What advice would you give to a Facility Manager? 

“Stay on top of regular maintenance. It really helps prevent bigger problems down the line. And don’t wait until something fails to call for help. The more we work together and communicate, the smoother everything runs.

Get an annual preventative maintenance contract with us and if you have any problems call the 1-800 number before doing anything. Just call the number first because you could damage equipment if you did something wrong. “

How do you ensure the safety of yourself and those around you while working with electrical systems? 

“Safety’s always the first thing on my mind. I double-check everything lockout/tagout and making sure the system’s de-energized. There is no on/off switch on a battery – they’re always hot and you learn to respect it.  

In my opinion, batteries will teach you. And they’ll teach you violently if you don’t pay attention. But once you figure out what you can and cannot do around a battery, you’re fine. This is coming from 13+ years of experience just dealing with batteries.  

Especially when I’m training newer techs, I emphasize these voltage checks.  I always ask them, ‘What’s the first thing you do?’ Check that voltage. Make sure it’s dead. 

A site contact once told me that the maintenance bypass panel was de-energized. I got out my meter, and I have 208 in there. If I had just taken their word, I would have had my hands inside of live 208V, three phrase being fed by a 30 or 60 Amp breaker. That’s enough to take a finger, burn your hand really bad, etc. Safety training  is required and extremely beneficial.

PPE is important but, in my opinion, the training is even more important than that. PPE is more of a fail-safe. Don’t rely on PPE because there’s always a chance the glove’s insulation has a nick in it or something like that. You’re better off just not putting the tool you’re using in a dangerous position. If you get used to putting tools on hot equipment, then eventually you might have an incident. There’s always a chance.  

What is your most memorable story from the field? 

“One that stands out is when I was sent to Phoenix to start up eight pods in just two weeks. I was working with four site electricians who were there to help install the batteries but had no experience with Samsung batteries. It was a lot of work and a lot of teaching, but we worked as a team and got it done. Definitely a proud moment.”

Where did you grow up, and where are you now? 

“I don’t have one specific hometown. I was an Air Force brat and grew up on various bases in the Dakotas. Grand Forks, then Minot, and Ellsworth near Mount Rushmore. These days, I’m living in Brownsville, PA.”

What was your favorite TV show / book growing up? 

“I didn’t watch much TV growing up. I was more into reading. One of my favorite series was Dragonlance, and of course, I loved the Star Wars books. Usually anything Sci-fi works for me. I still read a lot.”

What was your first concert? 

“I’ve never been to a concert, aside from the fun little shows my kids’ grade schools have put on. Those count in their own way! They do their little routines and sing out of key… they’re trying so hard so you just have to cheer… haha!”

YAY 👍 or NAY 👎 + WHY

What is the best advice you have received, personally or professionally?

“I wouldn’t say it’s just one piece of advice; it’s more about learning along the way. But something that’s always stuck with me is to take a deep breath before you do or say something you might regret.”