160 | Lineman to Innovator | Derek Gonzales on the Evolution of Linework and Tools

In this episode of Powerline Podcast, we sit down with George Coleman, President of Potelco, and Kody Kilshaw, President of PAR West, to explore their unique journeys and leadership philosophies in the power and utility industry. From George’s roots in a three-generation lineman family to Kody’s background in sports and finance, both leaders share the influences and lessons that shaped their careers. They discuss the challenges and rewards of guiding large teams, maintaining clear communication, and fostering innovation in a constantly evolving field. Together, George and Kody offer valuable insights on cultivating future leaders, staying ahead of industry trends, and balancing personal and professional growth. This episode is packed with practical advice and inspiration for industry veterans and newcomers alike.

In this episode of Powerline Podcast, we sit down with Damir Novosel, President of Quanta Technology and a pioneer in the power industry, to discuss his remarkable journey from Bosnia and Herzegovina to becoming a key leader in the advancement of electrical power grids. Damir shares insights from his extensive career, the innovations he has spearheaded at Quanta Technology, and how these advancements are making an impact on grid reliability, efficiency, and, most importantly, safety for workers in the field. We delve into his roles with IEEE and CIGRE, his passion for mentoring the next generation, and the importance of diversity in driving the industry forward. Tune in as we explore the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in the evolving power landscape and gain advice from one of the industry’s leading minds. This episode is a must-listen for anyone in the power line and utility sector.

In this episode, we connect with Derek Gonzales, an underground lineman who has transitioned to a key role at Chance Hubble, to discuss his unique journey and the lessons he's learned along the way. Derek opens up about his early years, the interests that sparked his passion for the line trade, and the experiences that shaped his career as a lineman. He shares candid insights into the challenges he faced as an apprentice, the importance of mentorship, and the dynamics of working in underground distribution. Derek also reflects on the evolution of the industry, the hard-knox lessons he learned on the job, and the critical role of self-awareness in overcoming personal and professional obstacles.

In this episode, we sit down with Felipe Carrillo, a dedicated groundman and successful entrepreneur, to explore his inspiring journey from his early days in the line trade to building his own business. Felipe shares how his upbringing and background shaped his work ethic and passion for the industry, detailing his start in linework and the lessons learned through starting his journey in the trade with AT&T and Northwest Lineman College (NLC). He provides a candid look into the challenges he faced, the importance of self-awareness in personal growth, and the critical role of mentorship in the trade.   As the founder of Wye Delta, he shares insights into what it takes to succeed in business, his thoughts on entrepreneurship while working a full-time job, and how he navigates adversity with a mindset of learning and growth. This episode also dives into the importance of safety, mental health, and maintaining balance between family and career.   SUPPORT THE PODCAST HERE    Hit up our website here: https://www.powerlinepodcast.com/   FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@powerlinepodcast Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/powerlinepodcast/ Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093231781499 LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/powerline-podcast Twitter:  https://twitter.com/powerlinepodcst   HOST: RYAN LUCAS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanwlucas/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ryanwlucas   INQUIRIES OR GUEST SUGGESTION Email: [email protected]

In this episode, we sit down with Flint Robinson, a lineman and veteran, to explore his journey from his childhood roots to becoming a lineman. Flint shares stories from his early years, growing up in a family with a military background and a grandparents' saddle shop, and how these experiences shaped his work ethic and passion for linework. We delve into his apprenticeship days, the challenges and surprises he faced, and the valuable lessons he's learned along the way. Flint provides an inside look into the complexities of working a blue collar life, highlighting the myths and realities of the job, crew dynamics, and the importance of mentorship. He also offers practical advice on balancing the demands of a career in linework with family life, managing mental health, and maintaining safety on the job.   SUPPORT THE PODCAST HERE    Hit up our website here: https://www.powerlinepodcast.com/   FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@powerlinepodcast Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/powerlinepodcast/ Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093231781499 LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/powerline-podcast Twitter:  https://twitter.com/powerlinepodcst   HOST: RYAN LUCAS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanwlucas/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ryanwlucas   INQUIRIES OR GUEST SUGGESTION Email: [email protected]  

In this episode, we explore the remarkable journey of Kyle Gunsauls, a third-generation leader in the aviation industry, as he shares insights into his family's legacy with PJ Helicopters and his role in shaping its future. From his childhood, deeply rooted in aviation, Kyle's story is one of passion, innovation, and leadership. We discuss the evolution of PJ Helicopters from a fixed-wing crop duster operation to a pioneering force in utility helicopter services, including their groundbreaking work in Human External Cargo (HEC) operations. Kyle offers a behind-the-scenes look at the technical advancements, fleet management decisions, and the importance of safety in aviation. As he transitions into a leadership role at Quanta Services, Kyle shares his vision for the future of the industry and the lessons learned from his family's dedication to excellence. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that highlights the intersection of family heritage, cutting-edge technology, and the relentless pursuit of innovation in the world of utility helicopters. SUPPORT THE PODCAST HERE  Hit up our website here: https://www.powerlinepodcast.com/   FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@powerlinepodcast Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/powerlinepodcast/ Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093231781499 LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/powerline-podcast Twitter:  https://twitter.com/powerlinepodcst   HOST: RYAN LUCAS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanwlucas/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ryanwlucas   INQUIRIES OR GUEST SUGGESTION Email: [email protected]

