013: The Brotherhood Above: The Indiana Lineman Rodeo with Tommy Nance of Ninestar Connect and IEC

Co-Op Heroes: Stories from Electric Utility Operators

In this episode of The Co-Op Heroes podcast, host Pablo Fuentes heads to the Hendricks County Fairgrounds to speak with Tommy Nance, VP of Operations at NineStar Connect, about the fourth annual Indiana Lineman Rodeo, an event born from a simple vision that has become a beacon for community for linemen across the state.

Five years ago, during the height of COVID, Tommy and fellow cooperative leaders asked themselves an important question: what if Indiana's electric cooperatives created their own space where linemen could safely showcase their skills, network with peers, and let their families finally see what they do every single day?

The result is a day of intense competition where linemen face timed challenges like: bucket truck rescues, transforming heavy equipment, and "hurt man rescue" drills. But beneath the competitions lies something deeper: the chance for families to witness the danger, precision, and brotherhood that defines this profession.

Featured topics:

• The real day-in-the-life of a lineman: 8-hour shifts plus constant on-call for storms, accidents, and emergencies
• How linemen network, compete, and push each other to be better through friendly rivalry
• The evolution of the rodeom, from bouncy castles for kids to hand-crafted trophies that honor the year and the craft
• Lessons learned year-over-year about creating meaningful community experiences
• The future vision: uniting all 38 Indiana co-ops and competing nationally

Tommy shares how the cooperative spirit thrives when linemen see each other beyond the apprenticeship classroom, and when families understand why their loved ones miss birthdays and work Christmas. This is a story about competitive excellence serving a bigger purpose: connecting the people who keep our communities powered.

You can learn more about the Indiana Lineman Rodeo at https://www.indianaec.org/safety/indiana-electric-cooperative-lineman-rodeo/

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The Co-Op Heroes podcast brings you real stories from electric utility operators, the people who work around the clock to keep our communities safe.