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Elevated Access | The Inside StoryAuthor: Chad Hughes CEO; Entrepreneurial Leader; Author
Welcome to Elevated Access, a podcast about the access required for energy and infrastructure developments across North America. Join me, Chad Hughes, as we meet with those at the top of their field whose experiences have helped shape the energy and infrastructure landscape leaders who get access. Whether youre a business leader, project developer, or professional who has been part of the access journey, or simply interested in what enables development, this podcast sheds light on the depth of care and attention that goes into securing access for development and just how big of an undertaking it is. Language: en Genres: Business, Business News, News Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it Trailer: |
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42 - The Abundance of Opportunity: Charting a Dynamic Right of Way Career with Brett Farner
Episode 42
Wednesday, 14 January, 2026
In this episode of Elevated Access, host Chad Hughes sits down with industry leader Brett Farner to explore the amazing and varied opportunities in the right of way and utility real estate profession. With a 17-year career spanning Ameren, Invenergy, and now a new leadership role at Toth & Associates, Brett shares a deeply insightful journey through utility infrastructure, electric transmission development, land acquisition, technology modernization, competitive transmission, and right of way leadership. Brett’s experiences offer a rare inside look at the soft skills, strategic thinking, and mindset needed to succeed in the profession.Brett emphasizes the career-defining importance of staying curious, asking questions, seeking mentorship, and being unafraid to take on work that no one has attempted before. From shoreline permitting at Lake of the Ozarks to navigating intense public opposition on the 100-mile Mark Twain Transmission Project, Brett discusses the nuances of building stakeholder trust. He shares how transparency, fair market valuation, and genuine listening transformed a highly opposed project into a success delivered ahead of schedule.Brett encourages newcomers to see the profession as a long-term, rewarding career path. He emphasizes that this profession desperately needs new talent, and the upward mobility is tremendous for those who lean into learning and leadership. With advice for newcomers and seasoned professionals alike, he encourages listeners to stay open-minded, stay curious, invest in their development, and recognize the essential role real estate plays in the success of every infrastructure project.“If I see something that could be better, I’m not just going to point it out—I’m willing to carry the load to make the improvement.” - Brett FarnerAbout Brett Farner: Brett Farner is an accomplished leader in the utility real estate and right of way industry, recognized for his ability to develop strategic direction, drive innovation, and deliver complex infrastructure projects. With nearly two decades of experience, Brett has consistently demonstrated expertise in property acquisition, transmission development, and organizational leadership across the energy sector.In his current role as Manager of ROW and Real Estate Acquisition at Toth & Associates, Brett oversees all aspects of right of way acquisition and real estate strategies for complex development projects. He is responsible for ensuring compliance, optimizing processes, and fostering collaborative partnerships with stakeholders to support the successful delivery of large-scale infrastructure initiatives.Prior to joining Toth & Associates, Brett served as Director of Transmission Development at Invenergy LLC, a leading global developer of sustainable energy solutions. There, he led teams executing land campaigns for major HVDC transmission projects, managed budgets exceeding $100M, and implemented visionary organizational plans to support the organization’s strategic growth in emerging markets.Earlier in his career, Brett spent 15 years at Ameren Corporation, a Fortune 500 energy company, where he advanced through multiple leadership roles. As Manager of Real Estate, he directed a property portfolio in excess of $1B, spearheaded a $12.1M customer affordability initiative, and managed technology-driven improvements to enhance operational efficiency. His tenure also included oversight of large-scale transmission projects, including the Mark Twain Transmission Project, where he was the lead for real estate on routing, public engagement, property acquisition, and construction support.Brett holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Webster University and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) from the University of Missouri, with emphases in finance, banking, and real estate. He earned the prestigious Senior Right of Way Professional (SR/WA) designation from the International Right of Way Association (IRWA) and has served in numerous leadership roles within the organization, including Past International Director and Chapter President. He also contributed as a past member of the Board of Trustees for the Right of Way International Education Foundation (RWIEF), is a frequent industry speaker and has been published in Right of Way Magazine.Known for his strategic vision, collaborative leadership, and commitment to excellence, Brett continues to champion innovation and professional development within the utility and real estate sectors.---Chad Hughes | CEO, Entrepreneurial Leader, Author: website | linkedinBrett Farner | Manager of ROW and Real Estate Acquisition | Toth & Associates: linkedin Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
