Category Archives: News

InfraSource’s Women’s Employee Resource Group Celebrates Women in Construction Week

March 2-8 is Women in Construction Week™(WIC). Established by the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) in 1998, WIC celebrates and promotes the role of women in the construction industry. 

What better time to spotlight our Women’s Employee Resource Group (ERG)? This group kicked off in December 2024 with the mission to foster inclusivity and support women within the organization. The ERG has adopted the name LIFT, which stands for Leading Infrasouce Females Together. 

A Vision for Support and Representation
The idea for the Women’s ERG began with Stephanie Krabbe, Senior Vice President of Organizational Development, who recognized the need for more support and representation for women in the construction industry. “The goal of creating the Women’s ERG is to foster an inclusive environment that supports the professional and personal development of women within our organization,” she explains. “It provides a space for women to connect, share experiences, and access resources that can help them advance in their careers.”

Meet the LIFT Leadership Team

InfraSource’s Women’s ERG is led by a passionate group of women, including Chair Danie Adamic, Vice-Chair Holly Luehring, Communications Chair Marissa Sitton, and Membership Chair Shaun McGuire. Each brings a unique perspective and a shared commitment to empowering women at InfraSource.

  • Danie Adamic, Chair, began her journey at InfraSource nine years ago as a fuser. Now an OQ Evaluator, she’s dedicated to inspiring women to step outside their comfort zones. “You don’t know what you can do unless you try,” she says, encouraging others to be bold and take risks.
  • Holly Luehring, Vice-Chair, started her 25-year career in construction as a marketing intern. With the help of mentors and allies, she built a successful career by taking on new challenges and continually learning. Holly envisions the ERG as a space where women can uplift and support each other. “Don’t be your own roadblock. Take a chance and believe in yourself,” she advises.
  • Shaun McGuire, Membership Chair, brings 16 years of experience in the auto industry to her role as Fleet Coordinator at InfraSource. With a focus on connecting women across the company, Shaun is committed to fostering growth and mentorship.
  • Marissa Sitton, Communications Chair, is the corporate fleet manager who manages the company’s fleet operations. She’s eager to create open communication channels and facilitate collaboration within the ERG.

Building a Culture of Empowerment

The Women’s ERG is a platform for building confidence, sharing knowledge, and creating opportunities for women at InfraSource. United by a shared passion for mentorship and advocacy, the group is paving the way for a more inclusive workplace.

As the ERG grows, it will not only provide support for women at InfraSource but will also inspire the development of additional employee resource groups. Ultimately, it’s all part of the company’s commitment to creating a positive workplace culture.

Look for more from the LIFT this week as the group takes over our social feeds.   

INFRASOURCE LIFT LOGO

Good Catches: Adapting to Daily Changes on the Job

Our Good Catch Program continues to highlight our employees who stay vigilant and identify potential hazards. By utilizing the energy wheel, our team thoroughly inspects and identifies STKY (Situations That Kill You) scenarios, leading to countless safety success stories. Kudos to all the crews who mitigate daily STKY situations.

Catching a Critical Error
A crew began work on an interruption on a circuit. During a manhole inspection, the team noticed a discrepancy in the gas-operated switch tag’s clearance order (CO) number; the number on the switch didn’t match the Clearance Order. After contacting the Operations Control Center, they discovered a new CO had been issued for an inoperable switch. This catch highlighted a lock-out tag-out violation, emphasizing the importance of accurate documentation and communication.

Preventing a Fire Hazard
A crew was tasked with replacing an open wire service with a triplex. They found the customer’s service entry cable insulation had deteriorated, posing a fire hazard. The team de-energized the service, made temporary repairs, and ensured the customer’s power remained on during freezing temperatures. The customer was advised to contact an electrician for permanent repairs, with follow-up planned to ensure safety.

Avoiding Utility Conflicts
While setting a new service pole, a crew noticed a private storm drain in the path of the new pole. They moved the pole to a different location and scheduled a Vac Truck to dig the hole, ensuring no utility conflicts.

