Mission Driven Mindset, Leads to a Decade of Service
For Manager of Electric Operations Cayle Sargent, keeping the lights on is more than just a job — it’s a mission. When he joined Eversource 10 years ago, he became a member of the Veterans Business Resource Group (BRG), bringing his leadership skills and sense of duty to the company. Today, Cayle oversees the Torrington Area Work Center and still finds a deep sense of purpose in serving customers and communities throughout northwest Connecticut.
From Army to Eversource
A Connecticut native, Cayle’s path to Eversource was anything but typical. After serving in the Army, he built a career in logistics and operations at Fortune 500 companies and as a Department of Defense (DoD) contractor. His father’s 33-year career as a lineman for the former Connecticut Light & Power (CL&P) was an indirect introduction to the utility world Cayle never imagined he would one day follow in his father’s footsteps.
That changed when Eversource—then Northeast Utilities— was actively recruiting military personnel to infuse their leadership qualities into field operations.
“There were about 15 of us in that original group,” he recalls. “Now, 10 years later, only five remain—and we’re all still going strong in our careers here.”
Finding Purpose in Power
Cayle’s experience in the Army instilled in him a sense of mission, one that finds a natural home at Eversource.
“Unlike other big companies that are just selling a product, Eversource is driven by a real mission: keeping the lights on,” he says. “Especially during storms, when customers need their power restored, we step up in a way that reminds me of military operations: there’s a goal and a clear purpose to help others.”
That spirit of teamwork underlies much of the culture Cayle has found at Eversource.
“From my earliest days in electric field operations, I discovered a group of colleagues who were committed, skilled, and always willing to step in for one another,” he explains. “During a storm, or any emergency, it’s all hands-on deck. Everyone here shares that same dedication to serving customers.”
Culture of Support
Beyond the day-to-day work of delivering reliable electricity, Eversource’s supportive culture has been a significant factor in Cayle’s long tenure.
“We have great pay, great benefits, and excellent insurance,” he notes. “But most importantly, leaders here understand that we’re human. Life happens. There have been times when I needed to step back for personal reasons, and my managers gave me the room to do that. You don’t always find that kind of empathy and flexibility in the corporate world.”
“If you work hard and show leadership potential, there’s room to grow.”
Looking Ahead
Recently, Cayle and the other veterans who joined him a decade ago celebrated their 10-year anniversary together.
“We’ve each built different careers here—some of us in operations, some in IT—but we all share that bond,” he says. “I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished, and we’re excited for what’s next.”
As he reflects on his own journey, Cayle remains grateful for the steady support he’s received at Eversource.
“I feel the same sense of mission today as I did my first day on the job,” he says. “When the power goes out, we’re out there doing something that matters to our neighbors. That’s what keeps me here: it’s meaningful work, surrounded by people who truly care.