Preparation, Resilience, and an Unexpected Career Journey 

From professional baseball to utility infrastructure, Zak Hermans’ career has been shaped by experiences that taught him the value of preparation, teamwork, and adaptability. In the latest edition of UAA Newsline, the XKIG Director of Business Development shares the unconventional path that brought him to the utility industry. 

In his article, “A Career Shaped by Stages, Stadiums, and Storms,” Zak reflects on his years playing baseball, including two seasons in the Chicago Cubs organization, and on his experience in military contracting and manufacturing. He also shares how a lifelong fascination with severe weather evolved into an appreciation for the critical role utility infrastructure plays in communities facing hurricanes, tornadoes, and other major events. 

The importance of preparation and resilience that runs throughout Zak’s story is also central to our work. Through vegetation management, right-of-way maintenance, and storm response support, our teams help utility partners maintain access, manage risk, and strengthen system reliability.