PowerGridTalks: From the Bucket Trucks to the Boardrooms

Thomas Williamson
  • 5.0 (7)
  • Management
  • Updated Biweekly

PowerGridTalks: From the Bucket Trucks to the Boardrooms is a podcast hosted by Thomas Williamson, that bridges the gap between the field and the executive suite in the electric utility industry. Each episode dives into real conversations with linemen, utility leaders, and industry decision-makers to uncover the challenges, innovations, and stories shaping our power grid. From storm response and safety in the trenches to policy shifts and boardroom strategies, PowerGridTalks brings every perspective to the table. It's where the voices of the people keeping the lights on meet the leaders guiding the future of energy.

  1. Sep 23

    Ep 30 - Inside the Storm Restoration Business: Center Phase Energy's Nicole Rhodes & Dustin Toney

    Storm restoration is big business and it isn't always pretty. Nicole Rhodes (CEO) and Dustin Toney (Director of Storm Operations) of Center Phase Energy join PowerGridTalks fresh off a brutal storm week in Oklahoma to talk about what really happens behind the scenes of line contracting. Host Thomas Williamson sits down with the Center Phase Energy team for a candid look at the gap between utility and contractor culture, the ugly side of storm work: subcontractor poaching, unaccountable aggregators, and a race-to-the-bottom bidding market. Plus the debate over lineman schools vs. traditional apprenticeships, why fatality rates are creeping back up, and why the industry's real threat is the shrinking workforce. Dustin also opens up about losing his brother to line work and what it's taught him about safety leadership. Presented by Tallman Equipment Company. (1:57) - Show Intro & Host Welcome (2:18) - Nicole's Path: Engineer to CEO (5:05) - Dustin's Origin Story: Cutting Teeth on Katrina (9:16) - Utility vs. Contractor: The Reality Check (15:48) - Vetting Contractors & Storm Chaos (26:33) - Resource Poaching & Accountability Gaps (40:21) - What Separates a Top-Tier Contractor (44:42) - Driving All Night: Safety and Dustin's Brother (48:38) - Lineman Schools vs. IBEW Apprenticeship (53:36) - Training for Safety vs. Training for Skill (58:08) - The Real Economics of Line Contracting (1:05:54) - Bid Work: A Race to the Bottom (1:09:04) - Fatalities, Safety & Sleepless Nights (1:14:41) - Workforce Shortage: The Industry's Biggest Threat (1:22:23) - Rapid Fire: Nicole & Dustin (1:35:24) - Storm Feedback & Closing Thoughts For more episodes, show notes, and to connect with the show, visit https://powergridtalks.com/. If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe, share it with someone in the industry, and leave a review — it helps us bring more voices from across the utility world to the conversation.

  2. Sep 9

    Ep 29 - From Nuclear Submarines to CEO: Buddy Hasten on Grid Reliability & the AI Energy Race

    Buddy Hasten spent 20 years running nuclear submarines for the U.S. Navy. Now he's president and CEO of Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corporation (AECC)  and he's bringing submarine-grade leadership straight into the boardroom. On this episode, host Thomas Williamson catches up with Buddy at the Arkansas Electric Cooperatives' Statewide Directors' Conference in Hot Springs, AR for a wide-ranging conversation on leadership under pressure, why "we" beats "they" in a healthy culture, the real mechanics behind rolling blackouts, and the biggest threat to grid reliability. Buddy also breaks down the escalating energy race with China, AI and data centers, what keeps a utility CEO up at night, and why the electric cooperative model still matters. This episode is presented by Tallman Equipment Company. Chapters: (1:53) - Meeting Buddy Hasten in Arkansas (9:03) - From Rural Iowa to the Navy (16:38) - Submarine Pressure & the "Carbon Into Diamond" Lesson (23:40) - Two Kinds of Leadership: War-Fighter vs. Political (27:45) - The 90/10 Rule for Fast Decisions (35:51) - Investing in People vs. Infrastructure (38:41) - Military-Grade Training vs. Utility Training Gaps (45:36) - Where Grid Reliability Really Starts (47:54) - The Biggest Threat to the Grid: AI Data Center Demand (53:26) - How Rolling Blackouts Actually Work (57:05) - What Keeps a Utility CEO Up at Night (1:02:05) - The "We vs. They" Mindset (1:07:15) - The Karma Cake Story (1:17:40) - The Future of the Co-op Model (1:27:26) - Advice for a 22-Year-Old Starting Out (1:39:08) - The Case for a National Energy Policy (1:40:34) - Legacy for His Grandchildren For more episodes, show notes, and to connect with the show, visit https://powergridtalks.com/. If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe, share it with someone in the industry, and leave a review — it helps us bring more voices from across the utility world to the conversation.

