Charlie Gauger has dedicated nearly four decades to Florida Power & Light (FPL), continuing a family tradition that began with his grandfather, who worked for the company for over 30 years as a draftsman and meter reader. Gauger, born and raised in West Palm Beach, joined FPL at age 18 after being hired right out of high school.
“I was born and raised in West Palm Beach,” Gauger said. “I was hired by FPL right out of high school. My grandfather worked for the company for just over 30 years. He was a draftsman. He read meters back when they would ride bicycles. I remember when my grandpa would pick me up from school and take me to visit the FPL office.”
For Gauger, working at FPL was more than just a job—it represented the continuation of his family’s legacy with the company.
“I just enjoyed spending time with my grandfather,” he recalled. “In my mind, at that young age, he had worked at the company forever. I never imagined I would end up at FPL or work for the company even longer than he did.”
A family friend offered him an opportunity to join FPL shortly after high school graduation.
“I knew it was a great place to work. I reminded him I was only 17 at the time, but when I turned 18, just a few months later, I went to work for FPL as a bill deliverer.”
Gauger’s career spans almost forty years as FPL marks its centennial anniversary this year. Now serving as project director in engineering and construction, he celebrates his 38th year with the utility.
After six months delivering bills, Gauger moved into meter reading—a position that gave him insight into how different parts of the company contribute to providing reliable service while keeping costs low.
“That was a huge step forward,” he said. “I stayed in that part of the company for 13 years, eventually becoming the lead at South Palm Meter Reading.”
He then advanced into leadership roles and benefited from mentorship during periods of rapid growth within FPL.
“I had a couple of amazing mentors. They helped push me along,” Gauger said.
One mentor in particular influenced his path in engineering and construction.
“Ron and I met regularly for 2–3 years,” Gauger explained about Ron Reagan’s guidance. “He had a plan in mind. I went to work on the Carousel Energy Center in Colorado to support FPL’s sister company, NextEra Energy Resources. That was my first and one of my favorite projects, because I got to see it grow from the ground up.”
Gauger also managed early solar initiatives such as Babcock Ranch in 2016 and later led distributed generation projects like installing solar trees designed both to generate energy and educate people about solar technology.
These experiences have allowed him to witness firsthand how innovation and efficiency are central values at FPL—helping maintain customer bills below national averages while supporting reliability standards considered among the best nationwide.
“The projects I have been honored to support are how we deliver on our promise to customers,” Gauger explained.
FPL reports that its operational practices help keep typical monthly customer bills about $24 lower than those charged by average U.S utilities while maintaining strong reliability metrics.
Reflecting on his long tenure with FPL, Gauger expressed appreciation for both colleagues and customers: “I just finished my 38th year with the company,” he said. “In a career, I don’t think I could have asked to work with better people. I have, over the decades, always had this great company looking out for my best interests as well as the best interests of our customers.”
Looking ahead as technology evolves within energy production and delivery systems across Florida, Gauger remains focused on mentoring others within FPL’s workforce:
“My motivation is to see the company continue to grow into different technologies,” he said. “Our projects can be very complex, but it’s also very stimulating to watch a project go from an idea to operational.”
He added: “Some of my best career highlights were seeing people come in, like I did, and getting to help foster them into leadership similar to what others did for me…I want to give back.”
As Florida Power & Light commemorates its centennial milestone this year—with stories like Charlie Gauger’s reflecting generational commitment—the company’s ongoing progress continues through employees dedicated both personally and professionally:
“That’s my 38-year career so far,” concluded Gauger.“I’ve worked all over the company,and I’ve loved every minute of it.And ,at the end of the day,I feel good knowing what I do helps our customers.That’s what it’s all about.”
