Best Utility Workers Podcasts (2025)

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Step & Touch Potential | The Simulator Changing Safety Training | Steve Kopp | 190 55:52

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21h ago55:52

55:52

In this episode, I sit down with Steve Kopp, VP of Safety, Health, & Environmental with MJ Electric and the creator of the Step & Touch Potential Simulator an innovation that’s transforming how linemen learn grounding and bonding. Steve shares his career journey in electrical safety, the difference between “safety on paper” and real jobsite culture…

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What To Know About The “First Year Rule” Of Retirement 17:56

23h ago17:56

17:56

Send us a text Well, you’re retired. Now what? Some people subscribe to the “first year rule,” which says that the majority of your best retirement months will all take place in the first year of retirement. So how can you be strategic during that first year and set the tone in the right way, both emotionally and financially? In this episode, Steve…

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Building Crews, Culture & Careers in Utility Construction | Mike Blandin | 189 57:55

8d ago57:55

57:55

In this episode, I sit down with Mike Blandin, a foreman with Canadian Utility Construction (CUC), part of Quanta Services. Mike shares his journey in civil and gas utility construction, from breaking into the trade to leading crews on major projects across Canada. We dive into leadership lessons from the field, the realities of running a crew, and…

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4 Ways to Refresh Your Finances Today! 14:25

8d ago14:25

14:25

Send us a text October is known for cooler weather, pumpkins, and Halloween. But did you know it’s also Financial Planning Month? While it might not come with costumes or candy, it’s a perfect reminder to pause, take stock, and be intentional with your money. Steve shares four simple but powerful ways to refresh your financial life and make sure yo…

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Generations at Work - The Value of Older Workers 32:52

9d ago32:52

32:52

In this episode of In Clear Terms with AARP California, host Dr. Thyonne Gordon sits down with Heather Tinsley-Fix, Senior Advisor of Employer Engagement at AARP, to discuss the value of experience in today’s workplace. Heather shares data and insights on how older workers are shaping the modern job market, the myths that still hold many back, and …

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Journeyman Gear | How a Lineman Turned Jobsite Ideas into a Business | Jared Greenlee | 188 1:36:36

15d ago1:36:36

1:36:36

In this episode, I sit down with Jared Greenlee a second-generation IBEW journeyman lineman, storm hand, and the founder of Journeyman Gear. Jared shares his story of growing up in the trade, committing two decades to storm response, and ultimately turning his jobsite experience into a fast-growing tool brand. We cover everything from the mindsets …

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How To Handle Big Purchases In Retirement 8:19

16d ago8:19

8:19

Send us a text In this mailbag episode, Steve tackles a listener question from Seth about whether or not to buy an RV in retirement, and how to do it without wrecking his financial plan. Should he drain his IRA and take the tax hit, or take on new debt in his 60s? Steve walks through how to think about big-ticket purchases in retirement, when debt …

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The Pressure Every Lineman Feels (But Few Talk About) | Dean Bell | 187 1:00:42

22d ago1:00:42

1:00:42

In this episode of Powerline Podcast, Ryan sits down with Dean Bell, a veteran lineman and foreman with decades in the trade. Dean pulls no punches as he shares what separates good leaders from great ones, how to earn trust under pressure, and why money, mindset, and mental health are the real make-or-break factors in this industry. From raw lesson…

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What Parents Regret Most About College Costs 20:30

23d ago20:30

20:30

Send us a text For many parents, the dream of sending their kids to college comes with a heavy financial hangover. In this episode, Steve breaks down the surprising new research showing how college costs are derailing retirement goals, and why nearly half of parents say they’d rather talk about drugs and politics than tuition costs. Steve explains …

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The Gas Station Sushi Equivalent Of Retirement Planning 25:08

30d ago25:08

25:08

Send us a text We all know there are things in life you probably shouldn’t trust, like gas station sushi or an email from a Nigerian prince. But what about when it comes to retirement planning? Sometimes what looks safe, easy, or even “guaranteed” isn’t so trustworthy when you peel back the layers. In this episode, Steve shares the financial “gas s…

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Voice of Experience with Danny Raines, CUSP - Beyond the Wires - The Hidden Dangers in Stormwater 23:47

