The Power Element Podcast

Leadership isn't always a title. Sometimes it's simply seeing what needs to be done and stepping up to do it.

In Episode 110 of The Power Element Podcast, Producer Paul sits down with Morgan Ricks, Journeyman Lineman and General Foreman for Sturgeon Electric's Nevada Line operations, for an authentic conversation about leadership, humility, personal development, and the responsibility that comes with influencing others.

Drawing from his experiences in the military, the line trade, and leadership roles across the country, Morgan shares how discipline, routine, and a commitment to continuous improvement helped shape his career. The conversation explores the difference between being a skilled craftsman and becoming a leader, why leadership development is becoming increasingly important in the trades, and how creating a culture people want to be part of starts with ownership and communication.

Morgan also reflects on the mentors who impacted his life, the importance of decentralized command, the value of staying humble, and why developing future leaders requires patience, trust, and a willingness to let people learn through experience.

Whether you're a groundman, apprentice, journeyman, foreman, or someone simply trying to become better both professionally and personally, this episode offers practical leadership lessons rooted in real-world experience.

In This Episode:

• Leadership without a title

• The impact of mentorship and wisdom in the trades

• Extreme Ownership and decentralized command

• Creating a culture people want to be part of

• Personal development and continuous learning

• Military lessons applied to the line trade.

• Building leaders instead of followers

• The importance of humility and accountability

• Why every professional needs a trusted "council" of mentors and advisors

"The day you stop learning is the day you're done."Whether you're leading a crew, developing apprentices, or improving your craft, this episode reminds you that real growth happens through the daily process of learning, improving, and doing the work. This episode is powered by Sturgeon Electric and MYR Group. Check out and support our promotional partners: Milwaukee Tool, Klein Tools, Wye Delta, and High Voltage Industries. Ad music provided by: Daniel Sanchez @d.s.s._beats @DSSbeats Follow us on Instagram @ CaliforniaLineWorks May we all continue to guide and support those in need. Please continue the conversation about mental health and well-being within your community. Be your Brother’s Keeper. Visit ⁠www.lineco.org⁠ for assistance through LineCo. Suicide, crisis, and lifeline Dial 988. The Power Element Podcast is a leadership, culture, and safety podcast for linemen and construction professionals, focused on standards, accountability, and high-performance culture in the utility and construction industries.

Recorded at the 2026 Milwaukee Tool Pipeline, Producer Paul sits down with journeyman lineman, troubleman, and content creator Aaron LeBlanc, better known online as Bobsdecline, for a conversation about linework, safety, leadership, emergency response, and authentic content creation in the power utility industry.

Aaron shares his favorite tools and innovations from Milwaukee Pipeline 2026, including the new wire puller, expanded battery capabilities, and jobsite products that can make long shifts safer and more practical. He also explains why the best trade content should feel like an experienced lineman teaching an apprentice on the job, not someone reading from a rehearsed sales script.

The conversation goes deeper into Aaron’s work as a utility troubleman and first responder. He discusses responding to house fires, vehicle accidents, downed power lines, live-front transformers, and other emergency situations where linemen must quickly identify electrical hazards, communicate with emergency personnel, and make the scene safe.

Aaron and Paul also discuss the emotional side of emergency response, the importance of seeking help after difficult incidents, and why conversations about mental health are becoming more accepted across the power utility and construction industries.

The episode also explores how Aaron uses Bobsdecline to provide practical lineworker education, create training resources, learn from other linemen around the world, and build trust through transparency. From accepting feedback and acknowledging mistakes to protecting your credibility when working with brands, Aaron explains why authenticity remains one of the most valuable things a creator can bring to the skilled trades.

The conversation closes with Aaron’s partnership with Climbin’ for Kids, his limited-edition challenge coin supporting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and rapid-fire lessons for apprentices, foremen, and the next generation of lineworkers.

Whether you are a journeyman lineman, apprentice, foreman, troubleman, utility professional, first responder, or skilled-trades content creator, this episode offers practical lessons on safety, leadership, communication, career longevity, and representing the line trade with integrity.

Follow Aaron “Bobsdecline” LeBlanc

• YouTube: Search “Bobsdecline”
• Instagram: Search “Bobsdecline”
• Facebook: Search “Bobsdecline”

Aaron’s primary content is available on YouTube. For direct questions or conversations, connect with him through Instagram or Facebook.

