• Posted: June 16, 2023
• better careers, better communities, better construction, Construction Safety Council, Electrical Contractors' Association of Chicago and Cook County, Evergreen Electric Supply Company, Father's Day, Geary Electric, IBEW Local 134, Linear Electric, National Electrical Contractors’ Association’s (NECA), Safety, Taylor Electric, Taylor Electric Company

In 1986 when Tony Sage graduated from St. Rita High School on Chicago’s South Side, he wasn’t sure what path to take. Now almost 40 years later, he’s glad he followed the guidance of lifelong family friend Peggy Brankin who encouraged him to sign up for the electrical apprenticeship program.

“I didn’t really understand what I was signing up for. I even forgot I’d applied for a while,” Sage recalled.

After submitting his application, Sage took college classes and worked for Orkin pest control. About three years later, he was caught off guard when the union called him to join the apprenticeship. He joined the apprenticeship in 1989 and couldn’t have guessed where his career would take him.

A proud legacy of honesty and hard work

Sage spent most of his apprenticeship working for Geary Electric working at Merchandise Mart, Illinois Bell and AT&T buildings. He answered a fortuitous call from Taylor Electric during a slow-season layoff. He’s been with Taylor Electric for about 30 years. He enjoyed his path from apprentice to journeyman to foreman and then to his current role as superintendent which he’s been in for about 22 years.

The superintendent, Sage, supervises all foremen and electricians in the field. Sage also works with project managers to ensure every job is completed safely, on time and to the highest standard. Safety is a big part of his role and one that he takes seriously. Sage is an Electrical Contractors’ Association of Chicago and Cook County (ECA) rep on the Construction Safety Council. He’s also on the ECA’s Safety Committee.

“I enjoy the safety aspect of my job. Safety has changed so much the last 15, 20 years. Safety is part of the culture now. I enjoy teaching and training with our coworkers so we can work safely and prevent injuries and everyone can go home safely to their families each day.”

Inspiring the next generation of electricians

Sage has a lot to be proud of in his career. One of his biggest accomplishments was inspiring his 24-year-old son to join the apprenticeship.

“Noah is a first-year apprentice at Linear Electric. He was a trainee during Covid. He worked hard and went through the process and was finally able to get in. I’m really, really proud of him and my daughter.”

Noah gives all the credit and his gratitude to his father, Tony, for opening his eyes to a career in the electrical trade and the benefits it has to offer.

“It helps seeing it right before my eyes, as I grew up, what this career could provide you and your family, seeing that you could be successful,” Noah Sage said.

His 22-year-old daughter Isabella “Bell” works for Evergreen Electric Supply Company, learning a lot about the industry as well.

“We’re thankful for everything he does and for how hard he works for our family. Nothing he does goes unnoticed,” Bell Sage said.

He gives credit to his hardworking wife Immacolata who supports his whole family in countless ways, including caring for her aging mother.

But Sage has inspired not just his family to pursue a career in the trades.

“I’ve seen many apprentices that have worked for Taylor Electric since the beginning. Now they’re in foreman, project manager or journeyman roles. It’s inspiring to see that we were able to help them along.”

Sage admits it’s not always easy work but gives credit to his family for driving him forward day in and day out. In addition to his wife and children, Sage gives immense credit to his loving parents for teaching him the value of hard work — his late mother Mary Lou and his father Lloyd who is retired and living in Florida.

“My family inspires me. Sometimes we get stuck in our day-to-day lives but being close and helping each other succeed is inspiring.”