia for the past three years, where he passionately follows all the Philly sports teams. When he's not working, he also likes spending time hiking and snowboarding in nearby resort areas and just hanging out with family and friends.