"Before I became an IBEW member, I was working as a line-clearance tree trimmer for Asplundh Tree Experts. I started my own tree business, Mountain Tree Service, that I ran for more than 15 years on the side. I was door-knocking to explain my services to customers when I was not on the clock.

I wanted to better my career and have stability for the future. A good friend told me that he left tree trimming and would someday be a lineman. The first thought that came to my mind was, 'No way — you will get killed playing football.' He laughed and told me he was going to be a power lineman. He's the guy who first talked to me about getting into the trade.

I took a job for Sacramento Municipal Utility District as one of their LCTTs. One of the main reasons I joined SMUD was to be a lineman there, but they wouldn't open up their doors for their apprenticeship program. Jerry Green and Tom Olsen, two well-known linemen, told me about a transmission project that was going from Susanville, Calif., down into Reno, Nev. And they told me that with my background being a tree trimmer, running a bucket truck, working for SMUD and climbing all the time, I should see if I could get on this project.

And so I went out there, and next thing you know, I was a dues-paying member. I stayed for that entire project and absolutely loved it. I was operating bucket trucks. I was installing wire. I did a lot of work with the helicopters setting poles. I got in on everything, and it was excellent to meet a bunch of really good guys.

My brothers told me that I needed to apply for the apprenticeship program while I was out there. So I applied to different JATC programs, got a call from the Cal/Nev JATC in Riverside, Calif., and decided to go there. I topped out in June 2002 and became a journeyman lineman.

I've worked with many talented linemen. Having grown up without a dad, I enjoyed working under the older, skilled linemen who took me under their wing. They showed me how to rig, work safely around energized conductors and use many types of equipment safely.

I was always the lineman that, on every job I took, was always trying to find a better way to do the task. I would take notes on what we could build to make our job better. I now hold seven U.S. patents. One tool I invented is the first non-conductive outer body radius stringing block designed for drone-stringing technology, which will allow new-age advanced conductors in distribution circuits.

Today, I'm a 27-year power lineman. The IBEW has helped me in many ways, building friendships, getting tons of linework experience and opening up many different roles to give back to our great trade."