Ep. 53 | From Coast Guard to Master Trainer: Sergio Cortez on Building Safer, Smarter Electricians

In this episode of The Quiet Work Podcast, I sit down with Sergio “El Profe” Cortez — founder of Surge Electrical Training. With over 30 years in the field, from Coast Guard electrician to national trainer, Sergio shares how he’s shaping the next generation of safe, skilled, and certified electricians. Timestamps01:47 – How teaching became his passion 04:35 – The “aha” moment that changed his career 07:11 – Training models: hybrid, on-site, and national expansion 09:19 – Building community & supporting graduates 13:21 – Why Skool.com could be a game-changer 18:30 – Training residential, commercial, and solar electricians 24:51 – Innovations: prefab, AI, and safety technology 31:33 – Why companies must invest in training 34:44 – Stories from the field: changing unsafe habits 42:39 – What expansion looks like for SET 45:47 – Advice to his younger self 47:02 – What excites Sergio about 2026 and beyond 52:28 – Why trades are becoming the smarter career path2212