One wrong move around electricity can change — or end — your life. In this episode of SMECO Connects, Sonja Cox and Tom Dennison sit down with Blaise Higgs and Joe Patterson, two seasoned members of SMECO’s safety department with over 35 years of experience each. From gripping real-life accident responses to the hidden dangers most people never think about, they reveal what it truly takes to keep our crews — and the public — safe.

Hear the stories behind downed power line rescues, why a simple phone call can prevent catastrophe, and what it’s really like to work as a lineman in all weather, day or night.

You’ll learn:

• The life-saving rule everyone should know if a line falls on your car
• How SMECO works proactively to stop accidents before they happen
• The demanding — and rewarding — reality of line work and safety training
  
  

Whether you’re curious about the life of a lineman, looking for essential safety tips, or just love hearing from people who’ve dedicated their lives to protecting others, this episode will leave you with a deeper respect for the people who keep the lights on.

Follow SMECO:
Instagram: @somdelectric
X (Twitter): @somdelectric

The workforce is shifting fast—can your organization keep up?
In this episode of SMECO Connects, Sonja Cox and Tom Dennison are joined by Rhosheeda Proctor, Director of Diversity and Inclusion at SMECO, and Yvette Turner, Lead Business Engagement Specialist at the Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland. Together, they explore how today’s workforce is being reshaped by generational shifts, hybrid work models, and the unique challenges of attracting talent to Southern Maryland.

Key themes:

• Why Gen Z is driving change in hiring and retention
• The future of telework and how to make it work
• Building local talent pipelines through education and mentorship
• The overlooked value of work-life balance in recruitment
  
  

This episode is packed with real stories, powerful insights, and practical advice for building a stronger, more connected workforce.

🎧 Tune in and get inspired to shape the future of work—right here in Southern Maryland.

Follow SMECO:
📸 Instagram: @somdelectric
🐦 X (formerly Twitter): @somdelectric

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 mentorship are key to the company’s future
  
  

Whether you’re curious about growing your career or fascinated by how electric co-ops evolve, this conversation is full of insights, laughter, and lessons from two seasoned pros.

Connect with SMECO:
📸 Instagram
🐦 X (Twitter)

🎙️ Hosted by: Sonja Cox & Tom Dennison

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 history, inspired by career growth, or interested in what it takes to keep the power on—this one’s for you. Tap in to hear how Ronnie and Roger helped shape the future of energy in Southern Maryland.

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🎙️ Follow SMECO:
Instagram: @somdelectric
X (Twitter): @somdelectric

👋 Hosted by: Sonja Cox & Tom Dennison

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, transformers, and grid maintenance
• The impact of renewable portfolio standards and what long-duration storage means for 24/7 green power

Join us to demystify your electric bill and spark your energy awareness.

Guest:
Eugene Bradford
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eugene-bradford-87992666

Hosts:
Sonja Cox & Tom Dennison
Smeco Social Media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/somdelectric
X (Twitter): https://x.com/somdelectric

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 and real-life mutual aid during storms
  
  

• Hear why apprentices keep coming back, even after tough first years
  
  

• 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.

🔗 Smeco Instagram: @somdelectric
🔗 Smeco X (Twitter): @somdelectric

Hosted by Sonja Cox and Tom Dennison

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 as a woman in construction
  
  

• Balancing family, leadership, and risk in real-time
  
  

• Growing a regional business with national brand ambitions
  
  

Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, working parent, or just need a reminder that it’s possible—this one’s for you.

🎧 Follow SMECO:
Instagram: @somdelectric
X (Twitter): @somdelectric

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 supporting someone who is, this episode is a powerful reminder that compassionate, personalized help is available—often right in your neighborhood.

St. Mary’s County Health Department Health Hub: hub.smchd.org