Think Like A Leader

Leading a family business is a challenge and an opportunity that Matt Guarracino gladly accepts. As Principal and CEO of JM Electrical (Boston), Matt knows that the EC industry is changing rapidly.  He regards keeping to the core values both for the company and himself as the key to JM's success.

Mark Huston, President of Lone Star Electric, has a simple formula for working as a leader and helping others prepare for leadership roles:  “It all comes down to communications and respect.” Mark has seen his family's business thrive in the Dallas Fort Worth area and attributes much of the company's success to its focus on the industrial side of the EC market. Our congratulations to Mark who is the 2024 recipient of NECA's Abraham Lincoln Leadership Award.

Mike Dumas knows that the company's culture is key to the way its people interact and serve their customers. Mike regards the EC industry as offering a fantastic career for men and women as long as they concentrate on being the very best at their jobs today and every day. That focus is central to Crawford's customer service and its ongoing success.

Ryan Evans, VP at Border States Electric, truly believes “there has never been a better time to be in the electrical industry.” As VP for Construction Solutions, Ryan works closely with owners, GMs, contractors, and manufacturers to ensure the best possible solutions for each project. He told ELECTRI about the importance of understanding the goals of those around you to help ensure success for all. Here's his full Think Like a Leader conversation with ELECTRI.

Joey Shorter has extensive experience as a leader for the electrical construction industry. His relationship with NECA, ELECTRI International and the Atlanta EC Association is rich with his personal involvement. Dr Shorter approaches every encounter as an opportunity to help someone do better professionally and personally. His thoughtful leadership brings people together by approaching every decision and taking every action based upon integrity, honesty, and truthfulness. 

Mike Carroll, Graybar's Director of Business Development, is a strong advocate for the electrical construction industry. He recognizes that the two most important actions contributing to his success, and the success of his customers, is communications and being engaged every step of the way.   

Mike Curran, CEO of Redtop Electric pays a lot of attention to “powering what's next”.  To make sure the company has the best possible workforce in place both in the field and in the office, Mike and his co-leaders focus on attitude and trust. Learn more about Redtop's approach to finding a better way every day.  

Luke Kuhl understands that his goal as executive of NECA's Saint Paul Chapter is to make people's lives and businesses better. Luke's game-plan is to always be curious, be relentless, and pay attention to delivering the outcome that his EC members will value and use at every turn.   

Line contractors face very different issues. Steve Gaines, Jr. has led NECA's Southeastern Line Constructors Chapter for 25 years. In this conversation, he shares some valuable information about the needs of line constructors, their relationship with all the other NECA chapters, and the importance he places on listening carefully before making decisions.

An important mandate for ELECTRI International is to keep up with the mega trends that will have a major impact on the EC industry. As ELECTRI's Executive Director, Josh Bone understands the sense of urgency that goes along with his leadership. He appreciates that the ELECTRI team always has to focus on the programs and projects that will be most valuable for the success of the industry.

Mike Emery is excited about his work in an emerging sector of the electrical industry. As Director of EV Charging for Light Efficient Design, he focuses on achieving top performance at every level of the innovation process.       

BESCO VP, Craig Wojciechowski, knows the importance of challenging the norm. He is a strong believer in communication, collaboration, and planning as the best way to lead his workforce.

With both customers and his sales team, Joe Gesino pays special attention to doing things the right way. As VP for Technical Sales at Atkore, Joe understands that leadership has to be a combination of people, strategy, and process. In selecting the best members for his sales team, Joe looks for those with diversity of thought. That's just one of the keys to his success as a leader.

In selecting his workforce, Toby Mitchell knows that understanding and applying technology is far more important than the person's number of years in the industry. He leads Classic Electric & Consulting with a compassionate approach to both staff and customers. Toby knows that success comes from building the brand into an exciting company where people grow and excel.  

Being willing to challenge and then taking time to listen to the other person's perspective are two of the guiding principles that have helped Justin Kohlman (Schaeffer Electric, St. Louis) become the leader he is today. He regards spending time with his workforce – at every level – to be the most important element in achieving team success. ELECTRI congratulates Justin on his new appointment as President of Schaeffer Electric.

