Leadership Bios
We area dedicated team of professional lineman, committed to delivering safe, reliable, and high-quality power line services to keep your community connected.
Our Team
Kevin Vance
Owner/COO
Kevin plays a key role in overseeing day-to-day operations at Kess Line, constantly seeking ways to enhance efficiency and improve existing systems. He takes great pride in assembling top-tier crews to support communities impacted by severe weather. When storms are on the horizon, Kevin is quick to act—monitoring conditions closely and working tirelessly to secure storm calls.
When asked about the most rewarding part of his work, he shared, “It’s when everyone makes it home safely—and we still have a few good-looking hats to hand out.”
Kevin has been with Kess Line since its inception, having long envisioned what the company could become. One of his favorite storm memories is staying in mancamps with the crew during a restoration effort in Georgia.
Working with Kess Line, he says, is unlike working with most other companies. “It’s our hardworking, good-natured culture. People feel like they’re part of a family when they join us.”
Tessa Vance
Owner/CEO
Tessa’s role is both strategic and operational, and it blends leadership, business development, and relationship building.
“I love this industry because it is exciting! When the forecast is calling for unfavorable weather, and chatter starts humming and phones start buzzing. It’s hectic but fun!”
There is so much work behind the scenes during a storm callout that people don’t realize, from the fleet to financials. “The most rewarding aspect of this career is being able to provide a great paying job to those who work with us and assisting in the efforts of power restoration to affected communities. I have been with Kess Line since the beginning, supporting my husband in his dream. Working with Kess Line, you really become family!”
When Tessa isn’t busy with Kess Line work, she enjoys raising her three girls, photography, and enjoying outdoor activities!
Matthew Harris
General Forman
As a General Foreman, Matt lead storm response crews, coordinate directly with power companies, and work to keep operations running smoothly in high-pressure environments. After each deployment, he handles truck inventory and ensure all PPE is tested and ready for the next event.
What he enjoys most about storm work is the opportunity to earn premium pay and build hours quickly—giving him more time to spend with his family when he’s home. “I’m always prepared to roll out, and when a major storm is forecasted, I make sure things are squared away at home so I can focus fully on the job.”
“Most people don’t see the behind-the-scenes effort it takes to prepare rosters and equipment for a storm. But for me, the most rewarding part is helping people when they need it most—and making sure every team member gets home safe. I’ve been with Kess Line since day one. What drew me in was the location, but what’s kept me here is the family atmosphere. The leadership is transparent, supportive, and truly goes above and beyond for their employees.
Outside of work, I love spending time with my family, traveling, turkey hunting, fishing with my son Maverick, and watching him play baseball.”
Seth Mason
General Forman
As General Foreman, Seth plays a vital role in storm operations—managing crew rosters and ensuring all logistics are in place. Even outside of storm response, he stays busy placing tool orders and making sure trucks are properly equipped and ready to deploy.
Seth is passionate about his work and values the opportunity to do it alongside some of the best professionals—and friends—he’s ever known. When a storm is approaching, he prioritizes both preparation and quality time with his family.
For Seth, the most rewarding part of the job is returning home to his wife and kids. He’s been with Kess Line since day one, having taken a chance on a new opportunity—and found a home. His favorite storm memories are the smiles on his children’s faces when he pulls into the driveway.
When asked what sets Kess Line apart, he shared, “We’re just a bunch of nobodies who came together and believed in a dream. We’ve built something great out of this team.” Before joining the line trade, Seth proudly served in the U.S. Army. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time on the lake with family and friends.
Dakota Cox
General Forman
Cody is currently transitioning from Safety Coordinator to General Foreman at Kess Line. He works closely with the fleet manager to ensure all vehicles are storm-ready and compliant, and is leading efforts to expand fleet parking to better accommodate crews during active storm events.
Passionate about the work, Cody finds great fulfillment in helping restore power to customers—often after days or even weeks without. He stays prepared at all times, with his bags packed and a goodbye kiss for his family before every deployment.
