What sparked your interest in this field?

Being outdoors and doing a job that helps people. Everyone needs electricity and being someone that can keep the electrical system running day to day is a rewarding feeling.

Where did you get your education or training?

Out of high school I worked as an electrician and went through Associated Builders and Contractors, which is a four-year program, and received my journeyman’s electrician license. Shortly after acquiring my journeyman’s electrician license, a Lineman’s position opened at IMU. My training and education was through Iowa Association or Municipal Utilities, which is also a 4-year program. I completed the program in 2012.

Why did you want to work for IMU?

IMU has a great safety program and safety record and quite a long and interesting history. It also gave me the opportunity to advance further into the electrical field by giving me experience not only working on power lines but also with metering, substations, and learning some of the generation side of the trade.

What do you like most about your job?

The guys I work with are like family. I also like mutual aid jobs when we get sent to a town after a tornado or any big weather event. I get to be a part of getting all the lights back on and when the power comes back on you can hear the cheers and clapping all across town from excitement of them getting their power back on. I also like doing overhead to underground projects and getting to see the big transformation in how much cleaner it looks before and after which also makes the system more reliable.

What are some of your hobbies or interests outside of work?

I love to fish and have recently got into kayak fishing. I also love golfing and watching my kids play in their sporting events.