Building Crews, Culture & Careers in Utility Construction | Mike Blandin | 189

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: [email protected]

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: [email protected]

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.