  3. Aug 26

    Ep 28 - He Almost Turned Down the Job: CEO Colby Wells on Leadership & the Grid's Future

    Colby Wells almost turned down the top job. Now he's CEO of South Central Arkansas Electric Cooperative and its broadband subsidiary, South Central Connect — a 20+ year journey that started as a groundman apprentice terrified of heights in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. On this episode, host Tom Williamson catches up with Colby at the Statewide Cooperative Directors Conference in Hot Springs, AR for a candid conversation about leadership, mentorship, and the co-op business model. They cover why line work has gotten harder, the industry's shift from training for knowledge to training for liability, the disconnect between the field and the boardroom, the challenges of expanding rural broadband, why winter demand — not AI — is straining the grid, and how to build the next generation of linemen. Chapters: (0:00) - Intro: Meeting Colby Wells in Arkansas (1:38) - Colby's Role & Nearly Turning Down the Job (5:44) - Starting as a Groundman Apprentice (7:01) - Overcoming a Fear of Heights (11:10) - Billy: The Lineman Who Shaped Him (16:49) - Has Line Work Gotten Harder? (19:21) - Training for Liability vs. Knowledge (25:13) - From Lineman to Manager: A Rocky Transition (28:41) - Unionizing and Becoming a Steward (38:43) - The 2009 Ice Storm & Mutual Aid (43:19) - Why the Co-op Model Matters (51:49) - The Field-to-Boardroom Disconnect (55:14) - Building the Broadband Subsidiary & New Competition (58:43) - The Future of the Grid & Energy Policy (1:03:15) - Surging Demand: Load Growth, Not Just AI (1:06:41) - Lightning Round: Tools & Trucks (1:09:06) - Biggest Pet Peeves in Line Work Today (1:13:10) - Advice for Every Apprentice (1:14:52) - The Hardest Days as CEO (1:18:06) - Best Decision He Ever Made (1:21:09) - What He'd Tell Every Co-op CEO (1:26:26) - His Hoped-For Legacy & Fixing Workforce Development (1:34:09) - Closing & Sign-Off For more episodes, show notes, and to connect with the show, visit https://powergridtalks.com/. If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe, share it with someone in the industry, and leave a review — it helps us bring more voices from across the utility world to the conversation.

  4. Aug 12

    Ep 27 - Life After a Near-Fatal Accident: A Lineman and His Wife Share Their Story of Survival

    What happens when a routine day in the line trade turns into a life-changing accident? In this unforgettable episode of PowerGridTalks, host Thomas Williamson sits down with journeyman lineman Dominic Duchon and his wife, Naiane, to share the powerful story of a devastating workplace accident, Dominic's fight for survival, and the incredible road to recovery that followed. Dominic opens up about the events leading up to the incident, the injuries that nearly claimed his life, and the months of recovery that tested him physically, mentally, and emotionally. Naiane offers an equally powerful perspective, describing what it was like to receive the call no spouse ever wants to get, navigating uncertainty while Dominic was hospitalized, and helping him rebuild after the accident. Together, they discuss the realities of working in the electric utility industry, the importance of safety culture, family support, mental resilience, and how the brotherhood of lineworkers helped carry them through one of the darkest chapters of their lives. Whether you're a journeyman lineman, apprentice, utility worker, contractor, safety professional, or someone who has family in the electrical industry, this episode delivers lessons that extend far beyond the job site. It's a reminder that every safety procedure matters, every decision counts, and every lineman has people waiting for them at home. In this episode you'll learn: Dominic's firsthand account of the accident and what happened next The emotional impact on his family during his hospitalization and recovery The importance of electrical safety and jobsite awareness How resilience, determination, and the lineworker brotherhood helped fuel his recovery Why every lineman should never take shortcuts in the field Lessons for apprentices, journeymen, contractors, and utility leaders If you're passionate about linework, electric utilities, power restoration, transmission, distribution, utility safety, apprenticeship, storm response, and the people who keep the lights on, this is an episode you won't want to miss. (3:18) - Family on the Road (6:26) - Dominic's Accident (9:38) - Response and Rescue (12:42) - Waking Up Weeks Later (17:17) - Hospital Reality Check (23:36) - Pregnancy and the Seizure Scare (28:14) - A New Perspective on Work (32:02) - Returning After Injury (35:34) - Rehab Memory Gaps (38:33) - Faith and Community Support (41:11) - Birth During Rehab (44:10) - Company and Insurance Pressure (47:06) - Safety Lessons for Apprentices (49:42) - Advice for Line Wives (56:11) - Seven P's and Humility (57:43) - Mental Health 🎧 Subscribe for more conversations with linemen, utility leaders, contractors, and the people shaping the future of the electric power industry. 🌐 Visit https://powergridtalks.com for more episodes, articles, and resources from the PowerGridTalks podcast.

