Levi McBride
Job Title: Electrician
Company: McBride-Owens, Inc.
Location: Clemmons, N.C.
Age: 18
Years on the Job: 1
Interests: Riding UTV side-by-sides on the trails in West Virginia, camping, fishing, and spending time with his girlfriend and his family
When he was very young, Levi McBride remembers his dad, Scott, starting an electrical company with his friend, Jody Owens.
“I grew up around people who worked in the electrical trade my whole life,” he says. “Watching my dad build a successful business in this field makes me have more drive and determination to succeed and see how this company grows in the future.”
Born in Lexington, N.C., McBride said he is fortunate to learn on the job with his dad as his instructor along with his team members, who have years of experience in the industry.
“I learn new things about the industry every day, and I am excited to continue doing that,” he says. “Having on-the-job training is the best way to prepare for all the things that can go wrong on the job site.”
His company typically wires 125 to 150 new construction homes a year along with everyday service calls. Currently, as a residential crew leader, he performs jobs such as doing a rough-in on a new construction home, performing trim-out work, or setting temporary power poles.
Over the course of his career, he moved from a “green helper” to running a van of his own with a helper. In this role, he ensures his team members on site are working safely, have the materials they need, and are completing assignments in a timely manner. One of the favorite parts of his job, however, is to operate the heavy machinery equipment.
“I’m always glad to take a large piece of equipment down the road and dig ditches, move dirt, and install the primary electrical conduit from the power company to the building underground,” he says. “Success in this industry comes with getting dirty and working hard.”
Down the road, he plans to become a licensed electrical contractor and continue to provide electrical service to homeowners and general contractors.
“I definitely see myself continuing on this career path in the electrical field,” he says.
