Milwaukee Local 2150 member Brian Williams always thought of himself as a problem solver, even before starting his career in customer service at We Energies (then known as Wisconsin Energy) in 1997.

After winning an IBEW Founders Scholarship in 2023, he plans to take that interest and skill to an even higher level.

The Founders Scholarship is awarded annually though a competitive process to members who are working toward an associate, bachelor's or postgraduate degree in an area of study that furthers the electrical industry. Winners can receive up to $200 per semester credit hour or $134 per trimester credit hour. Overall, the scholarship is worth up to $24,000 over as many as eight years.

Williams is working toward a master's degree in business administration at Milwaukee's Concordia University. His goal is to eventually become a right-of-way agent for We Energies. A right-of-way agent represents a utility or government agency when it is planning a real estate transaction. Duties include research and holding initial conversations with the seller.

"This scholarship is emblematic of the way Brian lives his life," said Doreen Reske, a Local 2150 steward at We Energies and a longtime friend and colleague. "It's always about learning more, better understanding and looking for that additional awareness."

Reske said that pays off for Local 2150 members working around him, too. Williams worked in customer service for many years and now is a business customer consultant, serving as the first point of contact for cities, companies and other large entities that depend on the utility for service.

"We've had some newer people come into our group in the last two to five years," Reske said. "He'll call them and work through things and help people understand not just the answer, but the resources to do the job on their own."

Williams took a circuitous route to Local 2150 and We Energies. He worked a variety of jobs in his early 20s. But once he arrived, he found a home.

He grew up in a military family and moved around as a child before the family settled in Benton Harbor, Mich., his mother's hometown. Williams later moved to Madison, Wis., and joined the Army Reserves. Serving his country proved fulfilling, but the many jobs he found didn't. He worked for community service agencies, an investment firm and as manager at an electronics store.

At 26, he learned about an opening at We Energies in customer service. He applied, got the job and joined Local 2150. He's worked there ever since, often helping customers who are struggling financially and in danger of having their service turned off.

"I learned not to be judgmental and to put myself in someone else's shoes," Williams said. "Just have compassion for another person and not just be an advocate for the company. I'm here to help the customer, as well.

"I always tried to build rapport with the customer and find something in common to make sure I could relate to them in some way," he added. "You speak calmly, repeat information back to them, and try to get them to understand that I'm here to help and here are some options to assist you."

Local 2150 is a large local. It has 5,500 members working in manufacturing, tree trimming, broadcasting and outside construction, in addition to utility. It has jurisdiction throughout Wisconsin and even into Michigan's Upper Peninsula, thanks to its long relationship with We Energies and previous energy providers.

Over the years, that good relationship with the company has led to things like flexible work schedules and working remotely. Williams said he's especially thankful for both. With a more flexible schedule, he's been able to foster children.

"It gives me the opportunity to switch my hours around without asking management," he said. "I could respond to the children I was mentoring and meet their needs."

He earned a bachelor's degree from Concordia in 2018 and works now as a business consultant, sometimes dealing with company presidents and CEOs.

"You're still kind of acting as a middleman for the utility," he said. "I've enjoyed it and loved it. It's a really nice position to have."

Williams also developed a side business flipping homes, which led to his interest in real estate and desire to earn the credentials to be a right-of-way agent.

"Brian is a guy that sees that education leads to success," Local 2150 Business Manager Jim Meyer said. "He looks for opportunities to better himself and his career. He does the same thing with the union."

Meyer said he first met Williams about 10 years ago when he was the organizer for Local 2150. Meyer came up through manufacturing and was learning about what went on with utility members employed by We Energies. Local 2150 also was looking for volunteers to help set up its website.

"He came right up to me and said, 'Hey, you need any help?'" Meyer said. "Within the first 30 minutes, he was offering to volunteer and get members signed up for the website. He's a guy that not only looks to increase his value to the company that he works for, but what value he can bring to his union."

That's because Williams appreciates what Local 2150 has done for him.

Wisconsin is a so-called right-to-work state, meaning workers can free-ride, enjoying the benefits of a collective bargaining agreement without contributing their share of the costs of negotiating and enforcing that contract.

Yet he's never considered giving up his membership. He reaches out to others to tell them the value of being part of a union family.

Now it's led to him getting a scholarship that will allow him to pursue even more dreams.

"It gave me a whole new change in life," Williams said of joining the IBEW 27 years ago. "It gave me opportunities to follow my passion and be successful in life. Before I joined the union, I was just going job to job. It gave me a whole new lifestyle and a chance to be successful."

The IBEW has awarded the Founders Scholarship annually since 1966. It is open to members from all branches who have been in good standing for four years or a charter member of a local union. It is for members only. Children, spouses and dependents are not eligible.

More information is available at ibew.org/foundersscholarship.org. A notice will be posted at ibew.org when applications are next open.