  5. Aug 5

    Ep 26 - What the Utility Industry Is Talking About in 2026 | Voices from the OSR Conference

    What the Utility Industry Is Talking About in 2026 | Voices from the OSR Conference What are the biggest challenges, opportunities, and conversations shaping the electric utility industry today? In this special episode of PowerGridTalks, host Thomas Williamson travels to the 2026 OSR Conference to speak with linemen, utility leaders, contractors, manufacturers, and industry professionals from across North America. Through a series of candid conversations, you'll hear firsthand perspectives on the future of linework, storm restoration, workforce development, safety culture, leadership, emerging technology, and what it takes to build a stronger, more resilient power grid. Whether you're a journeyman lineman, apprentice, utility executive, contractor, or someone exploring a career in the electrical utility industry, this episode provides a unique snapshot of where the industry is headed—and the people helping shape its future. In this episode you'll hear discussions about: Electric utility industry trends in 2026 Storm restoration and emergency response Utility leadership and company culture Recruiting and developing the next generation of linemen Safety, training, and career development Innovations impacting electric utilities Lessons from the field and real-world experiences The future of power delivery and grid reliability PowerGridTalks brings together the voices behind the electric grid, from bucket trucks to boardrooms, to share real stories, practical knowledge, and insights from the people who keep the lights on. (1:35) - Contractor Real Talk (2:33) - Safety With Humanity (3:27) - Drones In The Field (4:52) - Ego And Entitlement (5:37) - Hard Lessons Learned (6:55) - Warning Label Wisdom (11:09) - Pride And Integrity (12:54) - Leadership And Accountability (14:09) - Workforce Qualification Crisis (16:50) - People First Leadership (17:52) - Distribution vs Transmission (18:23) - Safety And Legitimacy (19:26) - Storm Software (21:14) - Passing Down Knowledge (22:05) - Wildest No Show Excuses (22:51) - Compassion And Fatalities (25:40) - Inside The OSR Conference (29:45) - Fundraising And Tough Talks (31:28) - Linemen Personalities 🎧 Visit https://powergridtalks.com for more episodes, articles, and resources for utility professionals. If you enjoy conversations about linemen, power line work, electric utilities, transmission and distribution, storm restoration, utility leadership, apprenticeships, power grid reliability, and the future of the electrical industry, be sure to Like, Subscribe, and Share to help more utility professionals discover the show. #PowerGridTalks #Lineman #ElectricUtility #UtilityIndustry #StormRestoration #PowerGrid #Transmission #Distribution #UtilityLeadership #Linework #JourneymanLineman #GridReliability #UtilityCareers #ElectricalIndustry

  6. Jul 29

    Ep 25 - When the Call Comes: How the National Sisterhood Supports Injured & Fallen Linemen