30d ago23:47

23:47

It’s not just downed lines and high voltage you need to watch out for during storm restoration. In the mud and floodwaters lies a hidden, deadly threat: flesh-eating bacteria. In this critical episode, we're talking about Necrotizing Fasciitis, a rare but devastating infection that can start from a tiny cut or scrape exposed to contaminated water. …

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Utility Safety Podcast - Safety by Design - Safety Management System Planning with Pam Tompkins CSP, CUSP 47:48

1M ago47:48

47:48

In this episode of the Safety by Design, Nick sits down with Pam Tompkins, CUSP to discuss her recent article, "Safety by Design, Safety Management System Planning." This is the third installment of a six-part series where Pam delves into the critical role of planning in creating an effective safety management system (SMS). Pam explains why a proac…

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The Pilot That Turned a Crisis Into a Real Estate Empire Worth Millions | Steve Rozenberg | 186 1:15:47

1M ago1:15:47

1:15:47

Steve Rozenberg went from flying international jets to building one of the fastest-growing property management companies in the U.S. scaling to over 1,000 units before making a successful exit. In this episode of Powerline Podcast, we dive deep into: How 9/11 ended Steve’s airline career and forced a total reinvention The systems and KPIs he used t…

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You’re Not Ready to Retire If This Is All You’ve Done 18:15

1M ago18:15

18:15

Send us a text You’ve spent decades building your investment accounts, monitoring the markets, and contributing to your 401(k). That’s great. But here’s the truth: you’re not ready to retire if that’s all you’ve done. Retirement planning isn’t just about your portfolio; it’s about so much more. In today’s episode, Steve explains why focusing only o…

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Union Care Solutions - A Conversation on Mental Health in the Electrical Industry 29:45

1M ago29:45

29:45

In this vital episode, host Kate Wade sits down with Jenny Lavin, the founder and CEO of the nonprofit Union Care Solutions, to tackle the pressing mental health crisis within the union electrical community. Jenny, a union wife and mother with deep family roots in the IBEW, shares the alarming statistics that prompted her to take action: in the con…

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The App That Could Change the Trades Forever (JNCTN) | 185 | Alex Wakeland, Dan Stemp, Benjamin Moore 1:26:25

1M ago1:26:25

1:26:25

In this episode of Powerline Podcast, I sit down with Alex Wakeland, Dan Stemp, and Benjamin Moore from JNCTN, the team behind a groundbreaking digital credential system for the trades. We dive into the real problem of verifying training and certifications on jobsites, how JNCTN’s technology works, and why it matters for safety, compliance, and eff…

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Inflation Is Still Wrecking Retirement Confidence 15:15

1M ago15:15

15:15

Send us a text Inflation may not be in the headlines like it was in 2022, but for most Americans, it’s still public enemy number one when it comes to saving for retirement. A new Schwab survey reveals just how many people feel unprepared, and the ripple effect it has on retirement confidence. In this episode, Steve unpacks the numbers behind the su…

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Back to School, Back to Safety: Protecting Waste Collection Workers in America’s 4th Most Dangerous Job 44:02

2M ago44:02

44:02

As students head back to school and streets grow busier with children, buses, and parents, waste collection crews face heightened risks on the job. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, waste collection ranks as the fourth most dangerous occupation in America. This episode of Right on Time with RouteSmart takes a hard look at how the industr…

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5 Signs You’re Richer Than You Think 17:31

2M ago17:31

17:31

Send us a text Most people don’t feel wealthy. But what if your day-to-day habits are quietly building serious financial strength? A recent article from Kiplinger outlined five surprising signs that you might be richer than you think. And none of them involve yachts or private jets… Let’s analyze the habits that signal real, lasting wealth and what…

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The Beatles Retirement: All You Need Is A Plan 15:42

2M ago15:42

15:42

Send us a text It’s been 60 years since Beatlemania took America by storm. But beyond the screaming crowds and legendary performances, some of their lyrics still carry timeless wisdom, even when it comes to your financial life. In this episode, Steve takes us on a magical mystery tour through classic Beatles songs to uncover lessons about investing…

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How Human Services Transportation is Transforming Mobility 43:37