In this episode, we dive deep into the life and career of Josh Luck, a former Marine Corps Officer who transitioned from flying AV-8B Harrier Jets to leading initiatives at Northwest Lineman College and Quanta Services. Josh shares his journey from childhood, which shaped his resilient character, to his time at Boise State University, where a pivotal decision led him to the Marine Corps. He opens up about the challenges and triumphs of commanding a Harrier Squadron, the unique experience of flying the iconic jet, and the life-altering events of post-9/11 missions. As he transitioned to civilian life, Josh found a new mission: to promote the lineman trade, especially for veterans. Listen in as Josh discusses how his military experiences influence his leadership style, the importance of training and safety in the lineman industry, and his vision for the future at Quanta Services. This episode is a testament to the power of resilience, leadership, and the enduring spirit of service. ✌️SUPPORT THE PODCAST HERE ✌️ Hit up our website here: https://www.powerlinepodcast.com/ 📱FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA📱 TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@powerlinepodcast Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/powerlinepodcast/ Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093231781499 LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/powerline-podcast Twitter:  https://twitter.com/powerlinepodcst HOST: RYAN LUCAS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanwlucas/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ryanwlucas 💥INQUIRIES OR GUEST SUGGESTION💥 Email: [email protected]

In this episode, I sit down with Aaron Witt, the visionary founder of BuildWitt, to explore his journey from a white-collar family background to becoming a transformative force in the construction industry. Aaron shares the story behind his mission to "make the Dirt World a better place" and how his early experiences in construction shaped the vision for his company. We delve into the challenges he has faced while building BuildWitt, the importance of storytelling in attracting the next generation to the industry, and the innovative solutions his company offers to address the "people problem" in the Dirt World. Aaron also opens up about his personal experiences, including how he maintains mental health in a demanding industry, and balances his many roles as CEO, podcast host, and industry advocate. Join us for an inspiring conversation that highlights Aaron's passion for leadership, his commitment to improving the construction industry, and his vision for the future of the Dirt World.   Aaron Witt's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AaronWitt    SUPPORT THE PODCAST HERE  Hit up our website here: https://www.powerlinepodcast.com/   FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@powerlinepodcast Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/powerlinepodcast/ Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093231781499 LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/powerline-podcast Twitter:  https://twitter.com/powerlinepodcst   HOST: RYAN LUCAS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanwlucas/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ryanwlucas   INQUIRIES OR GUEST SUGGESTION Email: [email protected]

In this episode, we sit down with three of the most influential leaders in the power infrastructure industry in the Western USA. These trailblazers have been at the forefront of transforming the region's energy landscape, driving innovation, and ensuring the reliability and sustainability of the power grid. We'll explore their insights on the current challenges facing the industry, the impact of emerging technologies, and their visions for the future of power infrastructure. Join us for an in-depth conversation that sheds light on the strategies and leadership required to power the West and beyond. ✌️SUPPORT THE PODCAST HERE ✌️ Hit up our website here: https://www.powerlinepodcast.com/ 📱FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA📱 TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@powerlinepodcast Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/powerlinepodcast/ Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093231781499 LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/powerline-podcast Twitter:  https://twitter.com/powerlinepodcst HOST: RYAN LUCAS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanwlucas/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ryanwlucas 💥INQUIRIES OR GUEST SUGGESTION💥 Email: [email protected]

You don’t get many chances to listen to two linemen with over 100 years of power line experience talk about the trade for more than an hour. Robin has two journeymen tickets, one as an electrician and one as a lineman. He also bootstrapped his own power line business for over 25 years and during his career was extremely influential in driving the industry forward in BC, Canada. Paul has recently received his 45 year IBEW pin as a journeyman lineman. He’s worked for the utility, contracted, built power line across North America and even owned his own outfit. Their advice is priceless and I’m happy to bring this conversation to you to learn from an enjoy! PS in case you haven’t figured it out yet Robin is also my old man and someone I’ve looked up to in this trade since I started. ✌️SUPPORT THE PODCAST HERE ✌️ Hit up our website here: https://www.powerlinepodcast.com 📱FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA📱 TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@powerlinepodcast Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/powerlinepodcast/ Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093231781499 LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/powerline-podcast Twitter:   https://twitter.com/powerlinepodcst HOST: RYAN LUCAS Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/ryanwlucas TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@ryanwlucas 💥INQUIRIES OR GUEST SUGGESTION💥 Email:  [email protected]