Addressing Changing Conditions
A crew tasked with replacing a pole noticed a tree in the Right-of-Way that had uprooted during recent storms, posing a risk of unscheduled outages. They reported the issue, and a trouble ticket was created to clear the Right-of-Way, showcasing how conditions can change daily on the job.

Addressing a Split Pole
A crew was tasked with replacing a pole and transferring facilities. During their inspection, they noticed the adjacent dead-end pole was split at the top. They performed a Stop Timeout and decided to install split bolts on the pole before moving the primary at the assigned pole. This proactive measure ensured the safety and stability of the structure.

Identifying and Resolving Multiple Issues
A crew was assigned to move secondaries to a new required height. Before framing for the new attachment, they noticed an old porcelain cutout. It has become standard practice to check these cutouts for cracks, as they can easily break. Upon inspection, they found the arm was completely rotten. The crew performed a Stop Timeout and contacted their Foreman.

When the crew went up to put rubber on for the pole set, they noticed the cross arm was completely rotted on top and needed to be changed before setting the new pole. They performed another Stop Timeout to change the scope of work. After making the existing arm safe and setting the new pole, the crew removed the existing transformer bank. During this process, they discovered one of the mounting brackets was broken off and another was cracked and in poor condition. The crew performed yet another Stop Timeout to adjust the scope of work obtained two new transformers and completed the job safely and efficiently.

Good Catch Program: Enhancing Safety Through Vigilance and Proactive Measures

At InfraSource, a Quanta Company, we are committed to fostering a culture of safety through our Good Catch Program. This initiative encourages employees to stay vigilant and identify potential hazards. By utilizing the energy wheel, our team thoroughly inspects and identifies STKY (Situations That Kill You) scenarios, leading to countless safety success stories.

Preventing a Service Outage: While working near a pole where phase transfers were taking place, the crew identified a potential hazard. Concerned about the issue, they inspected the cutout before moving any wires. This precaution was crucial; without it, manipulating the wire could have caused the cutout to separate, resulting in a service outage for the Fire and Rescue building. The crew immediately called for an all-stop and alerted supervision.

Identifying a Broken Crossarm: A crew was dispatched to address a Power Service Problem during a storm. Upon arrival, they determined that all customers had power. As an extra precaution, the crew patrolled the line and found a broken cross-arm several spans away. The arm was still attached to the phase and hanging less than 10 feet above the ground, energized. The crew took a Stop Timeout and made the area safe.

Fixing a Broken Termination Tip: While transferring an existing riser to a new pole, an employee noticed the termination tip felt loose and wobbly. Upon investigation, the crew found the termination tip was cleanly broken inside the termination. After notifying the proper channels, it was determined that the crew needed to re-terminate the cable. Letting this go unfixed would have led to an eventual problem and fault. A good questioning attitude by the lineman led to this important catch and prevention of a future issue.

Covering Bare Hot Taps: Before transferring the energized triplex to a new pole, the crew noticed uncovered hot taps sitting right next to a neutral. If the crew had transferred the triplex without setting up to cover the bare taps, there could have been a secondary fault and outage. At InfraSource, we follow the Capacity model for our Safety Culture, thinking about Safety Differently. We plan and execute our work, assuming failure will happen today. The Capacity Model™ helps us build the capacity to absorb failure without suffering harm. We learn from every job, every mistake, and every success to continually improve.
Safety is not merely the absence of injuries; it is the presence of capacity.

Graphic Showing a logo of the good catch program and capacity model.

InfraSource Earns 2025 Military Friendly Employer Designation

Columbus, Ohio (Nov 11th, 2024) – InfraSource announced today they have earned the 2025 Military Friendly® Employer designation. Military Friendly® is the standard measuring an organization’s commitment, effort and success in creating sustainable and meaningful benefits for the military community.

Institutions earning the Military Friendly® Employers designation were evaluated using both public data sources and responses from a proprietary survey. Over twelve hundred companies participated in the Military Friendly® survey.

