Spark’n Conversations

Join Mike Miller as he breaks down practical solutions, clears up common questions, and addresses some code changes that may impact the industry. This episode delivers clear, timely insight to help you navigate the updates with clarity.

Aluminum wire is gaining attention as copper prices and availability tighten. Join our conversation with Vinny Mergens of Priority Wire & Cable as he walks Mike Miller through the technical and financial advantages of aluminum in today’s market. With demand pressures rising, these strategies offer timely guidance for anyone navigating the volatile conductor landscape.   You can learn more abou...

The Electrical Association is proud to share key updates from the 2026 National Electrical Code. In this episode, Mr. Dean Hunter, Minnesota’s Chief Electrical Inspector, joins Mike to discuss key revisions that may impact your wiring practices. Listen now!    Stay up to date on the 2026 NEC code changes and provide your feedback through the MN DLI website:  https://www.dli.mn.gov/about-department...

Mike sits down with AI expert Mr. Woody Taylor to better understand how artificial intelligence works, its powerful promise, and the smart safeguards every user should know. Don’t miss this engaging and informative conversation—available from the Electrical Association wherever you get your podcasts.   For more information, please visit Woody's website:  https://paramis.ai/

On this episode of Sparkin Conversations, host Mike Miller sits down with Erick Garcia Luna of the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis for a clear‑eyed look at the economic forces shaping the electrical industry. From labor shortages to interest rates, tariffs, construction trends, and the future impact of AI, Erick breaks down what contractors need to know as they plan for the season ahead. It’s...

The Electrical Association is pleased to present one of our standout podcast episodes featuring Martin Kappenman and Frances Rojas of Peters & Kappenman, PA in Minneapolis. This dynamic conversation takes us from the fundamentals of properly completing an I‑9 to understanding how to respond if Homeland Security Investigations visits your business. You’ll hear clear guidance on what to do—and w...

The Clean Lighting bill is reshaping Minnesota’s lighting landscape by reducing hazardous waste, mercury pollution, and carbon emissions. Effective January 1, 2026, the sale and distribution of pin-based linear and compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) will be prohibited. In this episode, Center for Energy and Environment (CEE) Lighting Consultant Mark Rader joins Mike to break down the fluorescent lig...

With a partnership spanning more than 60 years, the Electrical Association and Federated Insurance come together as host Mike Miller and Regional Marketing Manager Jordy Christian discuss best practices for limiting liability and protecting your business when working with subcontractors in the electrical field.   After listening to the podcast you can go directly to the Federated Insurance website...

Our host, Mike Miller, sits down with Mariaha Dean to discuss how The Man Up Club empowers young Black males through mentorship, brotherhood, and honest conversations about life’s challenges—helping them build confidence and prepare for college, trade school, and life beyond high school.   You can find more information about the Man Up Club on their website: https://www.themanupclub.org/

In this episode, Mike sits down with Rouzer Group Account Manager Kevin Westbrock to talk about the biggest challenges facing businesses today, how companies are preparing for future global disruptions, what sets their trusted training programs apart, and where the wholesale industry is headed.   After listening to the episode you can visit their website to see how the Rouzer Group can help your b...

Have you ever thought about getting into government work but not sure where to start? Our host, Mike Miller, sits down with Jeff Anderson to explain how certifications can be leveraged in public contracting, especially through partnerships, and offer guidance for those new to government project work.   To learn more about what ATEK Distribution does, you can visit their website:  https://atekdistr...

Kate’s back! She and Mike talk through some handbook updates, take another look at the I-9 form, and see what’s changed in HR since her last time on.

On this podcast, host Mike Miller is joined by Sergeant Jacob Letourneau of the Minnesota State Patrol for an in-depth look at the regulations that support roadway safety. They examine statutes concerning insurance coverage, licensing requirements, logbook protocols, mandatory medical physicals, proper load securement, and additional key safety considerations.

To help us understand where the economy is headed, Regional Outreach Director Ron Wirtz sits down with Mike to share the latest updates.    For more information you can go to Ron's website:  https://www.minneapolisfed.org/people/ron-wirtz  

Have you ever thought about buying or selling a business but felt unsure about where to start? Understanding the process can be complex, but we’ve got you covered. In our latest episode, Richard sits down with Mike to break down the steps, share valuable insights, and answer the most common questions about navigating a business sale or purchase.   After listening to the podcast you can go directly...

The Chair of the Electrical Association's Membership Committee, who is set to become the Chair of the Board of Directors, and owner of Lewis Electrical Contracting and Consulting Services Inc. , Jay Lewis, joins Mike to discuss his journey and lessons learned from his years in the electrical trade.    You can find Jay's contact information on his company website:  https://lewiselectricalmn.com/abo...

Workforce Program Manager, Sarah Northrup, joins Mike to talk about the workforce training program CEE implements.    To learn more  you can go directly to CEE's website:  https://www.mncee.org   Don’t miss your chance to advance your skills—visit our website now to register for one of our upcoming code classes and secure your spot today:  https://www.electricalassociation.com/Online/Online/Educat...

Attorney Martin Kappenman at Peters & Kappenman sits down with Mike to give him an update on the Earned Sick and Safe Time mandates that went into effect earlier this year.    To get in touch with Martin you can go to his website:  https://www.pklaborlaw.com/   Don’t miss your chance to advance your skills—visit our website now to register for one of our upcoming code classes and secure your s...

Our very own Michelle Dreier, Director of Member Engagement & Government Affairs, sits down with Mike to talk about all the amazing benefits that the Electrical Association has to offer to our members.    You can learn more about the Electrical Association's membership benefits on our website:  https://www.electricalassociation.com/Online/Online/Membership/Member_Benefits_Tab.aspx?hkey=60938c1...

On this episode, Mike Miller talks with Cody Larsen, Program Manager for Employee Benefits at North Risk Partners, about the Association Healthcare Plan, Health Spark, and the 2025 changes to the plan.   You can find more information about Health Spark on our website: https://www.electricalassociation.com/Online/Membership/Health_Plan.aspx   If you are interested in receiving a quote from North Ri...

Tune in to our latest podcast episode featuring Dean Hunter and Mike Miller as they discuss the significant changes coming to the 2026 NEC and how you can still influence its outcome. Do not miss this timely and informative presentation!   August 28th, 2024 is the final day the NEC will accept public comment on the proposals to change the NEC for the 2026 Cycle.   Click the link to submit your inp...

Clean Energy Resource Teams is an organization that is helping individuals, businesses, and communities all over the state of Minnesota with their clean energy projects.    Nik joins Mike on this episode to discuss clean energy, what CERT can do to assist in projects, and so much more!    After listening to the podcast you can go directly to the Clean Energy Resource Teams website to learn more: ...

With increasing awareness of environmental issues, solar energy is gaining prominence as a vital part of the energy conversation. The Minnesota Solar Energy Industries Association (MnSEIA) is committed to advocating and supporting the growth of solar and energy sectors in Minnesota.    Logan appears on the podcast with Mike to highlight the crucial role of solar energy and MnSEIA's initiatives in...

unCommon Construction is a nonprofit organization that provides students with opportunities to build houses together, enhancing their technical, professional, and personal skill sets. In this episode, Minneapolis Site Director Spence Grant joins Mike to discuss the program’s purpose, eligibility requirements, and additional details   After listening to the podcast you can go directly to the unComm...

Dean Hunter, the Chief Electrical Inspector with the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry, is making a return appearance on our podcast to tackle questions about the 2023 electrical code.