The #LewisChoice

At the time, he was working in the utility vegetation management industry under another contractor.

Like many in the union, he knew that contract changes were common, and when that happened, workers would often simply “change shirts” and keep working under a new company. The assumption was that it didn’t really matter who you worked for - just that you had a job.

But Cesar learned firsthand that not all companies are the same.

“When we made the move to Lewis in 2015, some people told us we wouldn’t last six months. That Lewis wouldn’t survive in this market.” Believing that Lewis offered something different, he and his crew took the leap. And they were right. From the start, Cesar saw that Lewis wasn’t just another contractor.

The focus on safety stood out immediately. In his previous company, getting the right equipment or safety gear could take weeks, if not months. But at Lewis, it was clear that safety wasn’t an afterthought - it was the foundation of the job. If a crew needed something to work safely, they got it. No questions, no delays.

Beyond safety, Cesar also noticed the culture of leadership and opportunity. Unlike some companies where career growth was based on who you knew, Lewis recognized hard work and potential. “At my previous company, there was no real path to move up. I started in 2007 as a trimmer, and no matter how hard I worked, there was no clear opportunity to grow. But when I came to Lewis, I saw that if you proved yourself, leadership took notice. They were willing to invest in people who wanted to step up.”

It wasn’t long before Cesar was promoted to Crew Leader, a position he had never been given a shot at before. And in 2017, when Lewis expanded its presence in the Chicago area, he was asked to take on the role of General Foreperson. At first, he was hesitant - however, his leadership at Lewis saw his potential before he did. “I told my boss, ‘I don’t think I’m ready.’ But he told me, ‘Cesar, you are ready. You just need to trust yourself.’ That support meant everything. I took the role, and I’ve never looked back.”

Cesar’s commitment to leadership extends far beyond day-to-day operations. In 2024, he and his team answered the call for storm restoration work in Texas, spending weeks helping restore power after Hurricane Beryl. Despite extreme conditions, long hours, and unpredictable challenges, his team stood out for their professionalism, efficiency, and dedication. They worked so effectively that the Lewis crews were asked to stay longer - and were personally recognized by utility officials for their outstanding work. “The linemen we worked with told us they had never seen a team work like ours. That’s what makes Lewis different. No matter where we go, we bring the same commitment, the same work ethic, and the same safety mindset. And people notice.”

Cesar’s experience at Lewis changed his perspective on what it means to work in a union. “A lot of guys think that because they’re in a union, it’s all the same. That switching companies is just about changing shirts and hats. But it’s not. It’s about who you work for and how you’re treated.” For any union worker considering a move, Cesar’s message is simple: If you get the chance to work at Lewis, take it. Check out other #LewisChoice videos here and subscribe to our #LewisChoice channel! 

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