Methodology, criteria, and weightings were determined by VIQTORY, a service disabled, veteran owned small business (SDVOSB) that connects service men and women with civilian employment and educational opportunities.  Additional input was provided by the Military Friendly® Advisory Council of independent leaders in the military recruitment community. Final ratings were determined by combining an organization’s survey score with an assessment of the organization’s ability to meet thresholds for Recruitment, New Hire Retention, Employee Turnover, and Promotion & Advancement of veterans and military employees.

“Our commitment to being a Military and Spouse Friendly Employer and Supplier Diversity Top Ten Winner reflects our dedication to supporting and strengthening our military community. By welcoming transitioning service members, veterans, and their families, we bring in individuals whose skills and experiences are invaluable to our company. Their discipline, leadership, and adaptability strengthen our teams and support our efforts to drive the organization forward. Aligned with our core values of Safety, Quality, Integrity, Ownership, Service, and Teamwork, their contributions enhance our culture, helping us deliver outstanding results for our customers and the communities we serve,” – Stephanie Krabbe, Senior Vice President of Organizational Development at InfraSource

“Organizations earning the Military Friendly® Employers designation the have wholeheartedly invested in comprehensive and impactful initiatives that bring about positive, life-changing results for our valued service members, dedicated military spouses, and esteemed veterans within their ranks, We salute these exemplary employers who raise the bar and understand that hiring military personnel is not merely an act of goodwill but a testament to a standard that truly embodies sound business wisdom. Their commitment to integrating military personnel into their workforce not only reflects their compassion but also underscores their business acumen,” – Kayla Lopez, Sr Director of Partnerships at Military Friendly®

InfraSource will be showcased in the 2025 Military Friendly® Employers in the Winter issue of G.I. Jobs® magazine and on MilitaryFriendly.com.

How InfraSource Supports Workplace Safety: The Good Catch Program  

One of the pillars of our company is safety, and we want to ensure it is always at the forefront of every employee’s mind. One way we achieve this, is through the Good Catch Program.

The Good Catch Program encourages employees to be vigilant of their surroundings and always be on the lookout for things that could be potential hazards. The first Good Catch was spotted as an apprentice was preparing to climb a pole during a job. As the apprentice was inspecting the site, they noticed a live wire was touching the pole, putting the crew at risk for electric shock or injury. The crew stopped all work and safely addressed the hazard. 

The second Good Catch was found during a manhole inspection. The crew spotted a primary electrical fault – an abnormality that can disrupt the normal flow of electricity and cause electrical shock or fire. They immediately stopped all work, and the fault was reported and scheduled for repair. By being diligent, the crew prevented a potentially dangerous event from happening.

The final Good Catch occurred during a pole replacement, when the crew noticed something did not look right with one of the cables. Upon further inspection, they found one of the protective devices around the cable had failed, leading to a damaged wire. The crew stopped their work and repaired the wire and cable, preventing a possible hazard.

Through diligence and attention to detail, our crews have successfully prevented potential hazards from turning into dangerous situations, ensuring a safe working environment for all.

InfraSource – DOD SkillBridge Partner! 

We are proud to announce that InfraSource has officially become a DOD SkillBridge partner! This partnership allows us to contribute directly to the professional growth of transitioning service members while benefiting from their incredible expertise and dedication. 

“Becoming a SkillBridge partner is not just an exciting milestone for InfraSource—it’s a meaningful way for us to support those who have served our country,” said Stephanie Krabbe, Sr Vice President of Organizational Development. 

We are proud to be a part of this important program and look forward to welcoming service members onto our team so they can continue to make an impact.

What is DOD SkillBridge? 

DOD SkillBridge is a Department of Defense initiative connecting service members nearing the end of their military service with civilian job training opportunities. Through this program, service members can participate in apprenticeships, internships, or industry training programs during their last 180 days of active duty. This provides them with a seamless transition to a civilian career by gaining real-world experience and skills. 

