JULIE One-Call

Toolbox Talks

Education EN ↓ 6 episodes

Your go-to resource for safe digging and protecting Illinois underground infrastructure. Each episode we will share practical tips, real stories, and expert insights to help you dig smart, stay safe and keep your projects on solid ground.

Author

JULIE One-Call

Episodes

Toolbox Talks ep 6: Inside Illinois' Utility Damage Enforcement System w/ Bill Daniel 08.07.2026 22:54

What happens when utility locates aren't completed on time? Who enforces Illinois' safe digging laws? And what should excavators do when they're following the rules but still can't get their marks? In this episode of JULIE's Toolbox Talks, host Brian MacKenzie sits down with Bill Daniel, Manager of One Call Education & Enforcement at the Illinois Commerce Commission (I...

Toolbox Talks Ep 5: Why “Watch and Protect” Could Save Lives on the Job Site w/ Aaron Hoerchler 14.05.2026 19:50

What exactly is the “Watch and Protect” program — and why is it becoming such an important part of safe excavation in Illinois? In this episode of Julie’s Toolbox Talks, host Jill Sailer and co-host Brian MacKenzie sit down with Aaron Hoerchler, Operations Manager for Kinder Morgan and Treasurer on the JULIE Board, to discuss how Watch and Protect helps prevent dangerous utility damages and keeps...

Toolbox Talks Ep 4: Behind the Paint: Real Stories from a Utility Locator with Billy Blackstock 09.04.2026 19:19

Ever wonder what happens before the digging even begins? In this episode of Julie’s Toolbox Talks, we go behind the scenes with a real utility locator to uncover the critical role they play in keeping excavation projects safe. From early morning ticket reviews to navigating job site hazards, this conversation dives into the daily life, challenges, and evolving technology of the locating profession...

Toolbox Talks Ep 3: What Makes a Good Locate Request with Kim Kennedy 10.03.2026 16:53

What makes a good locate request? In this episode of JULIE’s Toolbox Talks, we go behind the dig ticket to explore how better communication and preparation can help keep excavation projects safe and on schedule. Host Jill Sailer and co-host Brian MacKenzie are joined by Kim Kennedy, Operations Coordinator for Electric Conduit Construction and Midwestern Contractors. Kim manages up to 100,000 dig t...

Toolbox Talks Ep 2: Inside JULIE’s Remote Ticket Entry Program with Paula Browning 04.02.2026 18:48

Remote Ticket Entry (RTE) is changing how excavators and contractors submit locate requests—and making the process safer, faster, and more accurate. In this episode of JULIE’s Toolbox Talks, host Jill Sailer and co-host Brian MacKenzie sit down with Paula Browning, JULIE’s Member and Remote Services Manager, to break down how Remote Ticket Entry works and why it’s such a powerful tool for today’s...

Toolbox Talks Ep 1: JULIE Essentials Courses & How Education Drives Safe Digging with Amy Chmura 08.01.2026 17:07

Welcome to the first episode of JULIE’s Toolbox Talks, your go-to resource for safe digging and protecting Illinois’ underground infrastructure. In this episode, host Jill Sailer is joined by co-host Brian Mackenzie and special guest Amy Chmura, JULIE’s Director of Education and Strategic Projects, to explore JULIE Essentials — JULIE’s free, online education platform designed for excavators, utili...