    When the Call Comes: How the National Sisterhood Supports Injured & Fallen Linemen What happens when a lineworker is seriously injured or doesn't make it home? In this powerful episode of PowerGridTalks, host Thomas Williamson sits down with Tammy Duncan of the National Sisterhood United for Journeyman Linemen (NSUJL) to discuss the organization that stands beside lineworkers and their families during the most difficult moments of their lives. Tammy shares the mission behind the National Sisterhood, how the organization supports injured linemen, families of fallen lineworkers, and communities affected by tragedy, and why building a stronger culture of safety and brotherhood is essential for the future of the electric utility industry. The conversation explores the emotional realities behind storm restoration, linework, and the sacrifices made by the men and women who keep America's power grid operating. Whether you're a journeyman lineman, apprentice lineman, groundman, utility employee, contractor, utility executive, or someone with family in the electrical line trade, this episode offers an important perspective on leadership, service, safety, and the people who support the industry when it matters most. In this episode: The mission of the National Sisterhood United for Journeyman Linemen Supporting injured and fallen linemen's families Building a stronger culture of safety in the utility industry The importance of brotherhood and community in linework Mental resilience and life after tragedy Why every utility professional should know about NSUJL Lessons for apprentices, journeymen, and utility leaders (1:25) - Sisterhood Origins (8:24) - Brotherhood in Action (11:13) - Fundraising and Rodeo (13:18) - Lineman Plate Program (16:28) - Tammy's Lineman Story (19:50) - Realities of the Trade (21:37) - Home Front Priorities (23:14) - NSUJL Family Impact Story (25:31) - Behind the Scenes Support (29:34) - Scholarships and Success Stories (31:33) - Christmas Giving Tree (34:18) - Safety and Community Awareness (37:07) - How to Get Involved (40:52) - Episode Wrap Up   If you're passionate about electric utilities, power restoration, transmission, distribution, storm response, linework, utility leadership, electrical safety, or the future of the power grid, this conversation is one you won't want to miss. 👍 Subscribe to PowerGridTalks for more conversations with the people building, maintaining, and protecting the electric grid. 🌐 Learn more and listen to every episode at https://powergridtalks.com #PowerGridTalks #Lineman #Linework #ElectricUtility #PowerGrid #UtilityLife #JourneymanLineman #ApprenticeLineman #StormRestoration #ElectricalSafety #Transmission #Distribution #PowerOutage #UtilityLeadership #Brotherhood

  7. Jul 17

    Ep 24 - Leadership, Reliability & the Future of the Power Grid with Mark Gabriel

    Leadership, Reliability & the Future of the Power Grid with Mark Gabriel | PowerGridTalks What does it take to lead an electric utility in an era of aging infrastructure, rising energy demand, extreme weather, and rapid grid modernization? In this episode of PowerGridTalks, host Thomas Williamson sits down with Mark Gabriel, President and CEO of United Power, Inc., for an in-depth conversation about utility leadership, power grid reliability, electric cooperatives, workforce development, grid resilience, and the future of the electric utility industry. Drawing from decades of experience leading utilities and serving the energy sector, Mark shares practical leadership lessons, discusses the challenges facing today's electric utilities, and explains how investing in people, technology, and culture is essential to delivering safe, reliable power. Whether you're a lineman, utility executive, engineer, apprentice, operations manager, or someone interested in the future of the power industry, this conversation offers valuable insight into what it takes to keep America's electric grid strong. In this episode, you'll learn: ⚡ How strong leadership impacts electric utility reliability ⚡ The biggest challenges facing today's power grid ⚡ Why workforce development is critical for the future of utilities ⚡ How electric cooperatives are adapting to changing energy demands ⚡ Lessons from decades of utility leadership ⚡ The importance of safety, culture, and accountability ⚡ How utilities are preparing for future grid modernization and resilience ⚡ Advice for the next generation of utility professionals and lineworkers (1:23) - Mark's Accidental Start (3:01) - Career Path to CEO (4:20) - Why Hyperlocal Energy (5:34) - Load Growth Reality Check (8:23) - What's Driving Demand (12:37) - 15 Year Timeline (13:52) - DSO and Portfolio Grid (17:32) - Leaving the Single Supplier (18:35) - Co-op Growth Imbalance (22:27) - Data Centers Impact (23:46) - Making Data Centers Pay (25:57) - Grid Operator Mindset (28:20) - Book Predictions (30:39) - Efficiency vs Infrastructure (31:55) - Life Outside the Office (33:31) - Message to Members PowerGridTalks brings together the voices shaping the electric utility industry—from journeyman linemen and apprentices to CEOs, engineers, and utility innovators. If you're passionate about electric utilities, transmission and distribution, power restoration, substations, utility operations, grid reliability, energy infrastructure, or the line trade, you'll find practical knowledge and real-world experience in every episode. 🎙 Subscribe for more conversations with the leaders who keep the lights on. 🌐 Learn more about the show and explore additional episodes: https://powergridtalks.com If you enjoyed this episode, please Like, Subscribe, and Share to support the channel and help more utility professionals discover PowerGridTalks.

