PowerGridTalks: From the Bucket Trucks to the Boardrooms

Title: How to Build a Winning Line Crew Culture | Leadership Lessons from Utility Veterans YouTube Description: What separates a good line crew from a great one? In this episode of PowerGridTalks , host Thomas Williamson sits down with veteran linemen Alex Wakeland, Jake Stinnett, and Brandon Corbitt for an in-depth conversation about leadership, crew culture, mentorship, and what it really takes...

If you're serious about becoming a lineman, your Commercial Driver's License (CDL) is one of the most important first steps you can take. In this episode of PowerGridTalks , host Thomas Williamson sits down with Harry Packwood of Idaho CDL Training to break down the CDL process, explain why it's essential for a successful linework career, and share practical advice for anyone looking to enter the...

What does it really take to build a successful career in the electric utility industry? In this episode of PowerGridTalks , host Thomas Williamson sits down with Austin Carr for an in-depth conversation about life in the line trade, the realities of working in the power industry, and the skills required to succeed in one of the most demanding careers in America. From storm restoration and emergenc...

What really happens behind the scenes during a major power outage? In this episode of PowerGridTalks, host Thomas Williamson sits down with Matt Hope of PowerOutage.us to break down how real-time outage data is collected, tracked, and used during some of the biggest storm restorations across the United States. From hurricanes and ice storms to everyday grid disruptions, Matt explains how utilities...

What does real leadership look like in the electric utility industry? In this episode of PowerGridTalks , host Thomas Williamson sits down with veteran lineman Johnny Priest for an in-depth conversation about leadership, crew culture, accountability, safety, and what it takes to earn respect in the line trade. What does real leadership look like in the electric utility industry? In this episode of...

In this episode of PowerGridTalks , host Thomas Williamson sits down with Jimmy Kent , the founder of  ATK Energy Group and Victory Power Line Services . Jimmy shares his journey from working on the lines to building a powerhouse in utility logistics and emergency restoration. As the power industry faces increasingly complex challenges—from massive ice storms to aging infrastructure—the need for r...

What happens when a veteran journeyman lineman, used to restoring power across the country, finds himself sitting in the dark for 17 days? In this episode of PowerGridTalks , host Thomas Williamson sits down with Brian Kannada , a lineman with over 25 years of experience, to discuss the devastating 2026 ice storm that paralyzed North Mississippi. Brian provides a rare, dual perspective—seeing the...

Get an inside look at the real culture of linework in this episode of PowerGridTalks with host Thomas Williamson and special guest Kevin Robinson, founder of Linemen Bullshit. This conversation dives deep into the life of a lineman, from the jobsite to the online community, covering the grit, humor, brotherhood, and realities of working in the electrical utility industry. Kevin shares how Linemen...

What does it take to bring the reality of the trade to the big screen? In this episode of  PowerGrid alks , host Thomas Williamson sits down with Chad Dubea , an industry veteran whose career spans decades, from his early days with Red Simpson to building multiple successful line companies and helping develop the Hollywood film ' Life on the Line' starring John Travolta. Chad isn't just a business...

In this episode of PowerGridTalks, host Thomas Williamson travels to Leesburg, Florida, to sit down with Andy Price. As the founder of the International Lineman's Museum and the Lineman Hall of Fame, Andy has dedicated his life to preserving what he calls "the greatest story never told". The electric utility industry was built on the grit and innovation of early pioneers who often had to forge the...

What is line school really like—and what does it take to make it to the other side? In this episode of PowerGridTalks , host Thomas Williamson sits down with NALTC students for an honest, boots-on-the-ground conversation about the realities of line school. From the physical grind and mental pressure to the growth, pride, and brotherhood that form along the way, these future linemen share what the...

What does it really take to prepare linemen for the realities of the trade—not just the climb, but the career? In this episode of PowerGridTalks , host Thomas Williamson sits down at the North American  Lineman Training Center (NALTC) with Instructor Trey White and Director of Outside Training Tim Rhodes for a candid conversation about training, culture, and the future of linework. This episode go...

