The Next Hundred Years 169 With over 30 years in the utility industry, I’ve spent my career learning how successful companies are built—from the ground up. My experience spans administration, accounting, project coordination, insurance and risk management, and executive support. I’ve had the privilege of working under and alongside some of the most respected leaders in the feld. Since joining P&CG in 2013, I’ve watched this company evolve through rapid growth and transformation, and I’ve been fortunate to help shape its internal structure and manage some of the risks that come with change. This book began as a quiet idea—one that Scott Ingalls frst mentioned to me back in 2018, during a casual conversation about organizing his ofce. He said that he kept so much paperwork because he hoped, someday, it might help someone tell the company’s story. I added “write a book” to his to-do list, thinking it might be a long-term dream. Years later, after a health scare involving Dorothy, one of the company’s founding pillars, I approached Scott again. I reminded him that life is fragile, and time doesn’t obey our schedules. He gave his approval and chose the team—Dorothy, Bernie, and Ron, which I nicknamed “the Book Club”—and began the work of gathering interviews, digging through archives, and uncovering the heart of P&CG’s journey. What followed was more than just a writing project. It was a two-year labor of love, shaped by long days, emotional interviews, and dozens of people who gave their time and stories to make this book possible. Along the way, I rediscovered not just the company’s history, but the incredible people who shaped it—often through sacrifce, grit, and an unshakable belief in each other. Scott’s vision and trust in me carried this project forward, even during moments of doubt. His respect for the past, his loyalty to the people who helped build this company, and his commitment to preserving its legacy were the driving forces behind this book. It was an honor to help bring that vision to life. This is more than a history—It’s a tribute. To the founders, the mentors, the risk-takers, the ones who stayed, and even the ones who came back. It’s a reminder that success isn’t just about strategy or growth— It’s about people. The Story Behind the Story Michelle Spaulding And as someone who has lived and worked through many chapters of this industry, I know how rare it is to be part of a story this special.
