Charles Brazier entered the gas industry through a slightly different route. With a degree in Business Management and experience as a supervisor at fast food restaurants for many years, he had always worked well with others.
“I believe in respecting people and treating them well,” Charles says. “I dealt with a lot of high school kids in my first supervisor roles, and I learned that when I respected them, they respected me.”
That commitment to mutual respect served him well as he transitioned into a supervisor position at Utility Meter Services. From there, he applied for a union job at Equitable Gas, now Peoples.
“When I applied, the Operations & Maintenance Director said, “Are you sure you want to be working in the ditch? You’re really qualified as a supervisor.””
With that, Charles started in 2007 as a Supervisor in Training, and he became a Supervisor in 2008. Now as a Lead Supervisor in Gas Operations, specializing in Damage Prevention, Charles oversees about 20 employees. His group primarily handles the PA One Calls, and helps to support other employees and spot things they might have trouble finding.
“I see every day how Peoples is making lives better,” Charles says. “For our customers, we go over and beyond to help with small repairs, we always try our best to explain what we’re doing and keep customers informed.”
Charles notes that “Making Your Life Better” is more than just a motto for our customers, though.
“I’m able to support my family, I have so many resources available,” he adds. “It’s truly a great place to work.”
Over the years, Peoples has worked to create a positive culture for employees, and that includes a commitment to diversity. The goal of striving to be more diverse resonates with Charles.
“Regardless of your race, there’s an opportunity for you to prove that you’re the right fit for the job here,” he explains. Charles also hopes to be a role model for other employees at Peoples.
“I abide by safety rules and complete my work, but I’m also very dedicated. I think people know that when I say I’m going to do something, it’s going to get done.” He also hopes to instill the values of dedication and hard work in his children.
“I have two sons, 11 and 14, and I try to teach them that nothing is free,” Charles says. “You have to work for anything you want in life. Sometimes you’re going to struggle, but you just have to keep working at it.”
Charles also takes a very open view of discussing race, whether it’s in the workplace or in your own personal life.
“I’d like more people to know that they shouldn’t be afraid to say “black man” or “black woman,”” he says. “I’ve heard more people try to go around those words out of correctness or politeness, and for me, that’s what ends up coming across the wrong way. If you don’t make it into a big deal, it doesn’t come across like you’re trying to sidestep it.”
For Charles, it’s important that individuals take some personal ownership and speak up when they have ideas.
“Just be open about race,” he says. “You have ideas about how your company could be more diverse or inclusive? Bring them up.”
We’re proud to have employees like Charles as leaders here at Peoples. We hope to continue these open conversations and think of new ways that Peoples can encourage personal and professional growth for our employees to ensure that all of our employees feel valued and respected.
“No matter what odds you’re against,” Charles adds, “anything is achievable. Just keep working at it.”