Encouraging Workplace Safety with the Good Catch Program

At InfraSource, safety is one of our core values. The Good Catch program encourages our team to be vigilant of their surroundings and look for things that could be potential hazards in the workplace. 

The first Good Catch stood out because our team’s attention to detail prevented an unscheduled power outage. The team was working on a scheduled railroad crossing job when they noticed an aluminum conductor was melted. While the team was waiting for approval to make the necessary repairs, a tree fell downstream of the job site, causing the line to trip. The team worked together to make repairs at both locations, preventing a potential outage.

Another notable Good Catch was made when the team found a piece of mislabeled electrical equipment. The team worked with the System Operator to verify their findings and label the equipment correctly, preventing an error in the future.

Our final Good Catch is important because the team successfully identified and resolved a hazardous situation. The team noticed a basket cutting into the secondary riser at a job site. Testing revealed the basket was energized at 120V, exposed along the wire and pole. The issue was fixed, and a potentially dangerous situation avoided.

InfraSource’s commitment to safety is evident through the Good Catch Program. Our team has successfully prevented numerous hazards through their attention to detail and dedication to keeping a safe working environment.

Promoting Safety Through the Good Catch Program

At InfraSource, safety is always our first priority. Our commitment to ensuring a secure work environment led us to establish the Good Catch program. This program highlights our unwavering dedication to safety and The Capacity Model. Our team pays meticulous attention to detail, constantly monitoring their surroundings. Their vigilance has proven pivotal in averting safety hazards, all thanks to the Good Catch program.

The success of our Good Catch program continues to grow, with an ever-expanding collection of safety success stories. These stories demonstrate our employees’ enduring commitment to this program. By proactively identifying and rectifying potentially dangerous situations, they ensure the well-being of everyone involved.

This first Good Catch particularly stood out, as the team’s adherence to procedure prevented a potentially life-threatening situation. One day during a routine change of blocking, our crew discovered that the A and C phases were de-energized, but the B phase remained energized. There was a single-phase radial off the B phase that went to a cell tower. The backup generator briefly came on and turned off, de-energizing the B phase. In response, the crew promptly executed a stop timeout. The system operator instructed them to eliminate the back feed from the generator. The crew also promptly notified the cell company, which assured them of immediate resolution. Overall, their swift action ensured safety and allowed time to identify the correct solution.

Our next safety success story involves our crew identifying multiple faulted secondary cables. These cables were discovered while our crew was conducting their initial inspection of a manhole. One of our foremen immediately contacted management and the construction manager. They collaborated to devise a repair plan after obtaining additional resources to determine the best course of action. The following day, the crew entered the manhole and successfully made the cables safe without disrupting service to our customers. Thanks to this crew, crisis was averted, and everyone involved stayed safe.

The last Good Catch is a situation of some melted wires. Before our crew began work to transfer wire, they diligently inspected the affected area and discovered melted strands. Taking immediate action, the crew initiated a stop timeout to strategize. Subsequently, they skillfully sleeved the damaged conductor. Their attention to detail and expertise played a pivotal role in identifying this hazard and preventing any further risks.

In summary, InfraSource’s commitment to safety is evident through the Good Catch program. Our team has proactively averted numerous hazards, from faulted cables to melted wires. These success stories underscore our dedication to maintaining a safety-first work environment.

Celebrating National Intern Day

This summer, we’ve had the privilege of welcoming several interns across our various office locations. They have worked diligently all summer, gaining valuable industry insights and making impactful contributions for our team.

Our internship program offers hands-on experience and learning opportunities, allowing interns to enhance their skills, challenge their strengths, and achieve their full potential. Throughout the summer, they apply classroom knowledge to real-life projects, maximizing practical learning. Additionally, they interact with senior leadership and industry experts during their time at job sites. Our internships cover various fields, including engineering, project management, IT, finance, and more.

