I have to admit that it was a great idea for me to write about and introduce city staff. It forces me out of the office. It allows me the opportunity to take time to meet with and get to know many of the employees and staff at the City of Pekin. An opportunity to get to know them on a more personal level. There are many dedicated individuals at the City, but one certainly stands out. He is none other than our Chief Building Official, Nic Maquet.

Nic is a Pekinite through and through. I often tease him that I find it strange that he knows everyone around or is somehow related to them. While we joke about this from time to time, I also find it to be a resource for me personally, as when I need to know the history on something, Nic is my go-to individual on this. If he doesn’t know the answer, he most certainly knows how to get me there. 

Nic became involved with the City of Pekin in 2017 when he was contracted as our plumbing inspector. In 2021 administration made a change that involved city inspections and this department was outsourced to a company called Safebuilt. In 2022 the City brought inspections back in-house and Nic was hired as the Chief Building Official. This was probably one of the best decisions at the time. I find Nic to be one of the most detail-oriented individuals I have ever met. Nic takes pride in his work and he spends many hours at City Hall, much of that time after hours, to make sure things are prepared for various meetings such as the zoning board. I find myself telling Nic, more often than not, that it is time to go home. His response…. “I will. I have one more thing to do.”  That is dedication.

Nic started working as a plumber in a family business and moved into a foreman role. Nick has been a certified plumbing inspector since 2014. He holds numerous certifications such as asbestos inspections, zoning, building, and mechanical just to name a few. Nic is the go-to on many topics, and if he does not know the answer, he will certainly find it for you.

I asked Nic what is something about you that not many people know?  His answer…Nic is an ordained minister. (I will admit I contemplated confession at this moment. LOL). When Nic told me this, he had that smile on his face and I thought this was a test of how far he could lead me down that path. He really is, folks. It is confirmed he is an ordained minister. He is available for weddings. Nic is also a fourth-generation plumber and served as a volunteer fireman for the Cincinnati Township Fire Protection District.

What does Nic like to do in his downtime?  (If that is even a thing for him). Nic enjoys going to auctions and finding the antiques and history of Pekin. He likes to restore cars, and he enjoys fishing and vacationing in Tennessee. There is a Mrs. Maquet and five children too. To say Nic is busy is most certainly an understatement.

Working with Nic is a pleasure and he is certainly an asset to Pekin and we are Lucky to Have Him!