PowerGridTalks: From the Bucket Trucks to the Boardrooms

Thomas Williamson
  • 5.0 (5)
  • 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. 4d ago

    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

    1h 43m

  2. Jun 17

    Ep 22 - First Step to Becoming a Lineman: CDL Process Explained

    If you're serious about becoming a lineman, your Commercial Driver's License (CDL) is one of the most important first steps you can take. In this episode of PowerGridTalks, host Thomas Williamson sits down with Harry Packwood of Idaho CDL Training to break down the CDL process, explain why it's essential for a successful linework career, and share practical advice for anyone looking to enter the electric utility industry. Whether you're exploring a career as an apprentice lineman, preparing for line school, or looking to understand what utility companies expect from new hires, this conversation delivers real-world insight from someone who has helped countless people begin their journey in the trade. In this episode, you'll learn: ⚡ Why a CDL is critical for aspiring linemen ⚡ How to prepare for the CDL testing process ⚡ Common mistakes that hold applicants back ⚡ Tips for getting hired by utility contractors and power companies ⚡ What employers look for beyond technical skills ⚡ Career advice for anyone entering the electric utility industry PowerGridTalks brings you conversations with the leaders, linemen, contractors, and innovators who keep the power grid running. If you're passionate about linework, electrical infrastructure, storm restoration, utility careers, or workforce development, this podcast is for you. (0:34) - Why CDL Feels Intimidating (3:10) - Harry's CDL Journey (5:39) - Why Utilities Require CDL (8:14) - Common CDL Mistakes (12:09) - Restrictions and Unrestricted CDL (15:39) - Test Tips (18:16) - Permit Test Misconceptions (19:52) - Study Over Memorize (22:16) - Pass Rates And Retests (24:54) - Physicals And Drug Rules (26:50) - How Long It Takes (28:15) - Permits And Support (31:28) - Future Safety And Vetting (37:23) - CDL For Linemen (39:08) - Find The Program 🌐 Learn more and listen to every episode at https://powergridtalks.com 👍 If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to Like, Subscribe, and Share to support more conversations with industry professionals.

    41 min

  3. Jun 3

    Ep 21 - Millions Watch His Videos; Here's What Austin Carr Wants Every Lineman to Know

    What does it really take to build a successful career in the electric utility industry? In this episode of PowerGridTalks, host Thomas Williamson sits down with Austin Carr for an in-depth conversation about life in the line trade, the realities of working in the power industry, and the skills required to succeed in one of the most demanding careers in America. From storm restoration and emergency response to safety culture, leadership, training, and workforce development, Austin shares firsthand insights into the challenges and rewards of being a lineman in today's rapidly evolving utility sector. Whether you're a journeyman lineman, apprentice, utility professional, contractor, line school student, or someone considering a career in the skilled trades, this episode delivers valuable lessons from the field. You'll learn about: ⚡ The realities of working as a lineman ⚡ Electric utility industry career paths ⚡ Storm restoration and outage response ⚡ Safety practices that save lives ⚡ Leadership and teamwork in linework ⚡ Workforce development and recruiting the next generation ⚡ Lessons learned from years in the field ⚡ The future of the power grid and utility workforce (0:27) - Meet Austin Carr (3:19) - America's Favorite Lineman (5:17) - First Tower Climb Reality (9:35) - Overtime Life in Florida (13:51) - First Viral Tie Wire Video (15:08) - Why He Started Teaching Online (19:00) - Industry Ego and Stigma (21:57) - Best Parts of Linework (26:02) - Advice for Apprentices (30:50) - Quick Fire Opinions (34:01) - Future Plans and Training (36:17) - Where to Follow and Final Thanks   PowerGridTalks brings you real conversations from the people who keep the lights on—from the bucket trucks to the boardrooms. If you're passionate about electric utilities, transmission and distribution, power restoration, linework, energy infrastructure, and grid reliability, this episode is for you. 🌐 Visit the PowerGridTalks website: https://powergridtalks.com 🎙️ Subscribe for more conversations with utility leaders, linemen, contractors, engineers, and industry experts who keep America's electric grid strong.

