In the world of power systems, reliability is everything. Behind that reliability are people like Michael Exton, whose dedication and expertise ensure that every product leaving HICO is ready for the field. For our third edition of People Behind the Power, we’re proud to spotlight Michael, a 25-year industry veteran whose career has been defined by grit, growth, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
A Career Built on Quality and Commitment
Michael’s journey with HICO began in 2004, when he joined as a Test Technician, Quality Assurance, and Field Service Technician. From the start, he brought a hands-on mindset and a reputation for precision, quickly becoming a trusted presence across multiple departments. In 2006, he stepped away for a brief leadership role elsewhere but returned to HICO in 2008, ready to take on even greater responsibility. Over the next 16 years, he helped shape the company’s testing and service operations as Test Lab Manager and Field Service Manager. Then, in January 2025, he stepped into his current role as Senior Field Service Manager. A position that blends deep technical expertise with the kind of hands-on leadership that’s become his trademark.
His impact is staggering. He has tested over 10,000 circuit breakers, coordinated countless service calls, and built a reputation for dependability that spans decades. “Who runs around saying ‘give me more work’? I do,” Michael laughs. It’s not bravado. It’s pride. Pride in knowing he can deliver the highest quality, every time.
Leading with Empathy and Expertise
Michael’s leadership style is grounded in servant and participative principles. Before any technician heads into the field, he checks in. Not just on logistics, but on confidence, readiness, and morale. “Do you have what you need? Are you comfortable with the job?” These questions aren’t just routine. They reflect a culture Michael has cultivated, one built on collaboration, preparation, and mutual respect.
He’s also a strategist. He uses statistical analysis to match technicians to jobs based on skill sets. Whether it’s plumbing, gas handling, hydraulics, or wiring, Michael ensures each task is handled by the right expert. The result is a team that is both specialized and cohesive.
A Philosophy Rooted in Safety and Service
For Michael, quality isn’t just a benchmark. It’s a safeguard. “We manufacture, install, and test safety equipment for the US grid,” he explains. “Our breakers protect millions of dollars in infrastructure. Sometimes, they protect something even more personal. Maybe it’s one person at home, frail and in poor health, relying on uninterrupted power. That’s why quality and safety are inseparable.”
His mantra is simple: anticipate everything. “What can go wrong, probably will,” he says. That’s why he instills a culture of redundancy, proactive thinking, and constant vigilance. In this industry, the smallest oversight can lead to cascading failure.
Beyond the Breakers: A Life of Purpose
When he’s not ensuring HICO’s products are field-ready, Michael is tending to his 47-acre farm. There he grows over 650 chestnut trees and raises chickens. Inspired by a drive past Chestnut Ridge, he began cultivating American chestnuts, first for consumption, then for breeding and seedling sales. His approach is organic, chemical free, and deeply intentional. The farm is more than a hobby. It’s a legacy. His late father lived with him there, and his brother, a retired war veteran, now helps watch over it while Michael travels. His wife, a labor and delivery nurse in California, brings new life into the world every day, a quiet echo of the care and purpose that define their family. There’s talk of joining the Harley
Davidson squad soon. For now, Michael’s hands are full of soil, service calls, and a life built on hard work and heart.