“It’s humbling to work close to home with such a tight-knit group,” Cody shares. “We give each other a hard time, but we all know we can lean on one another, whether it’s work-related or personal.”
Cody has been with Kess Line since our very first storm, contributing ideas that helped lay the foundation of who we are today. When asked what sets Kess Line apart, he says, “At a lot of places, you’re just a number. I don’t think anyone who’s run a storm with us would ever say that here. That’s not the atmosphere—and we take pride in that.”
When he’s not working, Cody enjoys spending his time farming.
Jacob Preece
Director of Safety
Jacob plays an essential role in ensuring Kess Line’s fleet is compliant and storm-ready. He oversees vehicle registration, titles, and insurance, manages the fuel card system, coordinates parts runs, and steps in wherever needed to keep operations running smoothly.
He enjoys working in the storm industry—particularly the flexibility it allows during downtime between deployments. When severe weather approaches, Jacob is prepared, keeping both the fleet in top condition and his own bag packed for quick mobilization.
“People often don’t realize how much behind-the-scenes mechanical work it takes to keep every truck moving and productive,” he explains.
Jacob takes pride in being part of a team that directly helps communities in need. He has been with Kess Line since before our first storm, contributing to the growth and readiness of the fleet from the very beginning. When asked what sets Kess Line apart from other employers, he points to the camaraderie. “The guys we work with would drop everything to lend a hand—it’s that kind of support that makes this place different.”
Outside of work, Jacob enjoys unwinding through camping, boating, and riding his motorcycle.
Tanner Wilcox
Lead Mechanic
Tanner plays a vital role at Kess Line as the lead in fleet maintenance and equipment readiness. His work ensures that all vehicles and tools are in top condition before a storm call is ever made—keeping our crews safe, efficient, and ready to roll at a moment’s notice. His commitment to excellence is a cornerstone of our operations. With a passion for the storm industry, Tanner finds fulfillment in both the places this line of work takes him and the impact it has.
“There’s nothing like seeing the relief on people’s faces when their power is restored. That’s what makes it all worth it,” he shares. Tanner takes pride in the continued improvement of our fleet and equipment—advancements that not only enhance performance but also make his job more efficient. He has been a dedicated part of the Kess Line team for a year and a half.
When asked what drew him to the company, he says it was the strong reputation Kess Line had built through word of mouth—known for being led by exceptional people who treat their team with fairness and respect. One of Tanner’s favorite memories on storm was a company cookout during a 14-day “turn and burn” deployment in New York—a moment of camaraderie and well-earned downtime in the middle of a demanding job.
When he’s not in the shop or on the road, Tanner enjoys spending time outdoors with his family, whether it’s hunting, fishing, riding, or boating.
Coty Vanderpool
Fleet Manager
As Fleet Manager, Coty plays a critical role in keeping Kess Line’s operations running smoothly. He is responsible for ordering the correct parts for our growing fleet and ensuring that all equipment is fully serviced and ready for deployment ahead of any storm event.
His attention to detail and proactive approach help minimize downtime in the field and keep our crews safe and efficient. Coty enjoys the unique challenges of the storm industry—both the opportunity to earn a strong living and the reward of helping communities in need. Always prepared, he keeps his bags packed and a full stock of tools and parts on hand, ready to respond whenever the next call comes in.
For Coty, the most rewarding part of his job is the increased time it allows him to spend at home with his family between storms. He’s been with Kess Line since our very first deployment, and credits owner Kevin Vance as the driving force behind his decision to join the company.
“There’s no place I’d rather work,” he says. One of his favorite storm memories is from a 14-day deployment in New York, where the crew gathered for a cookout in the parking lot—a rare moment of relaxation and camaraderie in the midst of intense work.
When he’s not managing the fleet or out on storm, Coty enjoys spending time outdoors, especially boating, hunting, and fishing.
