What if your dream career found you when you weren’t even looking for it? That’s exactly what happened to Johnny Chavez and Devin Leach, two standout apprentices shaping their futures – and the Arizona skyline – with Power Design. Their journeys prove that with hard work, mentorship, and a little grit, you can go from starting fresh to becoming the best of the best.
Don’t just take our word for it! Hear from Devin and Johnny about their experience as Power Design Apprentices, their journeys, and what they say is key to their success below.
A Day One Journey
Devin’s path to construction began unexpectedly. As a firefighter, he never imagined trading his uniform for a hard hat, but a neighborly nudge changed everything. His next-door neighbor, Jesse Emery – a Power Design Superintendent – suggested he give the trades a try. At first, Devin wasn’t sure, but after a few weeks of talking, curiosity won out and he decided to take the leap.
For Johnny, it all started fresh out of high school during the COVID-19 lockdown. Unsure of what came next, he was searching for a stable income when a teacher referred him to an apprenticeship program. What began as a temporary solution to pay the bills quickly turned into something much bigger: a career fueled by mentorship and an ambition he didn’t even know he had.
On Track To Build a Legacy
Johnny didn’t just earn his journeyman license – he earned it at 21, making him the youngest apprentice at Power Design to achieve the milestone. But he’s not stopping there. His sights are set on also becoming the youngest superintendent in the company’s history, and if his work ethic is any indicator, he’s well on his way.
Devin’s story is equally impressive. With his journeyman license now in hand, he’s leading rough layouts, running decks, and even sharing his expertise with other apprentices and foremen at Gabriella Pointe. For someone who started with zero construction experience, Devin has become a powerhouse for Power Design on the job site.
Both apprentices are paving the way for others, proving that with grit and opportunity, anything is possible. “This is tough, physical work,” Johnny shared, “but it’s fulfilling. You don’t always need college to find success. Sometimes, all it takes is giving something new a try.”
And as for Jesse? He couldn’t be prouder of their progress and how they’ve taken this new opportunity and built it into a bright, successful career.
“They’ve got their own drive that pushes them forward. And when you’ve got guys like that, it’s really easy to train them.”
Support That Makes a Difference
The driving force behind Johnny and Devin’s success? Mentorship. At Power Design, apprentices don’t just learn technical skills—they receive guidance, encouragement, and a clear path forward from our industry pros.
“From day one, you’re surrounded by people who genuinely want you to succeed,” Devin explained. “Jesse’s mentorship has been incredible. I’d ride to work with him every day, and he’d take the time to teach me—whether it was how to troubleshoot on-site or advice about life in general.”
Johnny also credits the culture of mentorship for his growth. “Having someone invest their time to teach you makes a huge difference. You feel confident taking on challenges because you know you’re supported.”
For mentors like Jesse, watching apprentices like Johnny and Devin rise through the ranks has been just as rewarding. “These guys have qualities you can’t teach—drive, responsibility, and initiative,” he said. “They pick things up fast, lead the charge, and are always looking for the next challenge. I can see both of them becoming superintendents in no time.”
A Day One Journey
Devin’s path to construction began unexpectedly. As a firefighter, he never imagined trading his uniform for a hard hat, but a neighborly nudge changed everything. His next-door neighbor, Jesse Emery – a Power Design Superintendent – suggested he give the trades a try. At first, Devin wasn’t sure, but after a few weeks of talking, curiosity won out and he decided to take the leap.
For Johnny, it all started fresh out of high school during the COVID-19 lockdown. Unsure of what came next, he was searching for a stable income when a teacher referred him to an apprenticeship program. What began as a temporary solution to pay the bills quickly turned into something much bigger: a career fueled by mentorship and an ambition he didn’t even know he had.
On Track To Build a Legacy
Johnny didn’t just earn his journeyman license – he earned it at 21, making him the youngest apprentice at Power Design to achieve the milestone. But he’s not stopping there. His sights are set on also becoming the youngest superintendent in the company’s history, and if his work ethic is any indicator, he’s well on his way.
Devin’s story is equally impressive. With his journeyman license now in hand, he’s leading rough layouts, running decks, and even sharing his expertise with other apprentices and foremen at Gabriella Pointe. For someone who started with zero construction experience, Devin has become a powerhouse for Power Design on the job site.
Both apprentices are paving the way for others, proving that with grit and opportunity, anything is possible. “This is tough, physical work,” Johnny shared, “but it’s fulfilling. You don’t always need college to find success. Sometimes, all it takes is giving something new a try.”
And as for Jesse? He couldn’t be prouder of their progress and how they’ve taken this new opportunity and built it into a bright, successful career.
“They’ve got their own drive that pushes them forward. And when you’ve got guys like that, it’s really easy to train them.”
Support That Makes a Difference
The driving force behind Johnny and Devin’s success? Mentorship. At Power Design, apprentices don’t just learn technical skills—they receive guidance, encouragement, and a clear path forward from our industry pros.
“From day one, you’re surrounded by people who genuinely want you to succeed,” Devin explained. “Jesse’s mentorship has been incredible. I’d ride to work with him every day, and he’d take the time to teach me—whether it was how to troubleshoot on-site or advice about life in general.”
Johnny also credits the culture of mentorship for his growth. “Having someone invest their time to teach you makes a huge difference. You feel confident taking on challenges because you know you’re supported.”
For mentors like Jesse, watching apprentices like Johnny and Devin rise through the ranks has been just as rewarding. “These guys have qualities you can’t teach—drive, responsibility, and initiative,” he said. “They pick things up fast, lead the charge, and are always looking for the next challenge. I can see both of them becoming superintendents in no time.”
A Bright Future Ahead
At Power Design, our apprenticeship is more than just a program – it’s a launchpad for turning potential into success. Johnny and Devin show what’s possible when opportunity meets determination, and their stories remind us that hard work, curiosity, and a willingness to learn can transform a chance encounter or a simple referral into a thriving career. For them, the future isn’t just bright – it’s electric.
Interested in joining a program where you can build your skills, grow your career, and work alongside the best in the business? Check out our Apprenticeship opportunities!
Power Design
Our mission is to be the most trusted partner. With passion and accountability, we will deliver unmatched performance and a PlusONE experience. At Power Design we build more than just buildings - we build relationships that last.
Power Design
Our mission is to be the most trusted partner. With passion and accountability, we will deliver unmatched performance and a PlusONE experience. At Power Design we build more than just buildings - we build relationships that last.
