This quarter Irby crews were presented with the ultimate test as they worked tirelessly to restore power following Hurricane Florence and Hurricane Michael. These storms are destructive and dangerous but gave Irby the opportunity to once again, turn the lights back on and help those affected feel some sense of normalcy after enduring a natural disaster.

Hurricane Florence was the first major hurricane of the 2018 Atlantic hurricane season and quickly formed into a Category 4, hitting its peak intensity with 140 mph winds southeast of Bermuda on September 10th. Florence made landfall as a Category 1 just south of Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina on September 14th, weakening as it made its way inland. Despite its fall from a Category 4 to a 1 by landfall, the wind speed caused massive destruction and power outages to the Carolinas.

Irby immediately sent 72 linemen to restore power in South Carolina for Duke Energy and South Carolina Electric and Gas. For two weeks, the crews endured the harsh conditions of Florence, and they got the job done safely. Great work.

Hurricane Michael formed in the Caribbean in early October and was declared a major hurricane on October 9th. At peak intensity on October 10th, Michael made landfall on the Florida Panhandle as a Category 4 with 155 mph winds.

Irby crews were once again prepared to face the destruction of yet another fatal natural disaster. 288 Irby linemen were working for various companies such as Gulf Power and Entergy in Pensacola, Duke Energy in Ocala, Florida Power and Light in Lake City. Our crews were scattered throughout the Panhandle as well. This is a dangerous but vital job in the modern world. We are proud to be a part of a company that serves communities nation and worldwide, no matter what the risk or circumstances.

Robert Nixon is an Irby Welder who worked on Hurricane Florence for several days. Nixon and Irby General Superintendent Jon Pigott And Vice President of Operations Tim Henry, cooked Boston butt, brisket and all the fixings for the Irby crews. On October 23rd, as storm work was wrapping up for Irby crews in Florida, Pigott and Henry drove the meals down to the crews for them to enjoy.

“These conditions are not ideal, but the guys are willing to go out there and get the job done,” Irby General Superintendent Jon Pigott said. “I want the guys to know that we appreciate the work that they do for Irby, especially on a storm. They are away from their families, working long, tough hours. We want them to know that we know how much that means to us.”

On Friday, October 19, Irby rolled out the tenth video in its series featuring the “People of Irby.” In this clip, Rick Shouse, Irby Executive Vice President of Operations mentions how great the opportunity is right now in their industry to join Irby, learn their safety culture, and kick-start a great career.

Rick has worked within Irby for 38 years and touches on how the company has such a loyal base of people that enjoy what they do and proud to have a path for everyone. Check out the full story to hear about how the Irby has created an environment that is rewarding to work for.

Film crews visited Irby job sites from Texas to Florida, and a couple spots in between, to interview team members and gather footage of crews at work. Rick’s spotlight video is the tenth in a series of videos Irby is rolling out in 2018. Follow Irby on Facebook and YouTube for updates and watch the company website for more to come.

On Friday, September 21, Irby rolled out the ninth video in its series featuring the “People of Irby.” In this clip, Margaret Rushing, Irby Chief Financial Officer touches on Irby’s way of serving not only our customers but also our surrounding communities.

Margaret has worked within Irby for 28 years and expresses her gratitude for such an exceptional company to begin and end her career. Check out the full story to hear about how the Irby’s culture is centered around family and how that is fundamentally important.

Film crews visited Irby job sites from Texas to Florida, and a couple spots in between, to interview team members and gather footage of crews at work. Margaret’s spotlight video is the ninth in a series of videos Irby is rolling out in 2018. Follow Irby on Facebook and YouTube for updates and watch the company website for more to come.

On Friday, August 17, Irby rolled out the eighth video in its series featuring the “People of Irby.” In this clip, Brent Croft, Irby General Superintendent talks about the importance of safety and how Irby goes to great lengths to provide its employees with ample resources for doing quality work safely.

Brent mentions the support the field workers receive from Irby’s corporate office, especially when dealing with safety, and how much that means to them. Check out the full story to hear about how Irby lineman complete work quickly, without any injuries.

Film crews visited Irby job sites from Texas to Florida, and a couple spots in between, to interview team members and gather footage of crews at work. Brent’s spotlight video is the eighth in a series of videos Irby is rolling out in 2018. Follow Irby on Facebook and YouTube for updates and watch the company website for more to come.

United States Secretary of Energy and former Texas Governor, Rick Perry visited Quanta Services Lazy Q Ranch Friday, August 10. Following a greeting by Quanta CEO, Duke Austin and Quanta Founder, John Colson, Perry proceeded to the training center for further introductions and safety briefings. A tour of the training facility featured telecom, distribution facility, cable splicing and underground network facility, pipeline training, and testing facility, and the transmission facility.

Among other Quanta employees in attendance, Irby’s very own Andrew Hernandez was present for the tour and meeting Perry. Hernandez is a Northwest Lineman College graduate and an Irby Construction Apprentice Lineman. Irby is proud to have had the opportunity for Hernandez to represent Irby so well.