There’s something deeply humbling about being part of the force that keeps the world running — quietly, reliably, and often without recognition.
That’s what the natural gas industry has meant to me for the past 25 years. It’s never just been about pipelines, meters, or pressure valves. It’s about people. It’s about heartbeats. It’s about homes staying warm on the coldest nights, hospitals keeping power through the toughest storms, and families living their lives with comfort and confidence — all because someone showed up, took pride in their craft, and got the job done right. For 25 years, I’ve been proud to be one of those people.
It has been a journey that has changed my family’s life. I remember my first day like it was yesterday. I showed up as a laborer — nervous, green, and wearing a fresh hardhat. When the crew called me a “greenhorn,” I didn’t even know what it meant. All I knew was that I wanted to work hard, learn fast, and be part of something that mattered.
I had no idea that moment would turn into a journey that would give me and my family everything we’ve ever wanted. This industry hasn’t just provided a paycheck — it’s built a life. It’s taught me how to lead with integrity, how to learn with humility, how to endure with grit, and how to be proud of who I’ve become. Every single day, I’m thankful for what this career has given me — the chance to provide, to grow, and to make a lasting impact.
The power of being a tradesperson and craftsman cannot be overstated. At the heart of this industry are the tradespeople and craft workers — the women and men who show up early, stay late, work through the heat, the cold, the rain, and the unknown. They take pride in doing the hard, skilled work that keeps our energy system strong and dependable.
These are not just jobs. They are callings. And those who answer that call carry a responsibility that’s both enormous and honorable. We are cut from a different cloth — and that’s something I am very proud of.
Tradespeople are the backbone of this industry. They’re the reason a furnace kicks on in the middle of a blizzard. The reason a stove lights up to cook a family dinner. The reason children sleep warm and safe through the night. Within their hands lies not just a tool, but a legacy — a tradition of pride, precision, and work ethic that defines the soul of the energy workforce.
I look back on the past 25 years and reflect, knowing I — and many others — have made a real difference in the quality of life for our communities and the natural gas industry as a whole.
We are investing in the future. After 25 years of walking this path, one truth stands out: we must never stop learning. Every step of my career — from laborer to where I am now — has been built on continuous development. I am where I am because someone took the time to teach me, to believe in me, and to show me the right way to do the work.
I grew up in a small town — the kind of place where everybody knows your name, and graduating with 16 people wasn’t unusual. Life was simple, honest, and hardworking. But opportunities? They were limited. Back then, I didn’t know exactly what my future would hold — I just knew I wanted more for myself and my family. I wanted stability, purpose, and a chance to build something that would last.
That chance came through the natural gas industry.
Stepping into the trade was life-changing. It opened up a world I never imagined coming from where I did. What started as a job turned into a career, and that career became the foundation of everything I’ve built. The work taught me discipline, resilience, and pride. It gave me the tools to create a life filled with meaning, challenge, and opportunity — something that felt out of reach when I was just a kid growing up in a small town.
That’s why I’m so passionate about investing in the next generation. It’s why I helped start a natural gas school — to train, support, and uplift the people who will carry this industry forward. We have to prepare them not just for the work, but for the why behind the work. That’s why I now serve as a regional executive leader in the natural gas learning and development space — to give back to an industry that has given so much to me.
Whether it’s a greenhorn in their first pair of boots or a seasoned leader ready to mentor others, we all have something to learn — and something to give.
I live a life of purpose. Over the years, I’ve been a part of emergency responses, high-stakes projects, training programs, and team-building efforts that kept communities alive and economies moving. These moments — some exhausting, some inspiring, all unforgettable — shaped who I am.
I’ll never forget restoring gas to a frozen neighborhood after days without heat. Or watching a young apprentice gain confidence on the jobsite. Or seeing the lightbulb go off in a student’s eyes during training.
Those moments — that’s why we do this.
One of the things that has meant the most to me over my 25 years in the natural gas industry isn’t just the work — it’s the people.
This line of work builds a bond like no other. When you’re in the trenches — literally or figuratively — with someone day in and day out, a unique kind of trust forms. You’re not just coworkers. You become brothers and sisters. You rely on each other, not just to get the job done, but to get home safe at the end of the day.
In this industry, trust isn’t optional — it’s everything. You trust the person next to you to check the line, to call out a safety hazard, to make the right decision when it matters most. And they trust you to do the same. That kind of mutual respect and accountability builds a family — one forged in hard work, long days, and shared purpose.
I’ve worked shoulder-to-shoulder with people I’d trust with my life — because, in many cases, I have. The laughs, the tough conversations, the close calls, the teamwork — those moments stay with you. They shape you.
These relationships have carried me through the hardest days and made the best days even more meaningful. They’ve pushed me to be better, work smarter, and lead with integrity. This brotherhood and sisterhood — it’s one of the greatest gifts this industry has given me.
Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about pipes and pressure. It’s about people — the ones who show up, stand beside you, and never let you down.
If you’re considering a career in the energy industry, especially in the trades, my advice is simple: go for it. It will challenge you. It will stretch you. But it will also give you pride, stability, and a sense of purpose you can’t find just anywhere. You won’t just work — you’ll matter.
If you’re thinking about getting into the natural gas industry, let me tell you something straight: it’ll change your life — if you’re willing to work for it.
This industry has given me everything — a steady career, the ability to provide for my family, and a sense of pride that never fades. I’ve gone from digging trenches to helping build the next generation of workers. And through it all, I’ve stood shoulder-to-shoulder with some of the toughest, most loyal, hardest-working people you’ll ever meet.
It’s not just a job — it’s a brotherhood and sisterhood. Out here, you’ve got people who will teach you, push you, and trust you with their lives. That kind of bond doesn’t come easy — you earn it. And when you do, it sticks with you forever.
This work matters. You’re helping keep homes warm, businesses running, and communities powered. And there’s no better feeling than knowing you played a part in that.
So if you’re ready to get your hands dirty, learn something real, and build a future you can be proud of — this trade is for you. I’ve done it for 25 years, and I’d do it all over again.
Looking ahead with gratitude, as I reflect on the past 25 years, all I feel is gratitude. Gratitude for the mentors who showed me the ropes. For the teams who had my back. For the tough days that taught me what I was made of. For the opportunities to give back, lead, and grow.
This industry gave me everything — and I don’t take that lightly.
Now, I look ahead with pride and confidence, knowing that the incredible women and men of this trade will continue to carry the torch. They’ll keep the momentum going — stronger, smarter, and more united than ever before.
Because this work isn’t just about energy.
It’s about people.
It’s about purpose.
And it’s about building something that lasts — for our families, for our communities, and for the generations yet to come.
The work is not easy. But it is deeply rewarding.
We change lives.
We move industries.
We shape the future — together.