In this episode of  PowerGridTalks , host Thomas Williamson sits down with Jake Southern for an honest conversation about the issues in the line trade that few openly discuss: addiction, mental health struggles, isolation, and asking for help . Jake shares his personal journey through the apprenticeship, the pressures of the job, and how the culture of toughness in the electrical industry can some...

In this episode of PowerGridTalks , host Thomas Williamson is joined by Zach Spicer , founder of Line Brothers Keeper , to talk about what happens after the job changes everything —and how the lineman brotherhood steps up when one of our own is hurt. Zach shares the mission behind Line Brothers Keeper and why support, connection, and community matter just as much as safety rules when linemen face...

In this episode of PowerGridTalks , host Thomas Williamson sits down with Brent Jeffries of Bierer Meters / ECOS for a powerful conversation about why true electrical safety goes far beyond rules, checklists, and compliance . Brent shares how safety in the electrical industry must evolve from a policy-driven mindset into a people-first culture of trust, accountability, and leadership . Drawing fro...

In this episode of PowerGridTalks , host Thomas Williamson sits down with Chad Schimpf of Ameren Illinois to break down the job briefing . Chad shares how Ameren is transforming job briefings from a reactive, paperwork-driven task into a proactive safety culture tool that empowers crews, builds better habits, and strengthens communication from apprentices to seasoned linemen. We dive into: ⚡ How...

In this episode of PowerGridTalks , host Thomas Williamson sits down with IBEW representatives Shannon Davis and Glen Sutherland for an honest, detailed conversation about what it really takes to become a union lineman . From understanding the IBEW application process to navigating apprenticeships, training expectations, and long-term career opportunities, this episode breaks down every step of th...

In this episode of PowerGridTalks, host Thomas Williamson interviews Ray Lawyer, Training Superintendent for a major utility company, to uncover what it really takes to build the next generation of linemen. With decades of field and leadership experience, Ray breaks down how utility training programs, hands-on apprenticeships, and real-world simulation technology are shaping the future of the powe...

In this episode of  PowerGridTalks , host  Thomas Williamson  sits down with  Travas Deal ,  CEO of Colorado Springs Utilities , to discuss his remarkable journey from the  U.S. Marine Corps  to leading one of the nation's most respected public utilities. Travas shares how his background in service, discipline, and teamwork has shaped his leadership philosophy and approach to building a resilient,...

In this episode of PowerGridTalks , host Thomas Williamson talks with newly topped-out journeyman Robbie Emery about the dedication, discipline, and drive it takes to become a lineman . Robbie shares his journey from the early days of line school to earning his place on the crew, offering a real look at the challenges and rewards of working in the electric utility industry . They dive into the min...

In this episode of  PowerGridTalks , host Thomas Williamson talks with veteran lineman  Jason Novak  about the lessons he's learned from decades in the trade. From starting out having no idea what a lineman was, to becoming a respected  foreman at Ameren Illinois  and a long-time competitor in the  International Lineman's Rodeo , Jason shares the grit, discipline, and mindset required to thrive in...

In this episode of PowerGridTalks , host Thomas Williamson sits down with journeyman lineman Jesse McKeral , also known on TikTok as  afewclickslow . Jesse shares his unique journey into the trade, starting with a high school youth apprenticeship program that gave him hands-on experience long before line schools became popular. We dive into: How Jesse transitioned from apprentice to journeyman whi...

In this episode of PowerGridTalks , host Tom Williamson sits down with Tammy Kent , co-founder of ATK Energy Group and OneSource Restoration (OSR) , to explore her incredible journey through the utility industry. From her early days helping build a company with her husband, to creating OSR  from the ground up, Tammy shares the resilience, vision, and grit it takes to thrive in such a demanding fie...