High voltage worker stories: Ricky Martinez

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general foreman

Prior roles: Foreman/Substation Tech
Location: Piñon Hills California
years in the trade: 18 years 

@Ricky_alyssa_
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Got thrown straight into a 12kV Line position outage. I was scared of everything but I loved it. Made me appreciate the work more. It changed my life for the good.

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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? 

Got my first electrical job in 2006 as a commercial electrical apprentice. Then shortly after was introduced to the substation world and went to work for my good friend's uncle who owned an electrical substation company contracting for Edison. Got thrown straight into a 12kV Line position outage. I was scared of everything but I loved it. Made me appreciate the work more. It changed my life for the good. He said this was the crème of the crop. He was right.

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

People usually misunderstand how complex this work can be. Most people think I just change light bulbs for a living. Some people think just because we don’t have a degree we are dummies. We have worked hard to understand reading prints, electrical theory, wiring schematics, rigging charts, proper grounding procedures.

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

My proudest moment is having the younger generation once they top and reach out and thank me for mentoring them. Knowing you left an impact in their life comes with great reward. You have the ability to change people's lives. Traveling through my apprenticeship regardless whether the company wants you to stay or not. Get out and learn! Be a real journeyman.

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

Our crew has been in some intense night outages in a 12kV rack or 16kV rack where we have to get tons of shit done in tight quarters. Sometimes the light at the end of the tunnel doesn’t get any bigger but we always get it done. We all have to work like a well oiled machine. Once everything is proved and tested it’s a great feeling driving home and knowing you accomplished a tall task.
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Sometimes the light at the end of the tunnel doesn’t get any bigger but we always get it done. We all have to work like a well oiled machine.

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

This job can be hard on the body and mind. Don’t make things complicated. Eat a slice of humble pie every once in a while and ask for advice. No one knows everything, you learn something new everyday.

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

I wish someone would have told me how tough the balance at home (wife,kids,school,sports) and working on the road would be. Some people really don’t care about anything but work but there’s more to life. Surround yourself with positive people.
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You spend more time with your crew than you do with your family, God forbid we only get one chance in the field. be your brothers keeper

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

A person that thrives teaches you tricks of the trade so the crew can be better as a whole. Having a positive mental attitude, hard work ethic and adversity will get you far in this trade. Be early, open the trailer, think ahead, grab a note pad, set an example. It’s not for the weak. Your reputation will proceed you. A person that show up late, wants to leave early, doesn’t pay attention to detail or think ahead. You gotta want it.

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

I tell anyone that wants to listen, to get in the trades if they have the opportunity. It’s an industry that will always need quality craftsmen and will teach you a great way of life. The amount of stuff I’ve learned on the road working with my hands and seeing new things will never be taken from me.
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Some people think just because we don’t have a degree we are dummies. We have worked hard to understand reading prints, electrical theory, wiring schematics, rigging charts, proper grounding procedures.

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

 I worked non-union for my first few years in the trade. Once we joined in with local 47 in 2012 the pay was tremendously different. The brotherhood you build along your career is memorable. People come and go but you always keep in touch. You spend more time with your crew than you do with your family, God forbid we only get one chance in the field, be your brother's keeper!

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

We build gang operated and MOD disconnects often. I remember as an apprentice installing 4 sets of 220kV disconnects just when we thought we were done our superintendent came in and said they are all backwards. We were like WTF!?! We got caught up in just building and not paying close attention to the prints. I make an effort to not make that mistake again with all my crews.
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Knowing you left an impact in their life comes with great reward. You have the ability to change peoples lives. 

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

Stacking Overtime has pros and cons. Traveling is fun. I would recommend doing it in your younger years of the trade if you are trying to build a family. Money can always be replaced. You can always chase the money. You don’t want to end up chasing your past wishing you spent more time with your wife and kids. Be present. Time with your loved ones can’t be replaced.

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

So far I am enjoying learning the General Foreman role. I’m always ready to be out of my comfort zone and try something new. 

I enjoy being out in the field with the crew. I take it day by day.

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.

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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.