Culture

Powered by People: James Vasquez, Network Engineer

2 min read

7/14/25 4:18 PM

Powered by People, July 2025

"Powered by People" is a blog series profiling the team members who make our impactful energy solutions possible.

In this installment, we’re spotlighting James Vasquez, who joined HCI Energy after a short project in 2019 turned into a full-time role, and a cross-country move from LA to Kansas City.

What do you do at HCI Energy?

I am part of the technical team... I am somewhat of a utility player. I do everything from support to training to management.

What brought you to HCI originally?

20250708_104402 I was first brought in to HCI back in 2019 on a two week project. The company flew me out from Los Angeles where I am from. At the time, we were evaluating different operating systems to use within the product line.

By the time I returned home, I had an offer for full time sitting in my inbox. HCI was a small startup of about 10 employees at that time. They were building out the team and thought I would be a good addition since I had worked with a couple of the HCI team members on prior projects.

At the time, I wasn't prepared to move across the country for a full-time gig, but as 2020 was ushered in, a lot of things changed. With an emphasis on secure employment, health insurance, and housing, I felt it was the right time to seek out a solid foundation, and HCI felt like the perfect fit.

What are you working on, and why is this important?

It is important to provide both our customers and new hires with a complete understanding of how our systems work.

Currently, I am working on developing a technical training program here at HCI where we look at both the hardware and software layers and how they relate to one another.

We take pride in the proprietary software we developed in-house. Although presented well and easy to understand, our system is very complex. Beyond the power side of things, we integrate several different components and employ many different protocols.

What are your hobbies and interests outside of work?

James Vasquez art I am just crazy over Art. I studied at California Art Institute under Glen Orbik and Laurel Blechman. I love the traditional side of it. Everything from drawing to painting to the history. I collect original work too! I just recently brought home a couple pieces from Saul Tepper which I am over the moon with.

What is the most important thing you have learned in the last 5 years?

I just recently had this conversation with my girlfriend, and I told her that I feel as if I have been on an accelerated learning program for the past 5 years. I moved to KC, purchased a house, and joined HCI full time!

I have to say, the most important thing that I have learned within that time is to see things through to completion. Out of 100 percent, it is the last 10 that matters most! If you have the discipline to see things through, the reward will be waiting for you in the end.