After nearly 37 years in the electric utility industry, James Respeto of the United Illuminating Co. (Avangrid) has worn many hats — but at his core, he still considers himself a lineman.

In this episode of the Line Life podcast, James shares the journey that took him from reading meters shortly after graduating high school to becoming an overhead line supervisor, line school mentor, safety leader and ethical liaison at Avangrid. Along the way, he has helped train the next generation of lineworkers while responding to major storms and mutual aid deployments across North America.

James reflects on memorable restoration efforts in Nova Scotia and Florida, describing the devastation left behind by severe weather and the teamwork required to restore power under difficult conditions. He discusses the realities of working 17-hour shifts, the importance of proper nutrition and hydration during storm response and the planning and communication that keep crews operating safely under pressure.

Safety remains the central theme throughout the conversation. James explains why effective tailboard meetings, open communication and mutual accountability are essential on every job site. He believes that every person on a crew — regardless of title or experience — has both the responsibility and the authority to speak up if something appears unsafe.

The conversation also explores leadership beyond technical expertise. James shares his philosophy of mentoring apprentices, pairing new lineworkers with experienced teachers, maintaining an open-door policy and serving as an ethical resource for employees who need guidance or support.

As a father of four, James also discusses how family shapes his perspective on safety and why he's proud to see his teenage son preparing for a future in the line trade.