Learn more about Climbin’ for Kids and its work supporting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital:

• Instagram: Search “Climbin’ for Kids”
• Donation link: St. Jude Telethon 2026: Climbin4Kids Bob's Decline Fundraiser - Events for St. JudeSupport Climbin’ for KidsThis episode is powered by Sturgeon Electric and MYR Group.

Check out and support our promotional partners:

• Milwaukee Tool
• Klein Tools
• Wye Delta
• High Voltage Industries
• Vimocity

Ad music provided by Daniel Sanchez:
Instagram:@d.s.s._beats | @DSSbeats

Follow The Power Element Podcast:

• Instagram:@CaliforniaLineWorks
• YouTube: CaliforniaLineWorks
• Facebook: CaliforniaLineWorks

The Power Element Podcast is a leadership and safety podcast for linemen and construction professionals, focused on standards, accountability, and high-performance culture in the utility and construction industries. [open.spotify.com], [podcasts.apple.com]

May we all continue to guide and support those in need. Be your Brother’s Keeper.

Visit www.lineco.org for assistance through LineCo.
Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Dial 988

In this episode of the Power Element Podcast's Everyone Leads series,  Raul Guardado sits down with Kyle Gawloski, Director of Safety Training for MYR Group, for an authentic conversation about leadership, training, and what it takes to build a strong industry.

The discussion starts with leadership lessons from Extreme Ownership and explores how ego can help or hinder growth, especially when it comes to learning, teaching, and accepting feedback. Kyle shares his unexpected journey from journeyman lineman to training professional and explains why effective training must go beyond PowerPoint presentations and compliance checkboxes.

The team tackles a common challenge across the industry: How do you create buy-in when crews see training as just another requirement? Through stories, field experiences, and practical examples, they discuss the importance of connecting training to the real work crews perform every day, making it relevant, engaging, and applicable.

Drawing inspiration from the book Chop Wood, Carry Water, the conversation shifts to the value of fundamentals, delayed gratification, and mastering the process. Whether you're an apprentice working toward your ticket, a journeyman developing your craft, or a leader responsible for developing others, this episode offers valuable insights on growth, humility, and continuous learning.

Topics Covered:

• Why ego can be a barrier to learning and leadership
• Creating buy-in for training programs
• The difference between compliance training and meaningful development
• Why storytelling is one of the most effective teaching tools
• The importance of apprenticeship fundamentals
• Delayed gratification and long-term success in the trades
• Feedback, readbacks, and improving crew performance
• Building a culture where everyone leads

Key Takeaway:"Training only works when it leaves the classroom and shows up on the job."

Whether you're leading a crew, developing apprentices, or working to improve your craft, this episode is a reminder that real growth happens through the daily process of learning, improving, and doing the work.

This episode is powered by Sturgeon Electric and MYR Group. Check out and support our promotional partners: Milwaukee Tool, Klein Tools, Wye Delta, and High Voltage Industries.

Ad music provided by: Daniel Sanchez @d.s.s._beats @DSSbeats

Follow us on Instagram @ CaliforniaLineWorks

May we all continue to guide and support those in need. Please continue the conversation about mental health and well-being within your community. Be your Brother’s Keeper. Visit www.lineco.org for assistance through LineCo. Suicide, crisis, and lifeline Dial 988.

The Power Element Podcast is a leadership, culture, and safety podcast for linemen and construction professionals, focused on standards, accountability, and high-performance culture in the utility and construction industries.

#Leadership #Linework #EveryoneLeads #SafetyCulture #Apprenticeship #Training #MYRGroup #ExtremeOwnership #PowerElementPodcast #ElectricalIndustry #LinemanLife #LeadershipDevelopment #ChopWoodCarryWater #UtilityIndustry #ContinuousImprovement

