What does it take to rise through the ranks—and stay for decades? | #19
SMECO Connects
Beth Kennedy and Tammy Gardner didn’t just build long careers at SMECO—they helped shape it. Starting in entry-level roles, they climbed to become senior leaders overseeing finance and customer care. In this episode, they share the behind-the-scenes stories of their journey, how the utility industry has transformed, and what it really takes to lead through change. In this episode, you'll learn: What it’s like managing a 15-week training program and a contact center during major outages How SMECO has embraced automation, self-serve tools, and remote work Why leadership, inclusion, and...
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Powering 65 Years of Progress | #18
SMECO Connects
What happens when nearly seven decades of experience step into the room? In this special episode, SMECO legends Ronnie Wise and Roger Schneider share their remarkable journeys from entry-level roles to senior leadership—charting a course through decades of industry change, innovation, and growth. From handwritten outage tickets to SCADA automation and managing 300+ employees, they’ve seen it all. Key themes explored: The evolution of electric utility technology Storm response and 24/7 operations Building teams and preparing the next generation Whether you’re curious about SMECO’s...
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What’s Really in Your Power Bill? | #17
SMECO Connects
Ever wondered why your electric bill spikes in summer and winter? In this episode, Smeco’s VP of Rates and Energy Procurement Eugene Bradford pulls back the curtain on how your monthly bill is built—from competitive power market purchases to the poles and wires that deliver electricity to your door. He walks us through load forecasting, rate classes, and the rising costs driven by renewables mandates and the push for future battery storage. Key Takeaways: How Smeco’s power procurement strategy keeps your supply costs as low as possible Why distribution infrastructure rates cover poles,...
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Inside the Electric Rodeo | #16
SMECO Connects
What does it take to climb a 40-foot pole in record time — with your reputation (and bragging rights) on the line? In this episode of SMECO Connects, host Sonja Cox and co-host Tom Dennison sit down with linemen John King, Doug Hancock, and apprentices Cameron Russell and Josh Morris. Together, they pull back the curtain on the electrifying world of the Lineman’s Rodeo — a high-stakes competition where skill, speed, and safety collide. Discover the heart-pounding events like Hurt Man Rescue and obstacle climbs Learn how camaraderie and a brotherhood of linemen fuel both competition...
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She Built a Utility Empire From Scratch | #15
SMECO Connects
What happens when a cybersecurity pro leaves a federal career to build a construction company from the ground up—with zero industry experience? Meet Allison Drury, CEO of CAD Industries, a woman-owned underground utility business shaking up a male-dominated field. From buying her first drill after landing the job to leading complex projects for the National Zoo and regional governments, Allison proves that grit, mindset, and relentless drive can beat credentials any day. In this episode, Allison opens up about: Taking the leap from government GS-14 to entrepreneur Building credibility...
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Inside the Hub: Where Help Starts with Karl Webner | #14
SMECO Connects
You might wonder why an electric company is doing a podcast about mental health, but as a cooperative, we care about what’s going on in the community and with our members and how we can help them find resources they may need. That’s why this week’s episode is so important. Karl Webner, Clinical Program Manager at the Saint Mary’s County Health Department, joins the podcast to talk about the Health Hub, a walk-in, no-cost behavioral health center offering short-term counseling, addiction treatment, and care navigation. Whether you’re navigating mental health challenges or...
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Why Regulating Your Power Bill Is More Complex Than You Think | #13
SMECO Connects
Ever wondered why your electric rates change—or who decides what’s fair? We’re diving deep into the role of the Maryland Public Service Commission with SMECO’s top legal experts, Mark McDougall and Damon Krieger. With decades of experience navigating energy law and utility regulation, they break down how policies are shaped, what workgroups really do, and how evolving legislation is reshaping the utility landscape. Hosted by Sonja Cox and co-host Tom Denison, this episode pulls back the curtain on the unseen work that keeps Southern Maryland powered and connected.
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When everyone owns safety: Inside SMECO’s cultural shift with Jim Trainor | #12
SMECO Connects
What happens when safety becomes more than a policy? Join Sonja Cox and co‑host Tom Dennison as they sit down with Jim Trainor, SMECO’s safety director, to explore how a cooperative safety program evolves—from online pandemic training to hands‑on field audits. Discover why safety isn’t just about line workers, how “stop‑work authority” empowers employees, and what it takes to build a true culture of care across Southern Maryland.
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Inside SMECO: Stories of Grit, Growth, and the People Who Power a Community | #11
SMECO Connects
What if you could understand a company's culture just by hearing its people speak? This episode takes you behind the scenes at SMECO—from chief linemen on assignment in Guatemala to the creative force behind their employee stories, and even to the leadership shaping rates and safety. Sanja Cox and co-host Tom dive into what makes SMECO's team exceptional, through real conversations with the folks who keep the lights on and the stories alive. You’ll hear from John, a former journalist turned media lead; Jim, the safety director who found a true team in Southern Maryland; and Eugene, a...
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Leading With Strength and Heart: A Candid Mother’s Day Conversation | #10
SMECO Connects
What does it mean to lead, nurture, and protect—at home and in the workplace? This heartfelt Mother’s Day episode of SMECO Connects brings together Charles County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Maria Navarro and SMECO CEO Sonja Cox for a powerful conversation about womanhood, leadership, and the evolving challenges facing families today. From raising daughters and managing billion-dollar organizations to tackling school safety and mental health, these inspiring women reflect on the resilience and responsibility of motherhood—both personal and professional.
info_outlineWhat does it take to climb a 40-foot pole in record time — with your reputation (and bragging rights) on the line?
In this episode of SMECO Connects, host Sonja Cox and co-host Tom Dennison sit down with linemen John King, Doug Hancock, and apprentices Cameron Russell and Josh Morris. Together, they pull back the curtain on the electrifying world of the Lineman’s Rodeo — a high-stakes competition where skill, speed, and safety collide.
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Discover the heart-pounding events like Hurt Man Rescue and obstacle climbs
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Learn how camaraderie and a brotherhood of linemen fuel both competition and real-life mutual aid during storms
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Hear why apprentices keep coming back, even after tough first years
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Peek behind the scenes at traditions like t-shirt swapping and the competitive BBQ showdown
From tales of climbing techniques to stories of lifelong friendships formed under high voltage, this episode is a tribute to the grit, pride, and passion that power our electric grid.
Tune in and feel the spark that keeps the lights on — and the linemen climbing.
Connect with Us:
🔗 Smeco Instagram: @somdelectric
🔗 Smeco X (Twitter): @somdelectric
Hosted by Sonja Cox and Tom Dennison