Orvil Anthony, Jr. knows that leading Fisk Electric is not a one-man accomplishment. He is very clear that keeping the firm successful takes a village. He also acknowledges that continued growth means you must never stop setting goals – for the company and for yourself.

To run her company successfully, CEO Christeen Speelman-Parsons knows it takes an extra effort to get out of her comfort zone to make it all happen. She's very clear that it's essential “not to listen to the noise” in making decisions and following her vision for Speelman Electric.

Tim Speno, President and CEO of the e2e Summit is well-known as the “connection specialist”. His approach to leadership and ways to improve what a company can accomplish are both thoughtful and inspiring. His best advice might just be that relationships and networking are the way a company can achieve and maintain its competitive edge.

Eric Nixon leads Maron Electric – a family business serving the Chicago area for close to 100 years. He is committed to the importance of education and community. He also understands the value of bringing smart people on board to strengthen the team as a whole.

Kirk Davis has a long, strong history as an EC industry leader. He focuses on being a good listener, respecting the opinions of those around him, and then working hard as a facilitator to help advance the industry and meet member needs. He views construction as “building a community, not just a structure”.  

Todd Mikec focuses his Lighthouse Electric team on doing things “safe, right, fast” and he firmly believes that it all starts with education. Todd explains how good leadership comes from having confidence, listening carefully, and always being passionate about the EC industry.   

Randy Maddox, President of Maddox Electric, sees leadership as a lifestyle, not a technique. He describes the company's commitment to its workforce as central to the firm's success and explains how doing the right thing – popular or not – is always the right thing.     

Scott Bringmann relies upon advice he received early in his career – “Your word and your reputation are key.” Scott has led Alcan Electric and Engineering, based in Alaska, and has now prepared the next generation of leaders to continue the firm's 50+ years of service. He describes how educating the company's employees is an integral part of leadership. He acknowledges that not everything always goes perfectly, and focuses on how keeping one's word is an essential part of leading by example.

Learn how our colleagues in Ontario Canada approach electrical construction.  Graeme Aitken, Executive Director of the Electrical Contractors Association of Ontario, explains leadership as the opportunity to serve as a gatekeeper – bringing technology and workforce issues to the attention of EC contractors throughout the Province. His best advice – ”Don't forget where you cane from.” He works hard to make sure the Ontario EC industry welcomes all and continues to grow because it fosters a solid work-life balance in every aspect of the EC industry.

Karen Bazela, Siemens Regional Sales Director, is enthusiastic about the opportunities and challenges of being a company leader. She is laser-focused on the importance of using the best technology to develop the best people and services for the firm. She explains why flexibility and adaptability make all the difference in developing strong relationships with customers and industry partners.  Her favorite advice?  “A leader knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.”  

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 Rioumine, 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 procurement, productivity, and profit.

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 50, you're not the guy in the ditch.” Join us as Greg describes what it takes to lead The Superior Group and what his involvement with his community means to him as well.

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) company increases Border State's ability to support their customers and be more innovative.

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 not be aware of the variety of opportunities offered in construction. Learn how Joelle balances her professional and personal responsibilities and follows the advice she received from Wyoming's Senator Alan Simpson: “With integrity, nothing else matters. Without integrity, nothing else matters.”

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 the Twin Cities, and then seeing her own team succeed using new means and methods.

Working for a worldwide corporation with more than 88,000 employees might seem overwhelming. For Joel Smith, EMERSON's Director of Strategic Contractor Relations, it's a matter of culture. He focuses on representing the company and the community by bringing his own leadership style to the table. His way of dealing with people and issues is simple: “Always be firm and fair.”

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 to lead.”

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 International? He notes the ability to work with peers and help lift the industry as a whole for the benefit of contractors of every size and specialty.

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 guided his firm's success.

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.

The interruptions in the global supply chain and shortages in construction materials are causing delays and driving prices to all-time highs. In this episode, we are joined by Dave Moeller, director of customer markets for Graybar, to look at what is happening across our industry and learn how other electrical contractors are working to get ahead of this fast-moving challenge.

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 peer groups learn faster and embrace new opportunities more quickly.”