  8. Jul 1

    Ep 23 - The Leadership Crisis in Linework: What Every Lineman Needs to Hear

    Title: How to Build a Winning Line Crew Culture | Leadership Lessons from Utility Veterans YouTube Description: What separates a good line crew from a great one? In this episode of PowerGridTalks, host Thomas Williamson sits down with veteran linemen Alex Wakeland, Jake Stinnett, and Brandon Corbitt for an in-depth conversation about leadership, crew culture, mentorship, and what it really takes to build high-performing teams in the electric utility industry. Whether you're a journeyman lineman, apprentice, groundman, utility supervisor, contractor, or someone preparing for a career in linework, this episode is packed with practical advice from professionals who have spent years working on transmission and distribution systems across the country. The conversation explores how strong leadership creates safer jobsites, why investing in people matters more than ever, and how experienced linemen can help develop the next generation of the workforce. The guests also share lessons they've learned from the field, discuss the importance of accountability, communication, and trust, and explain why a crew's culture can directly impact both safety and productivity. A major part of this discussion focuses on Alex Wakeland's support of the JNCTN (Junction) program, including why he believes structured mentorship, professional development, and investing in future lineworkers are essential to strengthening the electric utility workforce. His perspective highlights how programs like JNCTN help prepare the next generation of utility professionals while reinforcing the values that keep crews safe and successful. In this episode: Building a strong line crew culture Leadership lessons from experienced linemen Developing apprentices and groundmen Safety, accountability, and communication Why mentorship matters in linework The future of the electric utility workforce Alex Wakeland's support of the JNCTN (Junction) program Advice for current and future utility professionals (1:11) - Meet the Crew (2:06) - Choosing Jobs and Crew Trust (4:34) - How They Got Into Linework (8:54) - Apprenticeship and Traveling (10:19) - First Day on the Job (14:47) - Mentors and Trade Culture (17:02) - Substance Abuse on the Road (19:13) - What Good Leadership Looks Like (24:05) - College vs Trade Respect (28:31) - Safety and Field Reality (33:33) - Best Parts of Linework (38:42) - Fixing Hiring Paperwork (41:09) - Worst Part Away From Home (44:42) - Apprentices and Work Life (46:34) - Company Versus Crew (54:23) - Union Solidarity Example (57:56) - Training Gaps and Crane Risk (1:02:50) - Stop Work Authority Reality (1:05:42) - Three-Man Crew Flaws (1:08:25) - Responsibility And Spine (1:12:06) - Burned On Storm Calls (1:16:29) - Storm Work Hurts Training (1:19:57) - JNCTN Fix For Storm (1:27:39) - Paperwork And Privacy Wins (1:34:06) - Transparency Pushback (1:41:15) - How To Find JNCTN If you're passionate about linework, electric utilities, power restoration, transmission, distribution, utility leadership, apprentice linemen, or the future of the power grid, this episode delivers valuable insight from professionals who live it every day. Subscribe for more conversations with the people who build, maintain, and protect the electrical grid. 🌐 Learn more about the show: https://powergridtalks.com #PowerGridTalks #Lineman #ElectricUtility #UtilityLeadership #PowerGrid #Transmission #Distribution #Linework #UtilityJobs #ApprenticeLineman

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PowerGridTalks: From the Bucket Trucks to the Boardrooms is a podcast hosted by Thomas Williamson, that bridges the gap between the field and the executive suite in the electric utility industry. Each episode dives into real conversations with linemen, utility leaders, and industry decision-makers to uncover the challenges, innovations, and stories shaping our power grid. From storm response and safety in the trenches to policy shifts and boardroom strategies, PowerGridTalks brings every perspective to the table. It's where the voices of the people keeping the lights on meet the leaders guiding the future of energy.

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