Leaving Home to Grow My Career
One of the most valuable experiences of my career had very little to do with electrical work itself. It came from the people I met while traveling across the United States as an electrician.
After earning my electrical license and joining the union, I had opportunities to work with different locals throughout the country. Those opportunities took me far beyond Maine and exposed me to places, communities, and people I never would have encountered otherwise. At the time, I was focused on gaining experience, improving my skills, and building my career. I did not realize that some of the biggest lessons I would learn had nothing to do with wiring, tools, or job sites.
Traveling for work was exciting because every project was different. Every location presented new challenges, and every crew brought together people from different backgrounds. The more places I visited, the more I realized how much there was to learn from the people around me.
Meeting People From All Walks of Life
Growing up in Maine, most of my experiences were centered around the communities I knew. Once I started traveling, my world became much bigger.
I worked alongside people from major cities, small towns, rural farming communities, and busy metropolitan areas. Some workers had decades of experience in the trade, while others were just getting started. Some came from backgrounds that looked nothing like mine, and others shared similar life experiences.
What stood out to me was how much people had in common despite their differences. No matter where someone came from, most people were working hard for the same reasons. They wanted to provide for their families, build a better future, and take pride in what they did for a living.
The more people I met, the more I realized that it is easy to make assumptions about others when you have never taken the time to know them. Traveling taught me to listen more and judge less.
Learning the Value of Respect
One lesson that stayed with me throughout my travels was the importance of treating people with respect.
On every job site, you are surrounded by different personalities. Some people are outgoing and talkative. Others are quiet and reserved. Some people lead with confidence, while others prefer to stay in the background and focus on their work.
I learned very quickly that respect goes a long way. People respond better when they feel valued and appreciated. They are more willing to work together, solve problems, and support each other when there is mutual respect.
Early in my career, I noticed that some people believed leadership required being aggressive or intimidating. My experience taught me something different. I learned that you can be kind to people and still get things done. You can hold high standards while treating people with dignity.
That lesson continues to influence how I lead today.
Communication Makes Everything Better
Working with crews from different parts of the country taught me the importance of communication.
No matter how skilled someone is, projects become difficult when people are not communicating clearly. Misunderstandings can lead to mistakes, delays, frustration, and safety concerns.
I learned how important it is to listen carefully and make sure everyone is on the same page. Good communication is not just about talking. It is about understanding. It is about making sure people feel heard and respected.
Those communication skills have helped me throughout my career and continue to help me as a business owner today.
Whether I am working with employees, customers, or other contractors, clear communication is one of the most valuable tools I have.
Different Places, Different Perspectives
One of the biggest benefits of traveling was gaining perspective.
When you spend your entire life in one place, it is easy to assume there is only one right way to do things. Traveling showed me that there are often many different ways to solve the same problem.
I worked on projects in different regions of the country where crews approached challenges differently. Some methods were faster. Some were more efficient. Others emphasized planning and preparation. Each experience gave me new ideas and helped me become a more well-rounded electrician.
Those experiences also taught me to stay open-minded. Just because something is different does not mean it is wrong. Sometimes the best way to grow is by learning from people who see the world differently than you do.
Appreciating Home Even More
While I am grateful for the opportunities travel provided, it also taught me something else. It taught me how much I value home.
Being away from family for long periods can be difficult. There were times when I missed important moments with my wife and children because I was on the road. While the work helped me grow professionally, it also reminded me of what mattered most.
The farther I traveled, the more I appreciated the people waiting for me back home. My family became an even greater source of motivation, and I began thinking more seriously about how I wanted my future to look.
Eventually, those thoughts played a major role in my decision to stop traveling and start my own company.
Bringing Those Lessons Into Business Ownership
When I started Rocky Coastal Electric in 2023, I brought many of the lessons I learned on the road with me.
I learned that every person has a story. I learned that respect matters. I learned that communication can solve many problems before they become bigger issues. Most importantly, I learned that people want to be treated fairly and honestly.
Those lessons shape the way I interact with customers, employees, and business partners. They influence how I approach leadership and how I represent my company in the community.
Running a business is about more than electrical work. It is about relationships. It is about earning trust and treating people the right way.
The Most Valuable Lesson of All
When I look back on my years of traveling across America as an electrician, I am grateful for every mile, every project, and every person I met along the way.
The experience helped me become a better electrician, but it also helped me become a better person. It taught me that people have far more in common than they often realize. It taught me the importance of respect, communication, and keeping an open mind.
Most of all, it taught me that success is not just about the work you do. It is about the relationships you build and the impact you have on the people around you.
Those lessons have stayed with me throughout my career, and they continue to guide me every day as I build Rocky Coastal Electric and work toward the future.