I learned about line work from my dad—he’s been a lineman for more than 40 years at Northern Lights, Inc. in Sagle. After watching his career throughout the years, I knew it was something I wanted to do too. To get started, I went to North Idaho College and then I attended line school in Spokane. After line school, I spent some time working as a contractor for various gas, phone, and electric utilities.
I was hired at KEC one spring as a temporary groundsman. At that time the cooperative hired several groundmen for the busy summer season and we had the opportunity to show off our skills and dedication to the trade. At the end of the summer, I was offered one of 2 openings for an apprenticeship. Over the past 15 years I have worked my way up to journeyman lineman, then serviceman, and about 2 years ago I was promoted to foreman.