Claim OwnershipPowerline Podcast
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© Ryan Lucas
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This podcast is for anyone in the power line industry. Those of you that love to build and maintain power lines at work and after work. This is a collection of stories from line workers around the world. This is a community for us to share where we’ve been, who we’ve worked with, projects we’ve been apart of and hopefully pass on some of those key lessons that we could all learn from. This podcast will be a mix of line workers and their stories as well as other professionals sharing about how to keep a healthy mind, body and spirit.
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In this episode, I sit down with Kassidy Warren who went from a career in the electrical industry to building financial freedom through real estate investing. After experiencing the pressures of corporate life and burnout, he made a life-changing pivot transforming mindset, health, and career along the way.We break down the lessons he carried from the trades into entrepreneurship, the mindset shifts needed to escape a toxic job, and how he built a thriving portfolio of short-term rentals and boutique hotels. He also shares a step-by-step masterclass on how anyone with a W2 job can launch their first STR in the next 12 months.If you’re stuck in a job that’s draining you, curious about STR investing, or ready to scale into true financial freedom, this episode is packed with insights and action steps you can use right now.Disclaimer: The information shared in this episode is for educational and entertainment purposes only. Neither the host nor the guest are providing financial, investment, or legal advice. Always do your own research and consult with a licensed professional before making any financial decisions. Any strategies or examples discussed are personal experiences and may not be suitable for your situation.
In this episode, I sit down with Steve Kopp, VP of Safety, Health, & Environmental with MJ Electric and the creator of the Step & Touch Potential Simulator an innovation that’s transforming how linemen learn grounding and bonding.Steve shares his career journey in electrical safety, the difference between “safety on paper” and real jobsite culture, and the mindsets that keep crews accountable. We then dig into the process of creating the simulator from the “aha” moment to prototyping, testing, and earning Quanta’s CEO Innovation Award.Finally, Steve talks about the real-world impact this tool is having across the industry, what’s next for safety training, and his advice for anyone looking to bring new ideas into the trades.Whether you’re in the line trade, in safety, or just curious about how innovation comes to life in the field, this episode offers valuable lessons.
In this episode, I sit down with Mike Blandin, a foreman with Canadian Utility Construction (CUC), part of Quanta Services. Mike shares his journey in civil and gas utility construction, from breaking into the trade to leading crews on major projects across Canada.We dive into leadership lessons from the field, the realities of running a crew, and what separates a good foreman from a great one. Mike also opens up about crew culture, communication, and mental health in the trades, plus what it takes to stay grounded while managing the pressure of production and safety.Finally, we look ahead at the future of civil and gas utility work in Canada and how being part of Quanta Services connects CUC and its crews to something much bigger.Whether you’re in the trades, curious about utility construction, or looking for leadership wisdom, this conversation delivers real insights straight from the jobsite.
In this episode, I sit down with Jared Greenlee a second-generation IBEW journeyman lineman, storm hand, and the founder of Journeyman Gear. Jared shares his story of growing up in the trade, committing two decades to storm response, and ultimately turning his jobsite experience into a fast-growing tool brand.We cover everything from the mindsets that separate apprentices from journeymen, to the process of moving from idea to product launch, to how Journeyman Gear tools are improving safety and efficiency on real jobsites. Jared also offers candid advice for tradespeople who want to start something of their own whether it’s a tool, a service, or a business.If you’re a lineman, in the trades, or curious about how innovation comes straight from the field, this conversation will inspire you.
In this episode of Powerline Podcast, Ryan sits down with Dean Bell, a veteran lineman and foreman with decades in the trade. Dean pulls no punches as he shares what separates good leaders from great ones, how to earn trust under pressure, and why money, mindset, and mental health are the real make-or-break factors in this industry. From raw lessons learned on the job to advice every apprentice and foreman needs to hear, this is a conversation about leadership, longevity, and the truth about life in the line trade.
