What's one thing about this work that outsiders totally misunderstand?
Outsiders typically think of lineman as very arrogant and full of themselves. While that may be true for some, most of the lineman I have met have been very down to earth and are out to help the community just as much as they are out to get the money.
What's the hardest part (physical/mental) of the job and how do you handle it?
We were in Tallahassee Fl after 3 tornados had came through. It was the 2nd day of us being there when we pulled into a neighborhood that looked like it was destroyed. The bird dog from their utility told the customers that it would most likely be 3 to 4 days before they had power. Our crew pulled in and saw so many kids outside and families sifting through what was left of their neighborhood and we knew we had to do better. We restored power to the whole neighborhood in 6 hours and I will never forget the sound of them celebrating when we closed the division fuse in.
What kind of person thrives in this work? What kind of person doesn't?
The type of people that thrive in this line of work are problem solvers. We don’t always have a great way to get the job done or even the correct materials, but no matter what “can’t” is not in our vocabulary.
How do you handle stacking OT or traveling for the job while having a family?
Overtime can have both positive and negative effects on your family. Time away from family can never be made up, but the money that can be made also changes the path of the family. Its all about the balance that works for your family. You have to have someone with you who is a teammate and that can understand both sides of the coin.
What's your career path look like (past, present, and future plans)?
In the future, id love to be teaching and spreading my knowledge and experience to as many people as possible. I want to make a difference even bigger than linework. I want to show people what we do and go through and help them understand us better as well as connect with younger people so they see that college is not the only option to success.
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We don’t always have a great way to get the job done or even the correct materials, but no matter what “can’t” is not in our vocabulary.
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we’re opening the floor to the folks who do the work
⚡ Features of real workers in the trade ⚡ Craft features
⚡ Tips for the trade
Just real experiences, real lessons learned, and real advice from people who do this work every day.
High Voltage Industries started because the most dangerous and essential work in America is also the most invisible. You put your lives on the line every single day and people don't even know what you do.
We're here to share your stories and honor the sacrifices you make so people can flip a switch every day. And we make gear for those who literally risk their lives to keep the world running.
This is your story
Working in conditions others won't face, taking risks others can’t even imagine, solving problems others can't understand, carrying responsibility others can't handle. The grid doesn't maintain itself.
We're telling that story.
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