58 Years of Spark: Ron Natter, the Unsung Hero Who Keeps Florida Powered
As Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) celebrates its 100th anniversary this year, the spotlight also shines on one of its most remarkable figures: Ron Natter, the company’s longest-tenured employee, who has dedicated nearly six decades of his life to serving with passion, innovation, and an unwavering commitment.
Natter’s journey with FPL began back in 1966, when he joined as a helper and winch truck operator. Nobody could have imagined then that this young man, with experience as an aircraft mechanic in the U.S. Air Force Reserves, would go on to build such a powerful legacy for the company and the community. From those early years, he advanced to become a radio technician, repairing and maintaining communication systems used across FPL—from power delivery to solar, nuclear, emergency planning, and corporate security.
Beyond his impressive technical expertise, what Natter values most is being close to people. “I enjoy being out in the field, interacting with customers. They know what’s going on, and my job is to listen, earn their trust, and solve their problems,” he proudly shares.
His hunger for learning pushed him to attend night school, earn a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) license and a ham radio license, paving the way to FPL’s radio shop. There, he has spent most of his career repairing radios, programming systems, and tracking down interference. Along the way, he became known for his innovations, earning over a dozen recognitions. Among his creations is SatNat, a special system designed to lift and lower satellite dishes during storms—an invention that nearly received a patent.
Natter’s legacy extends to his family as well. His daughter, Julie Natter Graf, joined FPL in 2015 as a dispatcher in Melbourne. She proudly recalls how her father inspired her while carefully fixing her toys and teaching life lessons about patience, kindness, and perseverance.
Colleagues and leaders alike recognize him as an innovator who always prioritizes teamwork and safety. Tim Lewis, senior manager of IT field communications, who has worked with Natter for 35 years, emphasizes his creativity and dedication.
Today, nearly 60 years later, Ron Natter looks to the future with the same enthusiasm as when he first started. “I don’t want to sit at home and watch TV. I like keeping busy, and I enjoy the new challenges that come every day,” he says.
As FPL celebrates 100 years of powering Florida, the company also celebrates the spark that employees like Ron Natter bring—an enduring symbol of service, innovation, and passion that continues to light the way for generations to come.
