Think Like A Leader

As Senior VP for Rosendin Electric, Angie Hart has many opportunities to develop talented teams. She says Rosendin finds its workforce by “broadening our lens when we recruit” and demonstrating a culture of care that motivates the team. Tune in to learn more about Angie Hart’s approach to leadership in the EC world.

Brian Morales shares with us some of his key approaches to leading his company, ProCal Lighting. He understands how leadership evolves and grows, and he lives by the mantra “We provide the light so you can shine.”

Jerri Champlin leads a small but dynamic NECA Chapter in Salinas, CA. In this episode, see how she approaches leadership by listening, learning, and giving back to the industry through collaboration and mentoring. Learn how her approach to leadership is akin to “eating an elephant - one bite at a time.”

Learn how Tony Waters of Parsons Electric approaches leadership with his team, across company lines, and throughout the electrical construction industry. Tony explains why concentrating on being open-minded and getting to know your colleagues and customers are at the top of his “how to make it happen” list.

Joe House, VP of Sales for WESCO, talks about how communication, education, and coordination are the essential elements for the global firm. Joe offers a variety of strong recommendations, namely, “Action eliminates doubt.”  Learn more about how WESCO integrates its involvement with ELECTRI into its own learning opportunity.

Fred Sargent, President of Great Service Forums, talks with ELECTRI about ways electrical contractors can add a valuable and profitable component to their businesses: service and maintenance. Fred’s approach is to keep it simple and always keep the customer in mind. His best advice? “Remember: a service experience is only as good as the way the customer remembers you.”

Allen Estes, Esq. specializes in serving the construction industry, and especially the electrical contracting specialty. He is a member of the Executive Committee and Co-Chair of the Construction Practices Group with Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani. He shares his perspective on being a leader in the legal profession and helping contractors become strong leaders in the EC industry.

The costs of building a building can run to 40% for materials. Maria Davidson, Founder and CEO of Agora Systems, is determined to help electrical contractors create supply management systems with features that help streamline everything they touch along the supply chain. She describes the importance of listening to what the customer wants and needs and delivering ways that will help them improve p...

Greg Stewart grew up in the electrical construction business and is now Chair of The Superior Group, headquartered in Ohio. Greg talked with ELECTRI about the growth of his firm and what it means to lead so many different aspects to make the whole run smoothly. He calls out some very good advice he received from his father: “The electrical trade is a good way to make a living but be sure, at age 5...

Rex Ferry has helped his company, VEC Inc., grow and prosper based on three core principles. This also includes a desire to ensure that, for every project, the VEC team works with the client to ensure they understand what they are getting from the partnership. Listen to learn more about Rex’s clear and inspirational approach to leadership and learning.

In this episode we speak with Jason Seger the president and Border States Electric. Jason shares his thoughts on innovative approaches impacting the electrical contracting supply chain. He also discusses how electrical contractors can build stronger relationships with distributors and manufacturer to outpace the competition. Jason also shares how being an ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) compa...

Joelle Salerno serves as Director of Government Affairs for the Western Pennsylvania Chapter of NECA. But her work take her far beyond the state’s borders. She is an active leader in bringing laws and regulations to the attention of electrical contractors, legislators, and regulators. She is also passionate about bringing the EC industry to the attention of students and other young adults who may...

Laura Karow, President of Gunnar Electric, Eden Prairie, Minn., has been involved in the family business for many years. She recognizes the company’s greatest advances are in the areas of technology and designing/implementing processes that help to streamline operations. According to Laura, her favorite part of leadership is having the opportunity to work with and learn from other EC leaders in th...

Richard Jamerson's approach to leadership ranges from prefabrication, to succession planning, to thinking outside the box at every opportunity. As president of Jamerson & Bauwens, he makes sure the people who work with him have a role in being part of the solution. His one piece of advice? “Treat people with respect and build that respect into your company’s culture. That’s the best way t...

Don Laffoon, head of the Electrical Corporation of America based in Missouri, shares his views on the EC industry and running a large company. His perspective on leadership is built upon his 42 years with the firm, starting first as an apprentice. His guiding philosophy is direct: “Get buy-in from your employees for everything you want to accomplish.”

Mike Meyer from Continental Electric describes how the past 10 years have been transformational for his business and our personal lives. His work as Project Manager, Mission Critical Division, opens up a whole new world in thinking about projects and opportunities in electrical construction. His guiding principle is simple: “get involved."

Engaging with employees, listening to their ideas and concerns, and mentoring their professional growth are key ingredients Vince Real finds most valuable in leading Big State Electric, headquartered in San Antonio. Vince shares the steps he takes every day to ensure the company is meeting customers’ needs safely and efficiently. What does he value the most from his involvement with ELECTRI Intern...

Adam Rude leads his team every day following one simple idea: “None of us is as strong as all of us.” Listen as Adam, who has just been promoted to Vice President of Construction Support Operations at Indianapolis-based ERMCO Inc., explains how he builds upon his experience to make his team and the entire employee-owned company stronger with each new challenge.

“Transforming the electrical experience” guides Greg Long every day as he runs his successful Northern California firm, Long Electric. Greg knows firsthand the importance of having the right people in his company and giving them as many opportunities as possible to succeed and advance. On top of that, he knows well enough never to say "can’t." Learn how his approach to leadership has gui...

In this episode, Don Campbell takes us through his successful manufacturing and contracting career, all the way up to his role today as Executive Director of NECA’s Southern Nevada Chapter. Listen to his fascinating narrative of how being a leader in the corporate world ties to leading a group of successful contractors. Most of all, Don explains his belief in the value of showing up.

In this episode, Mike Abbott, President of Abbott Electric, offers his insight into the ways he works to position the company in the marketplace. He takes us from the 30,000 ft. view down to the details of working with each team player. His best advice: “Never stop learning.”

In this episode we speak with Rob Smith the president of Sargent Electric. Rob shares his thoughts on the rapid rate of change in the electrical contracting profession and impact of COVID-19 on his ability to lead their company. Rob then goes on to discuss the importance of planning and how a lack of focus on this phase of the project can lead to a shifting of risk on specialty contractors.

In this episode we speak with Rosana Privitera Biondo the president and CEO of Mark One Electric Co. Rosie shares her experience on how her leadership style has evolved to help motivate her teams to embrace change, which has led to a tremendous amount of growth for their company. 

In this special episode, Josh Bone, Executive Director of ELECTRI International, sits down with NECA CEO David Long. The two discuss industry trends impacting the electrical contracting profession and the importance of learning from your peers. “It is my goal that we line up every electrical contractor that wants to be in a peer group with a peer group that fits their needs,” Long says. “Companies...

In this episode we speak with Carson Rogers the president and CEO of Chewning + Wilmer. Carson shares his thoughts on the impacts of technology in electrical contracting. He gives examples of how their company is adjusting to the rapid rate of change and embracing technology to identify new opportunities that helps grow their business.