Experienced Leadership Team
In 2010, a dedicated group of experienced industry executives founded Saber Power, LLC. Their vision was to build a company focused on safety and customer satisfaction while creating a family-oriented, collaborative, company culture conducive to open communication, hard work and fun.
Brian E. Bratton, President and CEO
Brian joined Saber Power in November 2020 as President and CEO after previously serving on their Board of Directors. Brian’s career has spanned both the private and public sectors as an executive for more than 35 years holding various positions in the EHV market serving the petrochemical, utility and oil and gas markets. As an executive in startup and growth companies, Brian established a safety-first philosophy focusing on a customer-first culture. Brian is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in Electrical Engineering and was a registered Professional Engineer in the state of Texas (retired).
Brenda Martin, CFO
Brenda Martin joined Saber Power in August 2020 as CFO, responsible for overseeing finance, tax, HR, IT and insurance functions. She brings 30+ years of financial expertise to the company and has been instrumental in establishing comprehensive processes for strategic planning, accounting, budgeting and reporting. Prior to joining Saber, she held various leadership roles with companies moving through the private equity process, from early-stage acquisition, through operational and financial improvements, to exit or sales strategies. Prior to that, Brenda spent 17 years at PricewaterhouseCoopers in multiple roles of increasing responsibility including Managing Director, Fraud Risk and Controls, Director, Transaction Services, as well as audit positions. She is known for her accountability, ethics and integrity while relating easily to business operations and top-tier executives. Brenda has a B.S. in Accounting from the University of Illinois.
Bruce Cranfill, Executive Vice President
Bruce Cranfill has served as executive vice president of construction for Saber Power since 2012. He previously served as general manager for ECP Tech Services/Square D, construction general manager for Emerson Electric and estimator/project superintendent for new construction and project estimating for UEI Inc. He holds an associate of applied science degree in commercial and industrial electrical applications at Brazosport College and a construction management degree from the University of Houston. Lastly, Bruce is a licensed master electrician in Texas. 
Brian P. Smaistrla, Executive Vice President
Brian P. Smaistrla joined Saber Power in May of 2018 as executive vice president responsible for the growth, leadership and strategic planning of the business. Innovation, delivery and growth-focused, Brian is a proven executive leader in both private and public company environments with more than 28 years’ operational experience designing, constructing and commissioning large (EPC) 15 to 765 kV electrical systems for the power, electric and energy industry in North America. Brian is a proven P&L revenue producer encompassing the leadership of large, multiple divisional workforces and has been responsible for annual $500M+ project pipelines and backlogs. Brian’s career has included many leadership positions in numerous companies including serving as president and executive vice president. He has multi-faceted operational project and business development experience. Brian obtained a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering from Texas A&M and an MBA from the University of Houston – Clear Lake.
Matt McBurnett, P.E., Executive Vice President
Matt McBurnett began his engineering career in 1992 upon graduation from Texas A&M University with a degree in electrical engineering. After years of progressive industry experience, Matt co-founded VI Engineering, LLC in 2005 and operated the company until its sale in 2015 to Stantec, Inc. by which time VI was supporting more than $200MM of annual project work. As a proven entrepreneur, operations and engineering manager, client liaison and business development professional, Matt has served as executive vice president of Saber Power since July 2019. In this capacity, he is engaged in a host of diverse activities including estimating, strategic project pursuit and process refinement while also leading Saber Power’s engineering and electrical studies groups. Matt is an active member of IEEE, NFPA and is a licensed electrical engineer in 17 states.
J.R. (Rick) Roton, Executive Vice President
Rick Roton joined Saber Power in March of 2021 as executive vice president responsible for the growth and development of Saber’s Construction Services organization and Project Management team. An executive leader with more than 15 years’ operational experience designing, constructing, and commissioning large (EPC) 15 to 765 kV electrical systems for the power, electric and energy industry in North America, Rick is a proven P&L revenue producer. He has led large, multiple divisional workforces and was responsible for annual 800M+ in project pipelines and backlogs. Rick earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Pacific Lutheran University and an MBA from John F. Kennedy University. He is a certified Project Management Professional and a 22-year veteran of the United States Navy, retiring in 1999 holding the rank of Commander. 
Rick Thompson, Executive Vice President of Saber Power Field Services, LLC
Rick joined Saber Power in May 2021 as executive vice president responsible for growth, organization and leadership of Saber Power Field Services, overseeing operations, training and breaker repair. His expertise includes developing and mentoring leadership teams and managing personnel cross-training/mentoring programs. With over 40 years of experience, Rick began his career as an electrician, and has a deep technical understanding of the high voltage industry. His work includes the business development direction for multiple divisions and the evolution of strategic alliances and acquisitions. Operations, customer relations, negotiations and problem-solving are strong points for Rick. His skills include the successful organic growth and leadership in field services, project management, construction, procurement and engineering divisions. He brings an exceptional ability to identify strategic opportunities and solutions within the power industry. Rick is an Army veteran with technical and business studies from San Jacinto Jr. College, University of Maryland and University of Houston. 
Rodney Riddle, Vice President of Construction
Rodney Riddle is a highly accomplished, results-driven professional with more than 27 years’ experience in the electrical, oil and gas and utility industry bringing extensive technical, supervisory and executive experience to his position. He specializes in high voltage electrical construction including substation, transmission and distribution work. Before moving into management, Rodney started his career as an apprentice lineman in 1993. He graduated to journeyman lineman in 1997 after being awarded the I.B.E.W. apprentice of the year. Rodney has completed multiple continuing education courses at the University of Houston, San Jacinto College and the University of Tennessee for technical and management training. Over the course of his career, he has constructed and managed numerous high voltage projects across the U.S. for many customers including CenterPoint Energy, PG&E, Entergy, Exxon Mobil and Valero.
Kyle Tomek, Vice President of Sales
Kyle Tomek joined Saber Power in 2013 and has more than 15 years of experience in sales with a decade concentrated in the industrial, petrochemical, utility and midstream industries. A graduate of the Dwight Look College of Engineering at Texas A&M University, Kyle has a Bachelor of Science in industrial distribution and completed numerous business and marketing courses from Texas State University, an associate’s degree from Wharton County Junior College, and continuing education at the University of Houston. He brings additional years of expertise as a business owner and trade columnist. In previous roles as account manager and sales manager for Saber, Kyle was instrumental in development of the sales division, establishment of key client partnerships and expansion of the customer base across new and existing markets. Currently, Kyle is responsible for company-wide sales at Saber Power and is focused on team development, strategic initiatives and market diversification.