Steve Rozenberg went from flying international jets to building one of the fastest-growing property management companies in the U.S. scaling to over 1,000 units before making a successful exit.In this episode of Powerline Podcast, we dive deep into:How 9/11 ended Steve’s airline career and forced a total reinventionThe systems and KPIs he used to scale real estate and business operationsWhy tradespeople should think beyond self-employment and build businesses that work without themHis philosophy on “failing forward” and why failure is the best teacherThe story of the Live Like Jett Foundation—created in honor of his son, supporting students entering the tradesIf you’re in the trades, an aspiring entrepreneur, or just someone looking to turn setbacks into opportunities, Steve’s story is packed with lessons on resilience, leadership, and building lasting impact.Connect with Steve Rozenberg: https://steverozenberg.com/🎙️ Subscribe for more interviews with leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators shaping the trades.
In this episode of Powerline Podcast, I sit down with Alex Wakeland, Dan Stemp, and Benjamin Moore from JNCTN, the team behind a groundbreaking digital credential system for the trades. We dive into the real problem of verifying training and certifications on jobsites, how JNCTN’s technology works, and why it matters for safety, compliance, and efficiency. From reducing fraud and onboarding delays to helping crews deploy faster in emergencies, this conversation shows how digital credentials could transform the future of work in the trades. Whether you’re a contractor, union member, or apprentice, you’ll want to hear how this app could change the game.
In this episode of Powerline Podcast, I sit down with Alex Wakeland a General Foreman, content creator, and tech innovator who’s proving the trades can open doors far beyond the job site. We dive into what it really takes to build high-performing crews, the leadership lessons that stick, and how skills learned on the line can become a launchpad into tech, innovation, and bigger opportunities. From crew culture and safety to social media, AI, and the next generation of linemen this conversation is packed with insights every apprentice, journeyman, or leader needs to hear.✌️SUPPORT THE PODCAST HERE ✌️ Hit up our website here:https://www.powerlinepodcast.com/ 📱FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA📱TikTok: / powerlinepodcast Instagram: / powerlinepodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...LinkedIn: / powerline-podcast Twitter: / powerlinepodcst HOST: RYAN LUCASInstagram: / ryanwlucas TikTok: / ryanwlucas 💥INQUIRIES OR GUEST SUGGESTION💥Email: powerlinepodcast@quantaservices.com
In this episode of Powerline Podcast, I sit down with Brandon Fiscus, a lineman turned senior leader at Allteck who now oversees recruiting, apprenticeship, and union workforce development. Brandon shares hard-earned lessons from over 20 years in the trade covering everything from leadership and crew culture to mental health, money mistakes, and what it really takes to succeed long-term in line industry. If you’re an apprentice, a journeyman, or anyone looking to grow in the trade, this conversation is packed with the advice you won’t find in a textbook.✌️SUPPORT THE PODCAST HERE ✌️ Hit up our website here:https://www.powerlinepodcast.com/ 📱FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA📱TikTok: / powerlinepodcast Instagram: / powerlinepodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...LinkedIn: / powerline-podcast Twitter: / powerlinepodcst HOST: RYAN LUCASInstagram: / ryanwlucas TikTok: / ryanwlucas 💥INQUIRIES OR GUEST SUGGESTION💥Email: powerlinepodcast@quantaservices.com
Chase Anderson has been leading in the powerline trade for years, earning respect in one of the toughest industries out there. In this episode of Powerline Podcast, we go deep on what real leadership looks like on the job, why mental health in the trades can’t be ignored, and where the future of line work in Canada is headed. We also talk about the opportunities young linemen should be paying attention to right now, the challenges crews face in the field, and the lessons Chase has learned from years of leading under pressure. If you’re in the trade—or thinking about joining—this episode is packed with honest, hard-earned advice from someone who’s been there.
What does it take to build one of the largest renewable energy projects in U.S. history?In this episode of Powerline Podcast, we head into the wind side of SunZia with Karissa Murillo and Chris Bruner of Blattner. Together, they break down the scale, coordination, and leadership it takes to install hundreds of turbines across remote terrain, and why this work is about more than just clean power. Karissa and Chris talk about the team dynamics, culture, and communication challenges on a job this size, and how leading people well can be just as important as hitting production goals. They also share what surprised them about the powerline world and what they wish the trades knew about each other. Whether you're on the line or in renewables, this episode connects the dots on the future of the industry, and the people powering it.
