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Transitioning from big oil to the clean power industry
For Joseph Tilman Guidry III, working in the oilfield was a way of life. His father, uncles, grandfathers, friends—they all worked in the oilfield or related jobs. So, it only felt natural when he decided to begin his career in oil industry.
“When I was a young man, if you wanted to make money, you sold your time, conscience and soul to Big Oil,” said Guidry.
He learned to weld, powering through the thick diesel smoke and the rough seas as he worked.
“If you wanted to feed your family and make a life for yourself, you not only endured, but tricked yourself into believing that you were living the dream,” he said.
Guidry had something to prove—it took ages to gain support from oil field veterans. However after ten years, he had worked his way up to becoming an offshore construction superintendent.
“I remembered what it was like to be new. I did my best to mentor these younger guys in a hostile, stressful and often-dangerous environment,” he said.
After another seven years, he became the Offshore Construction Operations Manager for an offshore construction company.
“I had made it to the top of my industry,” said Guidry. “But I still was not fulfilled.”
In that role, Guidry worked with Kevin Myers, who piqued Guidry’s interest in wind power, solar power and how clean energy was benefitting the world.
“After many years of my conscience battering me, seeing all the spills on tv, hearing about friends who had died, I decided that it was time for a tough decision,” he said. “I left my office job… I took a chance at doing something different.”
Guidry got in touch with Myers and was offered a job as a mechanical foreman with IEA Constructors, working on a Solar project in Georgia. He was nervous, but ready to make a positive change.
“In the three months I have been here, I can honestly say I am happier, feel safer and valued as an employee,” said Guidry. “I have done my best to learn this new craft and make leaps and bounds daily.”
Guidry finally feels fulfilled. Breaking from what he’s always known wasn’t easy, but it’s what he had to do. Impacting the world for the better and a being part of a safe work environment are two things you cannot put a price tag on.
“For the first time in my life, I look forward to going to work in the morning,” said Guidry.
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