High voltage worker stories: Maverick Peterson

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jl / foreman

Location: Hillsboro Oregon
years in the trade: 26 years 

@highvoltagemaverick
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In the case of wire coming down, or an equipment failure, you MUST stay calm, communicate, trust your team, think, Then let your training take over. 

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Stories in the trade

This series hands the mic to the folks who keep the lights on—how they got in, what they’ve seen, and where the trade’s headed

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How did you first hear about the trade and how did you get into your first role? 

I was a meter reader at our local utility (started in 1990), the big trucks and equipment fascinated me. I became friends with one of the lineman and he would let me pull the digger and bucket truck out for him in the mornings, he also showed me how to fill the water and clean the truck for the upcoming day. I then did this for him from then on. When our utility opened up apprenticeship positions, I applied and got one.

What’s one thing about this work that outsiders totally misunderstand?

All the hard work, hours and meticulous planning to be successful and safe. Plan, plan and plan some more. 

What’s your proudest moment on the job so far?

I'm proud that I was usually chosen for more complex, or harder jobs and projects. A good foreman explained that they only choose those they have faith and confidence in. I was a RAGING alcoholic, drinking a 750ml of Absolute vodka every two days. 12 years ago I put it down, cold turkey. Since then I've lost 190 pounds.

What’s the most high-pressure or intense situation you’ve had to handle?

With lifework and being a foreman, there’s always pressure or self induced pressure to do a job well and do it safe. Stringing over energized conductor, over a busy freeway, or emergency work will make you learn to know and trust the team you have. 
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With lifework and being a foreman, there’s always pressure or self induced pressure to do a job well and do it safe

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What’s the hardest part (physical/mental) of the job and how do you handle it?

The hardest part for me is the unknowns and the uncontrollable. My OCD keeps me up at night trying to plan, think and dream of perfection. All it takes is that one cranky customer or employee to make things more stressful and challenging. In the world of being a contractor lineman—nobody has your back. 

What do you wish someone had told you when you first started on the job?

I'd give anything to have a smart person teach me about money. Saving those paychecks and building wealth for retirement. When you’re young and dumb, it seems like retirement age is a million miles away, but it's right around the corner
Brother's Keeper Keychain - High Voltage Industries
Brother's Keeper Keychain - High Voltage Industries
Brother's Keeper Keychain - High Voltage Industries
Brother's Keeper Keychain - High Voltage Industries
Brother's Keeper Keychain - High Voltage Industries

Brother's Keeper Keychain

$13.00

A TIME-HONORED REMINDER THAT NOW CLIPS ONTO ANYWHERE YOU NEED IT

 

We all need that little nudge sometimes especially when your mind's on a thousand other things. It’s sturdy, it’s blunt and it’s all about making sure you and your crew come home in one piece.

 

Built to clip onto wherever you need a reminder, because at the end of the day it's all about doing the job right and living to tell the tale.

 
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Self starters with common sense and can listen do amazing

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What kind of person thrives in this work? What kind of person doesn’t?

Self starters with common sense and can listen do amazing. People that try to outthink, don’t listen or think they know everything will struggle every time, all their life.

What advice would you give to someone who's just thinking about joining the trades?

Find someone who’s done it awhile, see if they can show you the job, possibly visit a job site and be honest with yourself. If hard work, weather or cranky customers scare you, maybe find a better fit. 

Have you worked in both union and non-union environments? 

I've only ever been IBEW 1245, but there is a HUGE difference between a “utility” lineman or working as a contractor. The utility will most always have or get any tool that makes a job easier or safer. The small contractor I work for will always take a short cut, if you don’t recognize it and squash it. I'll always call out for safety.

What’s something that went wrong on the job but taught you something important?

 I've had more than one hard lesson learned. Unfortunately, In the case of a wire coming down, or an equipment failure, you MUST stay calm, communicate, trust your team, think, think , think. Then let your training take over. 
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Im on the hunt to find my forever home, with a team that appreciates good help, good people and getting shit done

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How do you handle stacking OT or traveling for the job while having a family?

The work up here in the Pacific Northwest has been a bit slow for quite some time, so I've had to travel for the last 3 years. OT is optional for me, so I switch between taking it or coming home a day early to be with my beautiful wife and dogs. Traveling is a fact right now. Try to maximize your time at home, make sure you love and hug that family.

What’s your career path look like (past, present, and future plans)?

 I will be 58 in June, but too darn poor to retire. I'm burnt out on traveling, so I am currently exploring all my options. Plenty of utility jobs, but I always like to think outside the box. 

 

For me, I'm on the hunt to find my forever home, with a team that appreciates good help, good people and getting shit done.

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.

We want to hear from you

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We're High Voltage Industries

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.