Recorded live at the 2026 Milwaukee Pipeline, Austin Carr, better known as America's Favorite Lineman, joins The Power Element Podcast to discuss his journey from climbing cell towers to becoming a lineman, social media influencer, rodeo competitor, and a voice within the industry.In this conversation, Austin shares lessons learned during his apprenticeship, why every lineman should strive to become the best version of themselves, leadership principles for mentoring apprentices, storm restoration experiences, and the responsibility that comes with educating thousands of lineworkers online.Austin also discusses lineman rodeos, utility culture, preserving the history of linework, Milwaukee Tool innovations, and the importance of safety, communication, and accountability both on the job and across social media platforms.Whether you're a pre-apprentice, apprentice lineman, journeyman, foreman, or utility leader, this episode offers practical insights on leadership, storm work, personal growth, and building a successful career in the line trade.This episode was recorded live at the 2026 Milwaukee Pipeline, Milwaukee Tool's premier innovation and product experience event, where industry professionals, content creators, and trade leaders come together to explore the future of tools, technology, and the skilled trades.✅ Leadership in the Trades✅ Apprentice Development✅ Storm Restoration Work✅ Utility Industry Culture✅ Lineman Rodeos✅ Safety and Accountability✅ Social Media in the Skilled TradesGuest: Austin Carr (America's Favorite Lineman)Follow Austin: YouTube: @AmericasFavoriteLinemanInstagram: @AmericasFavoriteLinemanTikTok: @AmericasFavoriteLinemanFacebook: America's Favorite LinemanThis episode is powered by Sturgeon Electric and MYR Group.Check out and support our promotional partners: Milwaukee Tool, Klein Tools, Wye Delta, and High Voltage Industries.Ad music provided by: Daniel Sanchez @d.s.s._beats @DSSbeats Follow us on Instagram @ CaliforniaLineWorksMay we all continue to guide and support those in need. Please continue the conversation about mental health and well-being within your community. Be your Brother’s Keeper. Visit www.lineco.org for assistance through LineCo. Suicide, crisis, and lifeline Dial 988.The Power Element Podcast is a leadership, culture, and safety podcast for linemen and construction professionals, focused on standards, accountability, and high-performance culture in the utility and construction industries.

What is the difference between Extreme Ownership and Extreme Stewardship? More than just responsibility. In this episode of our Everyone Leads series, we explore how ownership helps us take accountability for the mission in front of us, while stewardship challenges us to think about what we are leaving behind for the next person, the next crew, and the next generation of leaders.

In the second half, we shift gears into communication and break down three practical ways to communicate better on a crew: being clear, confirming understanding, and listening with intent.

This episode is powered by Sturgeon Electric and MYR Group.

Check out and support our promotional partners: Milwaukee Tool, Klein Tools, Wye Delta, High Voltage Industries, and Vimocity.

Ad music provided by: Daniel Sanchez @d.s.s._beats | @DSSbeats

Follow us on Instagram: @CaliforniaLineWorks

May we all continue to guide and support those in need. Be your Brother’s Keeper. Visit www.lineco.org for assistance through LineCo.

Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Dial 988

The Power Element Podcast is a leadership and safety podcast for linemen and construction professionals, focused on standards, accountability, and high-performance culture in the utility and construction industries.

In Episode 105 of The Power Element Podcast, Producer Paul sits down with Neil Tolson, Executive Director of EICA,to talk about the bigger purpose behind the Safety Wallet and why it matters to the electrical construction industry. Neil breaks down how this digital credential system helps workers keep track of certifications, training records,and qualifications without relying on stacks of cards or paperwork.

Thank you, Neil Tolsonhttps://eica-us.org/This episode is powered by Sturgeon Electric and MYR Group.Check out and support our promotional partners: Milwaukee Tool, Klein Tools, Wye Delta, and High Voltage Industries.Ad music provided by: Daniel Sanchez @d.s.s._beats @DSSbeats Follow us on Instagram @ CaliforniaLineWorksMay we all continue to guide and support those in need. Please continue the conversation about mental health and well-being within your community. Be your Brother’s Keeper. Visit www.lineco.org for assistance through LineCo. Suicide, crisis, and lifeline: Dial 988.The Power Element Podcast is a leadership, culture, and safety podcast for linemen and construction professionals, focused on standards, accountability, and high-performance culture in the utility and construction industries. #podcast #leadership #constructionwork

What do Samurai and Journeyman Linemen have in common? More than you think. In this episode of Everyone Leads, we connect Bushidō to the IBEW Code of Excellence and explore what true professionalism, courage, and accountability look like when the stakes are real and people are depending on you.

 In the second half, we shift gears into imprinting and how work habits are passed along to coworkers.

This episode is powered by Sturgeon Electric and MYR Group.

Check out and support our promotional partners: Milwaukee Tool, Klein Tools, Wye Delta, High Voltage Industries, and Vimocity.