    38 min

  4. May 20

    Ep 20 - Inside PowerOutage.us: The Data Behind Major Storm Restorations

    What really happens behind the scenes during a major power outage? In this episode of PowerGridTalks, host Thomas Williamson sits down with Matt Hope of PowerOutage.us to break down how real-time outage data is collected, tracked, and used during some of the biggest storm restorations across the United States. From hurricanes and ice storms to everyday grid disruptions, Matt explains how utilities, emergency managers, linemen, and the public rely on accurate outage reporting to understand what's happening on the electric grid. The conversation dives into storm restoration logistics, utility communication, outage mapping technology, grid reliability, and the growing role of data in the future of the power industry. If you work in electric utilities, linework, storm response, grid operations, or emergency management, this episode delivers valuable insight into the systems helping keep America informed when the lights go out. In this episode: ⚡ How PowerOutage.us tracks outages nationwide ⚡ The role of data during storm restoration ⚡ Challenges utilities face during major weather events ⚡ How linemen and crews benefit from outage visibility ⚡ The future of grid monitoring and outage reporting ⚡ Why accurate outage information matters to the public Whether you're a journeyman lineman, utility professional, apprentice, contractor, or someone interested in power infrastructure, this episode offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at the technology driving modern outage awareness. (2:10) - Origins and Acquisition Story (6:12) - SEO and Media Momentum (7:38) - Traffic Spikes and Scaling (9:32) - Where Outage Data Comes From (13:05) - Data Challenges and Utility Coordination (16:49) - Biggest Events and Historical Archive (19:12) - User Feedback (27:33) - Public Friction and Outage Tool (32:07) - Sponsored Utility Access (34:04) - Future Vision and Security (36:00) - Industry Communication Needs (38:22) - Final Thoughts and Sign Off   Listen to more episodes and connect with the show at: PowerGridTalks.com #PowerGridTalks #PowerOutageUS #Lineman #ElectricUtility #StormRestoration #PowerGrid #Utilities #GridReliability #OutageMap #UtilityIndustry #Linework #ElectricGrid #Infrastructure #Transmission #Distribution #UtilityLife

    40 min

  5. May 6

    Ep 19 - Leading From The Line: Johnny Priest on Leadership in the Utility Industry

    What does real leadership look like in the electric utility industry? In this episode of PowerGridTalks, host Thomas Williamson sits down with veteran lineman Johnny Priest for an in-depth conversation about leadership, crew culture, accountability, safety, and what it takes to earn respect in the line trade. What does real leadership look like in the electric utility industry? In this episode of PowerGridTalks, host Thomas Williamson sits down with veteran lineman Johnny Priest for an in-depth conversation about leadership, crew culture, accountability, safety, and what it takes to earn respect in the line trade. Johnny is a 58 year veteran in the industry and started his career on the hooks back in 1967 with Duke Power. He's held many executive level positions with companies across the USA as well as spending time working with key companies in Australia, New Zealand, Puerto Rico and served with the 101st Airborne in Vietnam. Johnny says he has never had a bad day since leaving the jungles in Vietnam and has worked to mentor and develop many employees in the industry to achieve their goals and their own level of success! From storm restoration and high-pressure job sites to mentoring apprentices and building stronger utility crews, Johnny shares hard-earned lessons from years in the field. Whether you're a journeyman lineman, apprentice, groundman, utility contractor, or someone considering a career in linework, this episode delivers real-world insight into the mindset and leadership required to succeed in the electrical utility industry. You'll hear discussions about: ⚡ Leadership in linework and utility operations ⚡ Building trust and accountability on crews ⚡ Safety culture in the electric utility industry ⚡ Mentorship and developing young linemen ⚡ Storm work, teamwork, and field decision-making ⚡ Utility career growth and personal development ⚡ The realities of life in the powerline trade (1:23) - Early Days at Duke (3:42) - Old School Linework (6:41) - Wages Then and Now (11:13) - Moving Into Management (13:54) - Building a New Business (17:55) - Storm Work and Big Bets (23:22) - Leadership Mindset Shift (29:30) - See You At The Top (32:19) - Safety Rules in Blood (39:11) - Combat Leadership Lessons (42:59) - Career Moves And Vision (48:19) - Cancer Fight And Perspective (51:57) - Global Work And Australia Safety (55:40) - Hard Hats And Fall Protection (1:00:55) - Leading With Care (1:05:27) - Respect The Field Crew (1:08:03) - Legacy And Final Thanks PowerGridTalks brings you real conversations from the people who keep the grid strong — from bucket trucks to boardrooms. If you work in electric utilities, power distribution, transmission, substations, or overhead line construction, this episode is packed with valuable insight from someone who has lived it. 🎧 Subscribe for more conversations with linemen, utility leaders, contractors, apprentices, and industry professionals. 🌐 Visit: https://powergridtalks.com

    1h 14m

  6. Apr 22

    Ep 18 - From Lineman to Owner: How Jimmy Kent Built ATK Energy Group & Victory Power Line Services

    In this episode of PowerGridTalks, host Thomas Williamson sits down with Jimmy Kent, the founder of ATK Energy Group and Victory Power Line Services. Jimmy shares his journey from working on the lines to building a powerhouse in utility logistics and emergency restoration. As the power industry faces increasingly complex challenges—from massive ice storms to aging infrastructure—the need for rapid, organized response has never been higher. Jimmy explains how his companies serve as the "Plan B" for utilities, providing a white-glove service that manages everything from damage assessment and vegetation management to full-scale man camps and equipment staging. In this episode, we discuss: The Bridge to Restoration: How logistics firms connect utility companies with specialized resources that traditional mutual aid rosters often miss. Rapid Mobilization: The mechanics of staging thousands of men and pieces of equipment in a fraction of the usual time. Comprehensive Logistics: A look into the "all-in-one" support system, including debris removal, damage assessment, and turn-key workforce housing. The Evolution of the Grid: Why modern storm response requires a shift from reactive to proactive planning. Entrepreneurship in the Trades: Jimmy's personal insights on transitioning from a journeyman lineman to a business owner driving industry change. Whether you are a utility executive looking for better disaster strategies or a lineman interested in the logistics side of the trade, this episode offers a deep dive into the massive operations that happen behind the scenes of every major outage. (2:51) - Safety Parallels Outdoors (4:18) - 1990 Shock Incident (9:50) - Aftermath and Recovery (13:29) - Returning to Work (15:39) - Turning Pain into Safety (23:16) - Not One More Movement (29:02) - Building Safety Culture (31:57) - Safety Manuals Wakeup Call (35:44) - Director In The Field (39:58) - Managing Storm Fatigue (43:49) - Young Foremen Real Risks (48:52) - Not One More In Action (52:24) - The Wrap Mix-up Explained (54:26) - Join The Movement (56:42) - Lead From Top And Bottom (1:00:05) - Final Advice And Signoff Subscribe to PowerGridTalks for more expert conversations from the heart of the electrical utility industry. Official Website: powergridtalks.com #PowerGridTalks #LinemanLife #UtilityLogistics #StormRestoration #TKEnergyGroup #VictoryPowerLineServices #GridReliability #EmergencyResponse #ElectricalIndustry #BlueCollarEntrepreneur