2M ago43:37

43:37

Older Californians face growing transportation challenges as they age, especially in rural and underserved communities. In this episode of In Clear Terms with AARP California, host Dr. Thyonne Gordon is joined by Arun Prem, Executive Director of Full Access and Coordinated Transportation (FACT), and David Azevedo, Associate Director of Advocacy and…

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The Surprising Way the Trades Can Launch You Beyond the Line | Alex Wakeland | 184 1:54:17

2M ago1:54:17

1:54:17

In this episode of Powerline Podcast, I sit down with Alex Wakeland a General Foreman, content creator, and tech innovator who’s proving the trades can open doors far beyond the job site. We dive into what it really takes to build high-performing crews, the leadership lessons that stick, and how skills learned on the line can become a launchpad int…

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Utility Safety Podcast - Deep Dive - Improving Rope Safety in Energized Environments 16:36

2M ago16:36

16:36

This episode of "The Deep Dive" explores the hidden dangers of using standard synthetic ropes in high-voltage environments and the shift towards true dielectric ropes. We discuss how traditional ropes can become conductive when exposed to moisture and contaminants, turning them into a serious safety hazard. We also cover the importance of rigorous …

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The Future of PPE - How Twiceme Technology Is Revolutionizing PPE for Utility Workers 23:55

2M ago23:55

23:55

In this episode of the Utility Safety Podcast, host Kate Wade sits down with Christian Connolly, CEO of Twiceme Technology, a Sweden-based smart safety company revolutionizing PPE with digital innovation. Christian shares his journey from fintech to safety tech, explains how wearable technology is transforming worker protection, and highlights Twic…

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Nobody Tells You THIS About Becoming a Lineman… | Brandon Fiscus | 183 59:06

2M ago59:06

59:06

In this episode of Powerline Podcast, I sit down with Brandon Fiscus, a lineman turned senior leader at Allteck who now oversees recruiting, apprenticeship, and union workforce development. Brandon shares hard-earned lessons from over 20 years in the trade covering everything from leadership and crew culture to mental health, money mistakes, and wh…

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Retirement Planning Pop Quiz: Can You Score 5/5? 12:59

2M ago12:59

12:59

Send us a text The kids may be heading back to class, but it’s also a great time for adults to brush up on retirement planning. In this episode, Steve walks through some key concepts that can make or break your retirement readiness. Test your knowledge with this quick financial pop quiz- five essential questions every pre-retiree and retiree should…

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The 4% Rule Rewrite (And What It Means For Your Retirement) 14:57

2M ago14:57

14:57

Send us a text The 4% rule gets talked about like gospel in retirement planning. But let’s be honest, it’s always been more of a rough guess than a golden rule. Now, its original creator is revising it to 4.7%. So, does that mean your retirement paycheck just got a raise, or is this just another headline that oversimplifies a complex decision? Here…

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What the Next Generation of Linemen Need to Hear | Chase Anderson | 182 1:09:37

3M ago1:09:37

1:09:37

Chase Anderson has been leading in the powerline trade for years, earning respect in one of the toughest industries out there. In this episode of Powerline Podcast, we go deep on what real leadership looks like on the job, why mental health in the trades can’t be ignored, and where the future of line work in Canada is headed. We also talk about the…

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Target-Date Funds: Pros, Cons & What You Need To Know! 15:10

3M ago15:10

15:10

Send us a text Target-date funds just passed $4 trillion in assets. They’re now the default investment in many 401(k)s, and millions of Americans are using them without really understanding how they work. So, are they a smart choice or just the easiest one? In this episode, Steve unpacks the pros, cons, and misunderstood mechanics of target-date fu…

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Driving Growth Through Intelligent Route Planning: Smith Brothers’ Success Story 39:42

3M ago39:42

39:42

What does it take to deliver milk, eggs, cheese, and 650+ SKUs to 70,000 homes every week — while keeping routes efficient, customers happy, and growth on track? In this episode of Right on Time with RouteSmart, host Matt Kemeny sits down with James Kostoroski, Director of Logistics at Smith Brothers, and Jason Fry, Senior Business Development Mana…

