Elden Rivas | The Mistakes That Almost Ended His Career and How He Never Gave Up | 195

In this episode of Powerline Podcast, I sit down with APS foremen Casey Lozier, Eric Eager, and Andrew Schonhoff for an honest roundtable conversation about what really holds crews together in the trade.We talk openly about trust, mentorship, brotherhood, and the human side of being responsible for people — not just production. This conversation goes beyond the job and into the realities foremen face every day: balancing expectations, teaching the next generation, handling conflict, supporting mental health, and creating crews where people actually want to show up and work for each other.The panel shares lessons learned the hard way, stories from the field, and practical insight on how culture is built through small daily actions — not titles or speeches. This episode is for anyone who’s ever worked on a crew, led one, or is about to step into more responsibility in the trade.🎧 Topics include:• Building trust on crews• Teaching and mentoring apprentices• Brotherhood and crew culture• Mental health on the job• Conflict resolution and communication• What foremen wish they’d learned earlierWhether you’re on the tools, running a crew, or moving toward more responsibility, this episode offers a rare look at the conversations that matter most in the field — but don’t always get said out loud.

In this episode of Powerline Podcast, I sit down with Brian "Biscuit" Alston, Artie Garcia, and Todd Wilson from Arizona Public Service for a raw conversation about what really changes when the work stops being just about you and starts being about everyone else.We talk about the moment responsibility shifts, how trust is earned from crews who used to be your peers, and why brotherhood still matters in a trade that demands both accountability and care for the people beside you. This isn’t about titles it’s about ownership, respect, and carrying the trade forward the right way.The conversation covers mentorship, culture, hard decisions, mistakes, and the unseen weight that comes with being responsible for people, production, and safety. Whether you’re still on the tools or stepping into more responsibility, this episode speaks directly to that transition every tradesperson eventually faces.🎧 Topics include:• The responsibility shift from tools to people• Earning respect without titles• Brotherhood, culture, and accountability• Mentoring the next generation• Hard lessons learned on the job• Carrying the trade forward with pride

In this episode of Powerline Podcast, I sit down with Mackenzie Rodgers, Vice President of Transmission & Distribution Operations at Arizona Public Service, for a powerful conversation on leadership, legacy, and long-term growth in the utility industry.Mackenzie shares her journey from interning at APS to stepping into a VP role—along with the lessons she learned along the way that continue to shape how she leads today. We talk about the influence of family legacy, earning trust in the field, making decisions under pressure, and what it really takes to grow as a leader without losing connection to the crews doing the work.We also dive into what it’s like to lead in a traditionally male-dominated industry, how respect is built over time, the role mentorship plays in developing future leaders, and what Mackenzie believes APS is doing well—and where there’s still room to grow.This episode is packed with insight for anyone in the trades, utilities, or construction industry—whether you’re just starting out, leading crews in the field, or navigating leadership at the executive level.

Karl Studer’s story is one of grit, vision, and staying rooted in where you came from.In this episode of Powerline Podcast, Ryan sits down with Karl Studer, Executive Vice President Electric for Quanta Services, to unpack his journey from growing up on a ranch in Idaho to becoming a lineman, building and scaling his own power line companies, and ultimately stepping into executive leadership at one of the largest infrastructure companies in the world.Karl shares the lessons he learned early on in the field, what it really takes to start and grow a line company, and how his time on the tools shaped the leader he is today. We dive into leadership, safety, culture, fatherhood, and why staying connected to the craft matters even at the highest levels of the organization.This conversation is about more than titles and success. It’s about work ethic, responsibility, building people, and leaving the trade better than you found it.If you’re a lineman, an apprentice, a foreman, or someone who believes in the long-term value of the trades, this episode will resonate.

In this episode, Ryan sits down with Elden Rivas — a Houston-based lineman from North Houston Pole Line, dedicated family man, and someone who takes his craft and his health seriously.Elden shares where his journey began, how he found his way into the line trade, and the mentors and moments that shaped him. We talk about balancing family with long days, why discipline matters, and how focusing on health has transformed both his life and his work in the field.This conversation is for every young person looking for direction, every lineman trying to stay sharp, and every parent working hard to build a legacy for their family. Elden’s story is proof that you can show up strong at work, strong at home, and still grow into the person you’re becoming.

Austin Carr is a lineman from Florida and goes by the name America's Favorite Lineman on social media. I caught up with Austin for a quick tailgate sit down interview at the International Lineman's Rodeo. He shared his journey into the trade, advice for young apprentices and linemen, and how social media has changed his life in a positive way. We even talked about money and how the most money he ever made in a single day didn't come directly from line work.

Walker Finch grew up chasing podiums as a professional BMX racer – now he’s chasing a career that gives him purpose, brotherhood, and a future.In this episode, we explore Walker’s transition from the athlete lifestyle into the blue-collar trades, his years in construction and water utilities, his decision to attend line school, and how living the western lifestyle shaped his values and path.Walker’s story is a message to every young person, every former athlete, and every kid looking for direction after school or sport: there is a life waiting for you in the trades.This is a raw, honest look at identity, mindset, grit, and the journey to becoming a lineman.

Adam Boggio lives two lives most people could never imagine: one on the lines and one in the sky.In this episode of Powerline Podcast, we dive deep into Adam’s journey as a lineman, how he stepped into the world of professional skydiving, the near misses, the mindset, the fear, and the moments that changed him.Adam opens up about mastering risk, trusting your crew, building courage, and the power of choosing a life that pushes you every single day. If you’re a lineman, an adrenaline junkie, or someone searching for purpose this episode will hit home.

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.