In this episode of Elevated Access, host Chad Hughes sits down with Ron Vermeulen, founder of LandSolutions, to explore how a career in the right of way and land profession can shape skills that extend far beyond the industry. Ron shares his journey from early days in surveying to enrolling in the land agent program at Olds College, and eventually building a career across major organizations, including Amoco and Gulf Canada. His story highlights how adaptability and a willingness to step outside comfort zones can open doors and accelerate professional growth in land acquisition and right-of-way careers.

In this episode of Elevated Access, host Chad Hughes is joined by Jake Farrell of Omaha Public Power District and Mindy Leadholm of Washington County Public Works to preview the upcoming International Right of Way Association International Education Conference in Omaha, Nebraska. As conference co-chairs, Jake and Mindy share their professional journeys into the Right of Way industry, highlighting how mentorship, education, and association involvement helped shape their careers and leadership paths within IRWA. Their stories reflect a common theme across the profession: many find their way into Right of Way unexpectedly but stay because of the relationships, impact, and opportunities the industry offers.

In this special mini episode of Elevated Access, host Chad Hughes welcomes Blandon Granger, Chair of the International Electric and Utility Committee, along with Gina Cannova and Taylor Doyle, to spotlight the upcoming IEUC Symposium taking place April 9, 2026, in New Orleans. The conversation centers on the mission of the International Electric and Utility Committee within the International Right of Way Association and its role in advancing technical knowledge, education, and networking opportunities for professionals in electric, telecommunications, water, sewer, and natural gas sectors.

In this episode of Elevated Access, host Chad Hughes sits down with industry leader Brett Farner to explore the amazing and varied opportunities in the right of way and utility real estate profession. With a 17-year career spanning Ameren, Invenergy, and now a new leadership role at Toth & Associates, Brett shares a deeply insightful journey through utility infrastructure, electric transmission development, land acquisition, technology modernization, competitive transmission, and right of way leadership. Brett’s experiences offer a rare inside look at the soft skills, strategic thinking, and mindset needed to succeed in the profession.

In this episode of Elevated Access, Chad Hughes is joined by IRWA President Koby Godwin for a deep dive into his journey through the International Right of Way Association and the path that led him to his top leadership role. Koby’s career began in urban and regional planning with the Alberta government, then evolved into a passion for the right-of-way industry, association involvement, and professional development. Chad and Koby discuss his early exposure to IRWA meetings, the value of education, mentorship, and building long-term relationships across the profession.

In this episode, Chad Hughes is joined by Tara Green, a Real Estate Specialist with Ameren Corporation, to discuss the innovative approaches she introduced to Ameren for engaging with landowners. Tara’s experience has taught her strategies, effective communication, and the importance of consistency in messaging and teammates. She shares sound advice and is very encouraging to those who may have an interest in joining the industry.

In this episode, Chad Hughes welcomes William Phelps, Land Specialist for Grid United, to the show to talk about his career and the right-of-way and land industry at large. William details the journey he took in different aspects of his career that led to his current position and the lessons he learned along the way. He highlights interpersonal skills and a more holistic approach to land acquisition as part of the joys of his profession, as he and Chad explore what it means to be in land for Grid United.

In this episode, Chad Hughes welcomes Matteo Villani, President of 3 Peaks Land & Engagement Inc., to the show to explore the regulatory environment in British Columbia and the complexity of navigating the Indigenous communities, the environmental and regulatory needs, and the agricultural land reserve restrictions in order to access land for oil and gas assets. Matteo takes us through his twenty year career in the industry and speaks from his experience working in BC.

In this episode, Chad Hughes welcomes Ramiro Roel, Senior Manager of Development at Leeward Renewable Energy, to the show to discuss his current position in being a key part of getting site control for Leeward’s renewable developments across the US. They explore Ramiro’s upbringing and how the relationships built in his early career influenced his work journey. Ramiro talks about many aspects of renewable energy, his expertise, and some of the reasons he hears for people rejecting renewables.

In this episode, Chad Hughes welcomes Kristina Hamernik, Energy Storage Development Manager at Innergex, to the show to talk about land access and stakeholder engagement from the developer perspective. Kristina talks about the personal experience she had living abroad that led her to study renewable energy. She shares her career journey since then, her philosophy, and how the technology being used to develop battery storage sites is changing.