Apprentice Substation Electrician Julio Gonzales enjoying benefits of fit lifestyle

Apprentice Substation Electrician Julio Gonzales will celebrate eight years with Mississippi Power in October.

Gonzales and his work group inspect, construct and maintain the company’s substation electrical equipment, which includes oil circuit breakers and transformers.

“I like that the jobs we do and the work locations change often and we’re not stuck in the same place for long periods of time. I love that my job is outdoors,” said Gonzales. “And, I’ve learned the importance of teamwork in the work place. On my crew, it is demonstrated daily to ensure the job gets done in a timely manner and most importantly safely.”

When not working, Gonzales can often be found on the golf course.

“I really enjoy golf,” he said. “I like to watch it being played and I also like to play, though I’m not very good at it.”

In June of 2015, Gonzales began to pay more attention to the foods he eats and started to exercise regularly. He joined B.E. Fit, a local boot camp style exercise program, and has achieved amazing results.

“I have lost a total of 70 pounds since I began and my goal is to lose another 30 pounds by June,” he said. “That will make 100 pounds lost in one year!

“I feel better overall and have run numerous 5k races. I even completed the Spartan Super race in Saraland, Ala. It was 11 miles long, had 22 different obstacles and was the hardest thing I have ever done in my life, but I did it. I have never been more proud of myself.”

His work performance has also improved.

“I am no longer affected by the intense heat during the summer, I’m able to do much more for longer periods of time and I no longer lose my breath doing little things,” he said.

At home, Gonzales enjoys time with his family. “My three-year old son, Noah, is addicted to super heroes and we spend time watching movies together,” he said. “I have a beautiful wife, Angela, and we have a Labrador named Sammy and a crazy cat named Mister.”