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Hiring Your Spouse & Kids: Big Opportunities and Costly Mistakes to Avoid 14:04

3M ago14:04

14:04

Send us a text Today, we’re answering a smart question from a viewer about hiring a spouse or children in a family business. When structured properly, this strategy can create meaningful tax deductions, help a spouse build Social Security benefits, and even give children a head start on retirement savings. But if handled carelessly, it can raise re…

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California Paid Family Leave 22:41

3M ago22:41

22:41

Paid family leave is often the difference between stability and stress for working families. In this episode of In Clear Terms with AARP California, host Dr. Thyonne Gordon talks with California State Senator María Elena Durazo and Katie Duberg, Political Organizing Director at the California Work & Family Coalition, about how California’s paid fam…

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Rethinking Risk: Safety Culture, Risk Tolerance, and Relationship-Driven Leadership - Mark Taylor, CUSP 45:44

3M ago45:44

45:44

Rethinking Risk: Safety Culture, Risk Tolerance, and Relationship-Driven Leadership In this compelling episode, Mark Taylor, CUSP, Senior Advisor of Corporate Services at Primary Engineering and Construction, joins us to explore how utility professionals perceive and manage risk. Drawing from decades of field and leadership experience, Mark discuss…

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Built from the Underground Up - Mark Savage’s Mission to Train the Next Generation of Utility Workers 38:09

3M ago38:09

38:09

In this episode of Incident Prevention’s Utility Safety Podcast, host Kate Wade sits down with Mark Savage, Marine Corps veteran and founder of DeadBreak — a specialized underground electrical training and consulting company. Mark shares his professional journey, the gaps he identified in underground utility training, and how DeadBreak aims to brid…

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Bringing Electrical Safety Home - A Conversation with Jennifer LeFevre of Electrical Safety Foundation International 17:58

3M ago17:58

17:58

In this episode of the Incident Prevention Utility Safety Podcast, host Kate Wade sits down with Jennifer LeFevre, Executive Director of the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI), to explore how everyday decisions at work and at home can impact electrical safety. Jennifer shares insights into the mission of ESFI, the dangers of lithium-…

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Voice of Experience: Battling the Storm - Hurricane Season Lessons for Linemen with Danny Raines, CUSP 37:52

3M ago37:52

37:52

In this powerful episode of the Utility Safety Podcast: Voice of Experience, veteran lineman and safety consultant Danny Raines, CUSP, shares hard-earned lessons from decades of storm response—from Hurricane Katrina to ice storms in Georgia. With hurricane season in full swing, Danny offers real-world guidance on preparing for storm duty, understan…

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Decoding Wall-Street Jargon: Financial Terms Everyone Should Know 17:58

3M ago17:58

17:58

Send us a text Financial terms get thrown around all the time- crash, correction, high yield, equities, fiduciary- but do you really know what they mean, and why the wording matters? In today’s episode, Steve breaks down common financial terms you hear all the time, what they really mean, and why understanding them could make a real difference in y…

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The Psychology of Money Says Your Emotions Matter More Than Math 22:21

3M ago22:21

22:21

Send us a text Today, we’re kicking off our new Financial Book Club with The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel. This isn’t just a book about financial strategies- it’s about the why behind the decisions we make with money, even when they seem irrational. In this episode, Steve breaks down four key themes from Housel’s bestselling book and explor…

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How Older Californians Can Stay Safe During Disasters 39:29

3M ago39:29

39:29

Older adults are especially vulnerable during natural disasters and staying safe goes far beyond just having an emergency kit. In this episode of In Clear Terms with AARP California, host Dr. Thyonne Gordon speaks with Luke Beckman, Division Disaster State Relations Director for the Pacific Division of the American Red Cross. Luke shares practical …

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Are You Over-Saving For Retirement? 18:12

4M ago18:12

18:12

Send us a text Are you saving so much for retirement that it’s squeezing your life today? In this episode, Steve’s answering a smart viewer question about finding the right balance between preparing for the future and living fully in the present. Steve dives into Dennis’s situation: a high-income earner who’s maxing out multiple retirement accounts…

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Utility Safety Podcast - Industrial Athletes - Keeping Utility Workers Safe in Extreme Heat 44:00