Gabe McCoy didn’t plan to become a foreman, but the job had other plans.In this episode of Powerline Podcast, Gabe opens up about his journey from groundman to respected leader on one of the most ambitious transmission projects in the country: SunZia.He shares the growing pains of stepping into leadership, what it takes to truly earn your crew’s trust, and why building team culture is more than just getting the job done. For Gabe, leadership is about showing up, reaching out, and being someone worth following - on the good days and the hard ones.If you’re in the trade, leading a crew, or trying to become the kind of lineman others remember, you’ll want to hear this one.
Josh Price isn’t just running a crew, he’s building a legacy.In this episode, Josh shares his path from small-town lineman to foreman on the SunZia project, the largest renewable energy transmission project in U.S. history.He opens up about the responsibility that comes with leading others, the difference between running a crew and truly leading one, and how staying grounded: mentally, physically, and emotionally, makes or breaks the job.From helicopter-only access in remote terrain to the quiet pressure of knowing your crew is watching every move, you’ll hear what leadership really looks like in the field.
What does it take to lead in today’s environment?In this mobile episode of Powerline Podcast, Ryan Lucas hits the road with foreman Shawn Scribner for a ride-along through the SunZia project, the largest renewable energy infrastructure project in North America.From the driver’s seat, Shawn opens up about what it really takes to build trust, lead crews, and grow in the field. The conversation covers:Setting goals with purposeLeading from experience—not egoMaking safety personalSupporting the next generation of linemenMental health in the tradesWhy communication still matters mostIf you’re serious about raising the standard in your work, your crew, or your mindset, this one’s worth the ride.
Recorded live at the 2025 Infrastructure Safety Symposium (ISS), this special panel episode dives into one of the most critical, and overlooked, roles in safety: the foreman.Hosted by Powerline Podcast’s Ryan Lucas, this conversation features seasoned foremen from across the industry who bring raw, unfiltered perspectives from the field. Together, they unpack the real gaps between policy and practice, how safety culture is felt on the job, and why leadership at the crew level is make-or-break for performance and protection.What makes a safety pro respected on site? This isn’t theory. It’s real talk from the front lines.Whether you're a foreman, safety leader, or someone who makes decisions that impact the craft. This episode is a must-listen.
Foreman Bryce Hubbard breaks down how to lead with purpose, build unshakable team culture, and turn tailboards into powerful leadership moments. With hard-won lessons from the field and one unforgettable story about saving a child’s life this episode is a playbook for anyone serious about raising the standard.
In this episode of Powerline Podcast, Ryan Lucas sits down with Eric Hinman, a hybrid athlete and entrepreneur who has mastered the balance of fitness, recovery, and high performance. Eric shares how tradesmen and linemen can optimize their health while working demanding jobs, avoid burnout, and build a resilient mindset for long-term success. From HYROX training to recovery hacks like ice baths and sauna therapy, Eric breaks down practical steps anyone can take to improve their strength, endurance, and daily energy. Whether you’re worn out from the grind or looking to level up your fitness, this conversation is packed with game-changing advice you don’t want to miss!
In this episode of Powerline Podcast, Ryan Lucas sits down with Shelby Wiedenbeck, a lineman breaking barriers in the powerline industry. Shelby shares her journey into the trade, the challenges she faced as a female in a male-dominated field, and the mentors who helped her along the way. She opens up about the biggest misconceptions, the hardest parts of the job, and what needs to change in the industry to create more opportunities for women. Whether you’re in the trade or just looking for an inspiring story of perseverance, this episode is packed with valuable insights and motivation.
Want to take your lineman career to the next level? In this episode of Powerline Podcast, I sit down with seasoned leaders Jose Trevizo and Wayne Pickard to break down what it really takes to step up in the trade. From earning respect on the crew to handling high-pressure situations, they share hard lessons, leadership insights, and the unspoken rules of leading in the field. If you’re an apprentice lineman or seasoned lineman looking to grow in this industry, this conversation is packed with advice you won’t hear anywhere else. Tune in and learn from the best!
Want to become an apprentice lineman but not sure how to stand out in your interview? In this episode of Powerline Podcast, I sit down with Tyler Thompson, a former lineman turned manager at BC Hydro, to break down EXACTLY what hiring teams look for in apprentice candidates. We cover common mistakes, how to talk about your experience (even if you don’t have much), and the best way to prepare so you walk into your interview with confidence. If you’re serious about landing an apprenticeship, this is a must-watch!
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Awesome job. Thanks for doing what you do for the industry and humanity. Mark Kennedy.