How long have you been a lineman at Thumb Electric Cooperative (TEC)?
I’ve been with TEC for five months now. It’s easy for me to remember my start date because it was one month before I got married.
So, you’re a newlywed! Tell us about your blushing bride.
Her name is Jessica and we met at a mutual friend’s Halloween party. She was born and raised in the suburbs of Los Angeles and now works for GST Michigan Works! as their communications and public relations coordinator. We have been together a little over three years. She is an excellent cook, warm-hearted and loves spending time with our pets, Tripp (a German Shepherd) and Charlie (a cat).
What made you want to be a lineman?
I have to credit my mom with the idea. She found Southeast Lineman Training Center’s program online and shared it with me. The school was in Georgia and I’m from Millington, Mich., but it seemed like a good fit. So, I enrolled, packed up for Georgia, and fell in love with the trade. I’ve now been a lineman for four years.
What was it like growing up in Millington?
Growing up in Millington was your typical small town experience. I was very involved in sports at my school—football, basketball, baseball, and I ran track. My family has a farm where they grow soybeans and corn. When I was a kid, we also had pigs. A good number of Saturdays and Sundays were spent helping my dad cut wood.
What do you do when you’re not at work?
I like to snowmobile. We just took a snowmobile trip to Pine Stop Junction in the U.P. Boondocking is my favorite way to ride. It adds a little adventure when you veer off the trail, into the woods and the deep snow. On this last trip, the snow was three-and-half-feet deep.
Have you ever gotten lost boondocking before?
Yep, a couple of times. When I got lost, I either backtracked or continued riding until I reached familiar territory. It doesn’t bother me to get lost. In fact, those are the times where I find new, awesome spots to ride!
Who do you have winning your NCAA Tournament bracket?
Michigan! They have always been my favorite sports team. I’m actually the black sheep in my family because they are all State fans. Go Blue!
What’s the best advice anyone has ever given you?
If you work hard, everything will pan out.
Be safe out there! You and Jessica had a wonderful wedding. I am her moms cousin.
Thank you, Wava! Hope you are well. 🙂
GARY NO PUN INTENDED “YOUR GROUNDED”!!! I WISH YOU AND YOUR BEAUTIFUL BRIDE JESSICA ALL THE VERY BEST IN LIFE!!! I SAW SOME OF JESDICA’S MEALS THAT SHE CREATED, THEY LOOKED AWSOME!!! MADE ME HUNGRY!!! JESSICA IS A KEEPER !!! A BEAUTIFUL PERDON!!!
Thank you, Bob!
GARY NO PUN INTENDED “YOUR GROUNDED”!!! I WISH YOU AND YOUR BEAUTIFUL BRIDE JESSICA ALL THE VERY BEST IN LIFE!!! I SAW SOME OF JESSICA’S CREATED MEALS ON SOCIAL MEDIA. “SICK” I KNOW SHE REALLY ENJOYS THAT!!! MADE ME HUNGRY!!! JESSICA IS A KEEPER!!! A BEAUTIFUL PERSON!!! HAVE FUN!!!
BOB