    1h 3m

  7. Apr 8

    Ep 17 - 17 Days in the Dark: A Lineman's Perspective on the 2026 Ice Storm

    What happens when a veteran journeyman lineman, used to restoring power across the country, finds himself sitting in the dark for 17 days? In this episode of PowerGridTalks, host Thomas Williamson sits down with Brian Kannada, a lineman with over 25 years of experience, to discuss the devastating 2026 ice storm that paralyzed North Mississippi. Brian provides a rare, dual perspective—seeing the crisis both as a frustrated customer in "survival mode" and as an industry expert who knows exactly what it takes to get the lights back on. We dive deep into the systemic flaws exposed by this event, from manpower shortages and aging infrastructure to the differences between modern storm response and the historic freeze of 1994. In this episode, we discuss: The Manpower Gap: Why were there only three crews working 30-mile circuits when hundreds were needed? Proactive vs. Reactive Logistics: The failure to utilize available brokers and staging resources despite a 10-day weather warning. Infrastructure Reality: How an inch of ice turns old poles into a "domino effect" of system failure. The Call for Transparency: Why utility cooperatives need better communication, social media engagement, and public accountability. Lessons for the Future: How the industry can bridge the gap between "daylight and dark" to ensure this never happens again. Whether you are in the electric utility industry, a lineman, or a customer who has felt the impact of a grid failure, this conversation is a must-listen. It's time to move past "decent" and start planning for the next big one. (0:56) - Home During the Storm (4:33) - Lineman Career Background (7:14) -1994 vs Today (11:23) - Mutual Aid Limits (18:47) - Old Poles and Ice Load (23:38) - Hurricane Michael Lessons (30:40) - Demanding Transparency (38:01) - Regional Coordination Plans (40:05) - Why Ice Storms Are Brutal    🔗 Learn more and listen to more episodes: https://powergridtalks.com   Subscribe for more insights into the electric utilities and linemen industry. #PowerGridTalks #LinemanLife #UtilityRestoration #GridReliability #2026IceStorm #Lineman #PowerOutage #StormResponse #ElectricalGrid #Infrastructure

    42 min

  8. Mar 25

    Ep 16 - No Filter Linework: Kevin Robinson on Linemen BS, Culture & the Trade

    Get an inside look at the real culture of linework in this episode of PowerGridTalks with host Thomas Williamson and special guest Kevin Robinson, founder of Linemen B******t. This conversation dives deep into the life of a lineman, from the jobsite to the online community, covering the grit, humor, brotherhood, and realities of working in the electrical utility industry. Kevin shares how Linemen B******t became one of the most recognizable platforms in the trade, giving voice to linemen across the country. Together, we talk about what it really takes to succeed in linework, the importance of safety, lessons learned in the field, and how social media is shaping the next generation of linemen. Whether you're a current lineman, apprentice, groundman, or someone considering line school, this episode delivers real-world insight into the electric utility industry, power line work, and the mindset required to thrive in this demanding career. ⚡ In this episode, you'll learn: The truth about life as a lineman How Linemen B******t built a massive following The importance of safety and accountability in the trade What new linemen need to know before entering the industry The brotherhood and culture behind keeping the power on If you're serious about becoming a lineman or advancing your career in the utility industry, this is an episode you don't want to miss. (2:06) - Kevin's Trade Origins (8:03) - Birth of Lineman B******t (18:10) - Leadership Everyone's Watching (24:06) - Safety Theater and Liability (30:17) - Job Briefings (33:23) - Near Miss Reporting Culture (38:46) - Production vs Safety Reality (44:48) - Presence Over Position (56:57) - Truthful Incident Learning (1:00:32) - Why Safety Gets Weaponized (1:06:06) - Training Leaders and Egos (1:10:40) - Advice for Apprentices 🔗 Learn more and listen to more episodes: https://powergridtalks.com 👍 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations from the field to the boardroom with the people who keep the power flowing. #lineman #linework #powergrid #electricutility #trades #bluecollar #apprenticeship #lineschool #powerlineman #utilities

    1h 20m
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About

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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