In celebration of National Intern Day, we interviewed several of our interns to showcase them and our program. Our featured interns are Lilly Lawson, Danny Abraham, Zak Lahjouji, and Cooper Lucas.

Questions: What are some of your responsibilities?

Lilly: “Writing social media posts and blogs, creating graphics, scheduling content, organizing and updating marketing materials, and so much more!”

Danny: “Typing in tickets from vendors into the AP logs, typing in the work the foreman did into the accounting spreadsheet.”

Zak: “Confirming documentation of installations/removals, scope changes, etc. Documentation and organization of essential fieldwork forms. And communicating with project managers and general foreman to verify discrepancies in documentation.”

Cooper: “Participating in daily jobsite planning. Gathering end-of-day progress updates from the onsite foremen. Various online responsibilities including ticket entries, utility line research, and responding to RFI’s.”

Why did you choose to intern at InfraSource?

Lilly: “InfraSource is such a dynamic company run by the best in the industry, with countless learning opportunities to support my professional growth.”

Danny: “I wanted to get experience in the project management field, because I want to pursue a career in that field after college, I also know there is always room to grow at InfraSource.”

Zak: “Because of my interest in energy distribution. InfraSource also seemed like a positive work environment, which I believe is crucial for organizations to prosper and grow.”

Cooper: “InfraSource is a great opportunity to apply my construction management degree. The company has deep resources and a well-organized internship program.”

What has been your favorite part about your internship so far?

Lilly: “I have loved immersing myself in a new industry and gaining valuable, new learning experiences each day! I’m amazed at how much I’ve learned about marketing and the business world in such a short amount of time. Not to forget that everyone I have met has been incredibly kind, helpful, and welcoming.”

Danny: “Getting immersed in actual projects instead of getting busy work.”

Zak: “Working alongside project/program managers as well as other coordinators to better understand how InfraSource meets client needs. Everyone at the office is extremely friendly and helpful and I feel as though the environment has been very accommodating with any questions or concerns I’ve had.”

Cooper: “Applying what I have learned in my construction management degree on the jobsite. Seeing the planning and work come together on a major gas line project. I have really enjoyed getting to know my work mentor and team at InfraSource. They have been helpful with sharing their knowledge and skills.”

At InfraSource, we place great importance on forward-thinking and recognize the significance of investing in interns for the future of the energy infrastructure industry. Our program is designed to support and sustain tomorrow’s workforce.

We’re delighted to kickstart the infrastructure industry journey for these talented young professionals. On this National Intern Day, we celebrate their passion, dedication, and potential!

To learn more about our internship program, click here.

Dive Deeper Inside the Good Catch Program

Safety is paramount in any organization, and our Good Catch program has proven highly effective. From near misses to proactive interventions, our employees have been instrumental in preventing accidents and ensuring a safe work environment.

The Good Catch Program encourages employees to report safety concerns and potential hazards. It empowers everyone—from frontline workers to management—to actively participate in maintaining a safe workplace. This program continues to provide us with countless safety success stories to share.

This first Good Catch is a bit different from others. On an ordinary workday, the crew had closed a one-way road using cones and signs. One of the crew members suddenly noticed an unexpected situation. A third-party vehicle was speeding down the opposite way of the work zone, being pursued by two police officers. The vehicle was believed to be going at least 70 mph. Without hesitation, he shouted to his crew, “Look out!” His vigilance and prompt action allowed the entire team to escape harm’s way. His awareness and quick thinking protected both himself and his colleagues from a potentially dangerous situation.

This next safety success story involves an improper hot line clamp. One day, our crew was assigned to replace a split cross arm. As they prepared for the job, they noticed an improperly installed transformer hotline clamp on the stirrup. Without hesitation, they initiated a stop timeout to address the issue safely. By adhering to STKY rules and utilizing their stop timeout authority, they prevented an unscheduled transformer outage.

These incidents powerfully remind us of the importance of staying alert and taking decisive steps to prevent potential hazards. Our commitment to safety remains unwavering through the Good Catch program.