• Born in Hempstead, New York.

• Married to a wife he describes as the “best one a man can have” and has a 16-year-old son.

• Enjoys welding, woodworking, spending time with his family, driving old cars and riding motorcycles.

• Describes himself as hardworking, genuine and trustworthy.

• Is an avid craftsman and can't live without his chop saw, welder, plasma cutter, craft tools and air nailers.

• His favorite boss was Paul Pangborn, because he always gave credit where credit was due and was a pleasure to work for.

Early Years

When I was little, I watched a Florida Power & Light Co. (FPL) restoration crew working, and I thought it would be great to work in the power industry. I've spent my entire career with FPL. I started as a helper, which entailed putting out the signs and cones, cleaning work trucks, stocking the trucks and assisting on the job. Two years of hard work later, I became a lineman on Feb. 17, 1987. Earning my lineman's certificate was a significant moment in my career. I knew I still had a long way to go, but it was an important milestone.

Day in the Life

I now work as a senior line specialist for FPL's distribution department. Every day is a challenge for me and my crew. We pride ourselves in doing quality work. The other linemen look up to us and refer to us as “the safe crew.”

I work as a lineman in the Wingate Service Center. Right now, we are working on trouble work since it is the storm season. We are responsible for making necessary repairs and ensuring the electrical grid is operating smoothly. We are also performing backyard transfers and gloving work that involves transferring electric facilities onto new poles.

My work day begins early in the morning as I mentally prepare myself for the day ahead. I try to promote safety and good work habits by leading by example for my crew. My crew consists of three people, and we have worked together for about two years. My crew is good at what they do, and they make my job easier.

Safety Lessons

When I was on a job, my coworker and I were working on a transformer. He was kneeling in front of it, and he lost his balance and fell into the primary side of the transformer. That day taught me how important safety is when it comes to line work. I told myself that I would never let this happen to myself or someone on my crew again.

Memorable Storm

Since we work in Florida, we don't see too many snow or ice storms down here. But we do get hit with severe thunderstorms as well as hurricanes.

For example, I remember working as a lineman when Hurricane Andrew hit south Florida in the early 1990s. That was an unbelievable storm. The devastation took your breath right out of you. What kept us going were the small joys of turning the power back on for the communities. We felt like heroes in our own way. The folks were so appreciative of our hard work.

Training Linemen

I have had the opportunity to instruct apprentice linemen at our training facility. It was rewarding passing on the trade to the next generation. I was lucky enough to teach new linemen for about two years. We trained the apprentice linemen to climb poles and several other skills needed to repair and restore power.

Challenges and Rewards

I think the utility industry is challenged with rising fuel costs. Also, in my view, a lot of the older, quality linemen have begun to retire, and they are taking a tremendous knowledge base with them. When I was younger, I asked questions whenever possible to learn from the older experienced linemen. I try to answer questions now for the younger linemen who are trying to learn the ropes.

Plans for the Future

If I had to do it all over again, I definitely would go into the power industry. Down the road, I would love to work in North Carolina as a lineman. I am always up for a new challenge, but at the end of the day, I love what I do. I live and breathe this work.