Impulse is committed to the safety and well-being of our members and constituents, which we engage in daily. It is our mission to provide and maintain a safe work environment for our family of companies while building a culture of integrity, innovation, and quality of life for the next generation of electric workers.
About Energy Consulting Experts
Our Story
Impulse Energy Consultants (Impulse) is a full-scope storm services contractor and storm aggregation partner to utilities across the electric and communications sectors. Impulse operates as a disciplined prime contractor, integrating planning, intelligence, and execution to support utilities before, during, and after major storm events.
Prior to landfall, Impulse delivers grid-resiliency support through system assessments, risk modeling, and advanced drone and aerial data collection to help utilities identify vulnerabilities, prioritize hardening activities, and stage resources with precision. During storm response, Impulse aggregates and deploys qualified contractors, crews, and equipment under a unified command structure—providing singular accountability, consistent safety standards, and streamlined reporting. Post-event, Impulse supports damage assessments, restoration analytics, and performance reconciliation to accelerate recovery and improve future preparedness.
- Full-Scope Storm Services Provider
- Pre-Storm Grid Resiliency
- Unified Storm Response
- Experienced Leadership & Strategic Alliances
Our leadership team brings more than a century of combined experience spanning investor-owned utilities and the national contractor community. Guided by Lean Six Sigma principles, Impulse aligns people, AI, processes, and technology to drive speed, safety, and reliability at scale. At every level, we operate with integrity and accountability, restoring confidence in storm response by delivering the right resources, at the right time, through a highly disciplined and transparent prime contractor model—where quality, people, and safety come first.
In summation, Impulse prioritizes Strategic Alliance Building; the establishment of long-term, trustworthy partnerships with clients, enabling the delivery of reliable and cost-efficient solutions across a diverse range of projects.
Meet the Impulse Leadership Team
Rick Bufford
Founder, President and CEO
Mr. Bufford has decades of experience in the field, mastering the electric power utility industry from the ground up. Bufford’s journey began in 1983 as a lineman for Oklahoma Gas and Electric. After His tenure at Oklahoma Gas and Electric Mr. Bufford assumed an Executive role as the Managing Director of Transmission and Distribution Operations, Business Optimization and Training and Development at Hawaii Electric.
Bufford focused on obtaining his educational background, which led to his completion of earning three degrees, culminating in his MBA. A lifetime of dedication, education and leadership enabled Bufford to establish Impulse Energy Consultants in 2011.
Bufford’s vast knowledge and experience have Impulse poised to be a key figure in the future of the electric power utility industry as the electrification of America expands in this decade and beyond.
Guy Madison
COO
Guy Madison is a results-driven executive with nearly two decades of experience in the infrastructure and energy sectors, including leadership roles with MasTec, Michels and Quanta. Guided by integrity and a passion for collaboration, he forges partnerships that unite people, strengthen communities and deliver lasting value. His leadership is marked by accountability, mentorship and a relentless commitment to excellence in both people and performance.
Education:
Post Graduate Certification, Artificial Intelligence Engineering
MBA, Finance – University of Texas, Austin
BS, Business Administration – University of Pittsburgh
Gregg Hughes
S.V.P. Operations
Gregg Hughes is an accomplished leader with a proven track record in business development, generating over $400 million as President and Chief Revenue Officer at the Group of Patriots and scaling Palmetto Engineering and Consulting from three founders to over 150 employees with $15 million in revenue in five years. His leadership style, rooted in accountability and insightful questioning, drives innovation and strategic growth. Committed to diversity, Gregg ensures all voices are valued, fostering inclusive environments. He inspires excellence, pushing teams beyond their limits while building lasting relationships across sectors. A former Chair of the ACEC Small Firm Council, Gregg speaks nationally on entrepreneurship.
Bret Hankins
Vice President of Strategic Growth
Bret Hankins brings over 25 years of success from the private business community. Integrity, trust, and developing people have been key driving factors in his success. Mr. Hankins’ passion for lasting relationships has enabled business partners to enjoy longterm success in their respective sectors and also in their communities.
Education:
BS, Business Administration – University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma.
Our Mission & Core Values
Unwavering Commitment to Safety
Lean Six Sigma-Driven Operations
Mission to Restore Industry Credibility
Experienced, Responsible Leadership
Unwavering Commitment to Safety
Lean Six Sigma-Driven Operations
We manage our organization through the proven principles of Lean Six Sigma, ensuring that people, processes, and technology are optimized for maximum efficiency. At every level, Impulse operates with integrity, accountability, safety, and reliability at the forefront.
Mission to Restore Industry Credibility
Our mission is simple yet vital: restore credibility to the industry by prioritizing quality, people and safety over profit.
Experienced, Responsible Leadership
Led by seasoned utility veterans who listen first, think quickly, and act efficiently, the team is driven by responsibility to people and partners, focusing on overdelivering without overpromising.
Certifications That Drive Excellence
6 Sigma Black Belt & Change Management
Leadership certifications include Six Sigma for quality control and Change Management for operational agility and risk mitigation: These certifications empower our leaders to implement data-driven strategies that enhance process efficiency and adaptability, ensuring that we can respond effectively to changing project demands and mitigate potential risks.
PMP-Certified Project Management
IEC leaders hold Project Management Professional (PMP) credentials, ensuring structured, timeline-driven execution of complex projects: The PMP certification equips our team with the methodologies and tools necessary for effective project management, allowing us to deliver projects on time and within budget while maintaining high standards of quality.
NAICS Registered Codes
IEC is registered under NAICS codes 237130, 22122, 22114, 221121, 238210, and 541330, enabling compliance with federal procurement categories: Our registration under these codes facilitates our participation in government contracts and ensures that we meet the specific requirements set forth by federal procurement regulations.
Audit-Ready and Safety Compliant
Adherence to OSHA, NFPA, and other national standards guarantees readiness for regulatory audits and contractual reporting: By maintaining compliance with these rigorous safety standards, we not only ensure the safety of our workforce but also enhance our credibility and reliability in the eyes of clients and regulatory bodies.