High voltage worker stories: Derek Gonzales

Title

Tool Specialist for Hubbell (CHANCE,RIPLEY,BURNDY)

Prior roles: Journeyman Linemen/cable splicer/Trainer
Location: San Antonio, Texas

years in the trade: 25 years
Title

One of the most fulfilling parts of this work is being able to pass down knowledge — not just to younger workers coming into the trade, but also to older hands who maybe never had someone really teach them.

Title

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

NOMINATE A CREW MEMBER

Tell us what to cover next

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

I grew up with blue‑collar parents who always pushed me toward getting into a trade. That foundation really set the direction for me. I started out on the gas side at a local utility, and pretty early on I had a great boss who saw something in me and encouraged me to move over to the electric side. I took his advice, made the switch, and began as a trainee — and that’s what set the whole path in motion.

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

A lot of people on the outside don’t realize just how strong the brotherhood and community are in this trade. There’s a real sense of looking out for each other, learning from one another, and taking pride in the craft. The fulfillment that comes from doing skilled work with people you trust is something you can’t really explain until you’ve lived it.
Title

A lot of people on the outside don’t realize just how strong the brotherhood and community are in this trade.

Title

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

One of the most fulfilling parts of this work is being able to pass down knowledge — not just to younger workers coming into the trade, but also to older hands who maybe never had someone really teach them. Sharing what I’ve learned, watching something click for someone, and seeing them grow in confidence and skill… that’s one of the best feelings in this craft. It keeps the trade strong, and it feels good knowing you’re contributing to the next generation.

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

Some of the most intense moments on the job are working outages that affect multiple customers at once — especially when critical infrastructure is down. In those situations, the pressure is real. You’re balancing safety, speed, and precision, knowing that people are counting on you to get things back online. It’s demanding work, but it’s also where the craft really shows itself, and where teamwork and experience matter most.

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

The physical side of this trade is tough — that’s a given. Nothing we work with is lightweight or easy, and there’s a reason for that. But honestly, the mental side is even harder. Being away from family takes a toll, and when you’re the one in charge, every decision matters. You’re responsible for keeping your crew safe and protecting the public at the same time. That kind of pressure stays with you, and learning how to balance it while staying focused is one of the biggest challenges in this line of work.
 

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

I wish someone had told me to listen more and talk less. When you’re new, you feel like you need to prove yourself, but the real growth comes from slowing down, paying attention, and learning from the people around you. Listening first not only makes you better at the craft — it keeps you and everyone else safer.

What kind of person thrives in this work?

The people who really succeed in this trade are the ones who show up with the right mindset — open to learning, willing to be taught, and ready to put in the work. A strong work ethic goes a long way. If you can take direction, stay humble, and stay hungry to improve, you’ll do well. This trade rewards people who want to grow.

What kind of person who doesn't thrive in this work?

People who struggle in this trade are usually the ones who come in closed‑minded, lazy, or unwilling to communicate. If someone isn’t open to learning or thinks they already know everything, it shows fast. This work demands effort, awareness, and a willingness to grow — without that, it’s hard to make it in the trade.

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

If you’re considering getting into this trade, really take the time to think before jumping in. The work is incredibly rewarding, but it also comes with a lot of sacrifice and, at times, loss. You have to be honest with yourself about whether you have what it takes — the mindset, the discipline, and the resilience. This job demands commitment, responsibility, and the ability to make the right decisions under pressure. If you’re ready for that, the trade can give you a career you can be proud of.
Title

The fulfillment that comes from doing skilled work with people you trust is something you can’t really explain until you’ve lived it.

Title

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

I’ve worked in both union and non‑union environments, but I’ve never been the type to compare the two. For me, the most important things have always been the same: work hard, stay safe, and take pride in the quality of your work. As long as the crew is doing things the right way and looking out for each other, that’s what matters most to me.
 

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

I’ve had situations where we experienced some bad faults because of poorly insulated blankets. It could’ve ended a lot worse, but thankfully no one was injured. Moments like that stay with you — they remind you why attention to detail, proper equipment, and never cutting corners matter so much. It reinforced the importance of slowing down, checking your gear, and never assuming everything is good just because it’s been fine before.
Title

I wish someone had told me to listen more and talk less. When you’re new, you feel like you need to prove yourself, but the real growth comes from slowing down, paying attention, and learning from the people around you.

Title

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

Traveling in this trade while having a family takes a lot out of you. It’s one of the hardest parts of the job, and honestly, it’s a big reason why the divorce rate in this line of work is so high. Being gone so much is tough on everyone. Unfortunately, it’s also a reality of the business — the work doesn’t always happen close to home, and when the call comes, you go. It’s a sacrifice you and your family make together, and it’s something people should understand before stepping into this trade.
 

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

I started out in the trade as a trainee and then went through the NJATC apprenticeship program. After putting in the work and gaining experience, I made journeyman. From there, I transitioned into a trainer role, helping develop the next generation coming into the trade.

 

Now I’ve moved into the corporate side, working with a manufacturer that makes the parts and tools I grew up using in the field. It’s been a full-circle experience — taking what I learned hands‑on and applying it to improve the products crews rely on every day.



 

Hopefully, this is just the beginning, and I’m looking forward to continuing to grow from here.
 

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

NOMINATE A CREW MEMBER

Tell us what to cover next

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.

Best for the crew