Ad music provided by: Daniel Sanchez

@d.s.s._beats | @DSSbeats

Follow us on Instagram: @CaliforniaLineWorks

May we all continue to guide and support those in need. Be your Brother’s Keeper. Visit www.lineco.org for assistance through LineCo.Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Dial 988

The Power Element Podcast is a leadership and safety podcast for linemen and construction professionals, focused on standards, accountability, and high-performance culture in the utility and construction industries.

#podcast #leadership #service #construction #disciplineequalsfreedom

In episode 103 of The Power Element Podcast, the crew welcomes Steve Foster, Director of Corporate Safety Training at MYR Group, in the SoCal studio for a casual conversation about what it really takes to build safer, stronger crews. From leadership at every level to training that actually sticks, Steve shares lessons from a career spent in the field and in safety, plus what he believes needs to change across the industry to reduce serious injuries and fatalities.

Thank you, Steve Foster@myrgroup

This episode is powered by Sturgeon Electric and MYR Group.

Check out and support our promotional partners: Milwaukee Tool, Klein Tools, Wye Delta, and High Voltage Industries.

Ad music provided by: Daniel Sanchez @d.s.s._beats @DSSbeats Follow us on Instagram @ CaliforniaLineWorks

May we all continue to guide and support those in need. Please continue the conversation about mental health and well-being within your community. Be your Brother’s Keeper.

The Power Element Podcast is a leadership and safety podcast for linemen and construction professionals, focused on standards, accountability, and high-performance culture in the utility and construction industries.

Visit www.lineco.org for assistance through LineCo. Suicide, crisis, and lifeline Dial 988.#podcast #leadership #constructionwork

In this episode of Everyone Leads, we sit down with Zach Brown, Journeyman Lineman and Safety Training Manager with MYR Group, to break down two things every lineman and leader faces daily: how to fuel the body for demanding work and how to lead when safety and productivity are both on the line.

We kick things off with an Ask Copilot segment answering a question every working hand has asked at some point: What’s the ideal daily meal to fuel a journeyman lineman?

In the second half, we shift gears into leadership, tackling a trending industry challenge: balancing safety and productivity in high demand projects. With tighter deadlines and zero injury expectations, foremen and supervisors are under more pressure than ever. Zach shares real world insights on communicating priorities, empowering crews to speak up, and applying leadership principles like Extreme Ownership to take responsibility for both the schedule and the safety outcomes.

This episode is powered by Sturgeon Electric and MYR Group.

Check out and support our promotional partners: Milwaukee Tool, Klein Tools, Wye Delta, High Voltage Industries, and Vimocity.

Ad music provided by: Daniel [email protected]._beats | @DSSbeats

Follow us on Instagram: @CaliforniaLineWorks

May we all continue to guide and support those in need. Be your Brother’s Keeper. Visit www.lineco.org for assistance through LineCo.Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Dial 988

The Power Element Podcast is a leadership and safety podcast for linemen and construction professionals, focused on standards, accountability, and high-performance culture in the utility and construction industries. #podcast #leadership #service #construction #disciplineequalsfreedom

In Episode 101 of The Power Element Podcast, Raul and Producer Paul sit down with a Superintendent and Journeyman Lineman from Sturgeon Electric California for a candid debrief following the Top Gun Leadership Summit.

Coming from the front lines of the power utility industry, the conversation centers on real-world leadership, what resonated at the summit, what challenged existing mindsets, and how those lessons translate directly to the field. From accountability and ownership to communication, standards, and leading crews under pressure, this episode breaks down leadership from the perspective of someone who lives it every day.

Recorded following the Top Gun Leadership Summit, this episode delivers practical takeaways for anyone responsible for leading people, managing risk, and developing the next generation of leaders in the trade.

Thank you, Clayton Loback.

This episode is powered by Sturgeon Electric and MYR Group.

Check out and support our promotional partners: Milwaukee Tool, Klein Tools, Wye Delta, High Voltage Industries, and Vimocity.

Ad music provided by: Daniel [email protected]._beats | @DSSbeats

Follow us on Instagram: @CaliforniaLineWorks

May we all continue to guide and support those in need. Be your Brother’s Keeper. Visit www.lineco.org for assistance through LineCo.Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Dial 988 #podcast #leadership #service #construction #disciplineequalsfreedom