4M ago44:00

44:00

In this special Incident Prevention Utility Safety Podcast episode for Extreme Heat Awareness Month, host Kate Wade welcomes Dr. Kevin Rindal of Vimocity and Scott Head of DragonWear to share essential strategies for preventing heat stress among utility workers. They dive deep into how extreme heat affects the human body, why utility workers are es…

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EP17 Training the Future Workforce: Inside Broome Tioga BOCES Heavy Equipment Program 43:08

4M ago43:08

43:08

This high school program has a waitlist every year. Here's why. In this episode of the Built In Boots Podcast, we welcome Dan and Josh Coleman from the Broome-Tioga BOCES Heavy Equipment Program. Dan, a veteran instructor with 16 years of experience, shares the inner workings of a program that’s building the future of the construction industry—lite…

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The Five Love Languages of Financial Planning 15:19

4M ago15:19

15:19

Send us a text The five love languages were made popular by author Gary Chapman. If you’re not familiar with them, they include acts of service, quality time, words of affirmation, gifts, and physical touch. Let’s think about how you may encounter the love languages when it comes to financial planning. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode…

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Can Real Estate Boost Your Retirement Plan? 19:44

4M ago19:44

19:44

Send us a text Thinking about using real estate to strengthen your retirement plan? From generating income to offering financial flexibility or emergency access to cash, real estate offers a wide range of possibilities. But not every option is the right fit for every retiree. In this episode, Steve breaks down seven common real estate approaches th…

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The Second Fifty: Answers to the 7 Big Questions of Midlife and Beyond 38:26

4M ago38:26

38:26

Getting older comes with a lot of questions, some practical, some emotional and some that are hard to even bring up. In this episode of In Clear Terms with AARP California host Dr. Thyonne Gordon talks with Debra Whitman AARP’s Chief Public Policy Officer and the author of The Second Fifty: Answers to the 7 Big Questions of Midlife and Beyond. Debr…

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Utility Safety Podcast: Deep Dive: Bucket Truck Safety: OSHA Standards and Other Considerations Written by Danny Raines, CUSP 11:40

4M ago11:40

11:40

In this episode, we unpack the vital safety standards, OSHA regulations, and field-tested insights that govern bucket truck operations in the electric utility industry. Based on the article “Bucket Truck Safety: OSHA Standards and Other Considerations” by Danny Raines, CUSP, we dive into key differences between Class A and Class B trucks, daily con…

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Silencing the Noise: Creating a Culture of Actionable Safety and Synchrony with Bill Martin, CUSP 42:03

4M ago42:03

42:03

In this episode of our Actionable Safety series, host Nick talks with Bill Martin and Kate Wade about moving beyond “safety noise” to create real, lasting change on the job. They dive deep into achieving buy-in through synchrony, overcoming defensiveness, and translating safety theory into real-world practice. With stories from climbing Mount Kenya…

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EP16 Building Smarter: How the Hillstrom Brothers Are Revolutionizing Construction with Software 50:15

4M ago50:15

50:15

You Can’t Automate Culture: Leadership Lessons from Construction Software Xeratec’s Founders What happens when a former Army Ranger with a passion for people and a seasoned software developer with deep industry chops team up to serve the construction industry? In this episode of Built In Boots, co-hosts Griffin Haley and DDS’s Mike Fallat sit down …

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Mailbag: Saving Dilemmas, Severance Packages & Retirement Rules 11:56

4M ago11:56

11:56

Send us a text Today, Steve answers three thoughtful listener questions from viewers like you! Is saving 15% of your income truly necessary or just a rule of thumb that doesn’t fit everyone? What should you consider if you’re unexpectedly offered a severance package right before retirement? And does the popular 4% withdrawal rule still work in toda…

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181 | Wind at Work | Karissa Murillo & Chris Bruner on Renewables, Leadership & the Future of Energy 53:01

4M ago53:01

53:01

What does it take to build one of the largest renewable energy projects in U.S. history? In this episode of Powerline Podcast, we head into the wind side of SunZia with Karissa Murillo and Chris Bruner of Blattner. Together, they break down the scale, coordination, and leadership it takes to install hundreds of turbines across remote terrain, and w…