Randy Jude

Style #2418, Maple Lake, MN

Randy Jude

Electrical Lineman

I've been a lineman for 40 years. That means when the lights go out—whether from a summer storm or winter ice—I get the call. Could be noon. Could be 2 a.m. Either way, I grab my gear and go, because I know someone’s waiting on heat, or AC, or just the comfort of having their home back to normal. That's always been reason enough.

I started at Xcel Energy back in the '80s as a lineman, following in the footsteps of my father and grandfather, who were also linemen. Now, my sons are carrying the trade forward. That kind of family tradition comes from doing the job right, treating people well, and being someone your family and your crew can count on as a role model.

The work means long days and unpredictable nights. It's working in freezing rain and summer blackouts. It's signing up to drive into the aftermath of hurricanes—like Helene and Milton—where we spent days working sunup to sundown, listening to gators in the brush. Once in Florida, we parked the truck in an area that was swarming with poisonous spiders. Another time, we had to jump in the buckets just to get off the ground because it was crawling with snakes. That's when I was especially thankful my Red Wings lace all the way up.

This country needs people to keep the lights on. It's got to get done. So we got to figure out a way to do it.

RANDY JUDE

Those boots have been with me everywhere. I wear them year-round, on storm calls, down South, and back home on our farm. They’ve kept my feet dry, warm, and protected more times than I can count. For a lineman, they’re as important as any other tool on the truck.

Over the years, I’ve tried to be the guy other linemen could call when they hit a tough spot. Not because I had all the answers, but because I could show up and help them work through it. I’ve mentored plenty of journeymen along the way and watching them grow into leaders has been one of the real honors of this job.

Same goes for life off the line. I’ve always believed in lending a hand where I can. Helping elderly neighbors or single parents with yard work or small repairs might not make headlines, but it makes a difference.

This career’s been more than a job. It’s been a way to serve people, keep things running, and pass on what I know. Now that I’ve retired after 40 years, I can say that I’m proud of the work, the people I’ve helped, and the miles I’ve walked in these boots.

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