Evan Shearer’s roots may not be in Benton, but he emphasizes local hiring for his team at ABBCO Services Corporation, the custodial service provider for the Benton School System. Born and raised in Cahokia, Illinois, within the St. Louis metropolitan area, Evan has come to regard Benton as his home, proudly noting that all nine staff members reside in town. “Everyone’s right here in town,” Evan remarks, his smile reflecting a sense of community and belonging.

Before relocating to Southern Illinois and joining ABBCO Services two and a half years ago, Evan dedicated over two decades to the Cahokia School System. His initial ten years there laid the foundation for a career that would later see him pursuing studies in HVAC systems and transitioning to their maintenance department. Despite enjoying his role, the allure of Southern Illinois, with its tranquility and slower pace of life, beckoned to him and his family.

“I walked away from a twenty-year career to come here, believe it or not,” Evan shares with a laugh. “I left there to embrace the peace and quiet of Southern Illinois. It’s a different world here, quieter. I live just outside town, near Christopher, but everyone calls it Benton.”

Evan’s connection to Southern Illinois stems from childhood visits to his grandparents in Sesser, where he spent summers fishing on Rend Lake. These early experiences grew into a lifelong passion, with Evan frequently returning to the region for hunting and fishing adventures, making it an unofficial second home long before the move.

Today, Evan’s team is instrumental in maintaining the cleanliness and safety of a campus that serves around a thousand students. With three employees on the day shift and six on the second shift, they manage a significant workload, each taking responsibility for numerous classrooms and common areas. “They handle a pretty good load and do a wonderful job,” Evan says, his voice imbued with pride as he reflects on his staff’s daily achievements.

Evan also keeps himself busy outside of work, running his own HVAC business, Shearer Heating and Cooling. Founded after obtaining his HVAC degree, the business has been a constant in his life, even as he had to rebuild it following his move to Benton. Despite the challenges, Evan finds fulfillment in balancing his business with the stability of his school job. “I’ve always been around schools, around kids. It feels like second nature to me.”

Reflecting on his Benton experience, Evan appreciates the community’s slower pace and the warmth of its people. “It’s been a refreshing change. The people are friendly, and the kids show a lot of respect. It’s quite different from what I’ve experienced elsewhere, and that’s what I enjoy most about being here.”

Evan Shearer’s journey from a bustling career in Cahokia to a life of community and quiet in Benton encapsulates a deliberate choice for quality of life, showcasing the profound impact of such a move on personal and professional fulfillment.