Sparano family roots run deep at American Electric Power. Gary Sparano, a telecommunications engineering supervisor, watched his father, grandfather and uncle build their lives around their AEP careers.
“My grandfather joined AEP in a clerical role within the Fire Protection team, drawn by the stability of the industry and the company,” Gary said.
His grandfather, Vincent “Jim” Sparano, was passionate about innovation, a trait he passed down to his son and grandson.
“He was always sharing ideas, and AEP loved it,” Gary said. “They saw his potential and put him on a poster as an example of putting your ideas on the line.
“I thought it was great that the company values all employees, not just top leadership or top engineers. I was always proud of that and had that poster on my wall when I was a kid.”
Gary’s father, Gary Sparano, started as a transmission station engineering designer. Like Jim, he had big ideas about how to contribute more, and his growth led to an entirely new position at the company as a transmission station design coordinator.
“He enjoyed the challenge of creative problem-solving and appreciated the significance of his work on our electrical infrastructure,” Gary explained. “He was passionate about cutting-edge technology and concepts.”
Gary initially pursued his passion for art, but job market challenges led him to pivot to CAD/CAM in high school, merging creativity and technical skills. After years of market instability and encouragement from his father, he joined AEP as an entry-level designer, finding fulfillment in the service provided to customers.
After nearly 20 years at AEP, Gary recognizes the significance of this multi-generational commitment.
“For 10 of those years, I got to work alongside my dad—something I couldn’t get anywhere else.”
For Gary and his family, AEP has been more than just a workplace; it has been a hub of relationships and shared experiences.
“We formed close bonds with other AEP families after relocating to Ohio [from New York City] in the early 80s,” Gary said, recounting his childhood memories of visiting AEP offices, the Zimmer Power Station, and touring the innovative "Smart House," which demonstrated the future of electric conveniences in residential homes.
Gary remains committed to AEP’s mission—powering communities through reliable and innovative electrical infrastructure.
“I’m proud of what I get to do here,” he said. “It allows me to uplift lives through the service we provide our customers, with a company that has stood strong for over a century.”