Many electricians dream of owning their own contracting company or inventing a new labor-saving method in the electrical industry. The 10 young professionals profiled in this special report have already made their mark — and they haven’t even reached their 30th birthdays. Often the first employees to begin their work days and the last ones to leave, they shine brightly through their tireless work ethic, passion for the trade, and creative approach to problem solving, according to their teammates and supervisors at electrical contracting companies across the country.
For example, Garrett Smith, an estimator for Facility Solutions Group, Austin, Texas, says his passion for working hard and his willingness to put in extra hours to do what is asked of him make him stand out.
“Although I am a young professional, I try to set myself apart from the ‘millennial’ stereotype by asking questions, listening, and making the effort to go the extra mile,” Smith says.
Recruiting and retaining the best and the brightest in the industry has always been a key component to the future success of electrical contractors. But given the current state of the skilled labor shortage, the next generation of electrical workers is even more critical. EC&M made a commitment to recognizing some of this top-end talent by developing the “Under 30 EC&M All Stars” profile, a new special report it will highlight each year. Asking electrical contracting companies to nominate up-and-coming young (under age 30) electrical professionals who have shown extraordinary results on the job, we received many impressive submissions this year. This special report recognizes the 10 young professionals who were selected as 2018’s group of Under 30 EC&M All Stars and reveals how they are going above and beyond the call of duty, especially demonstrating innovation, efficiency, and creativity while incorporating technology into their jobs.
Here are the stories of how these employees (listed in alphabetical order) have made a difference in the electrical industry and blazed a path for the adoption of new technology at their electrical contracting companies.
2018’s Under 30 EC&M Electrical All Stars:
John Burnett, Fort Collins, Colo.
Luke Marcotte, Kalkaska, Mich.
Michael Oglesby, Lithonia, Ga.
Brandon Perkins, Tallahassee, Fla.
Ian Peterson, Vancouver, Wash.
Alexander Toennies, Edwardsville, Ill.
Fischbach is a freelance writer and editor based in Overland Park, Kan. She can be reached at [email protected].
Sidebar: Electrical All Stars Share Strategies for Success
Become the smartest person in the classroom. Luke Marcotte, the owner and president of NorthStar Technology, LLC, says it seemed nearly impossible for him to get a grip on the electrical concepts at first, but he never thought for one second he would give up. Instead, he went home every night, logged onto the computer, studied multiple sources, watched videos, and read books.
Invest in your own tools. Marcotte’s mentor told him to “buy, buy, buy” when it came to tools. “It’s never a good sign when you aren’t prepared to do your job,” he says. “If you do have to borrow something, go to the store that night and buy the tools you borrowed.”
Exceed expectations. As a senior in high school, Marcotte woke up early on a snow day and showed up at work. When his foreman asked him how soon he could get there, he told him, “I’m already in the parking lot with my toolbelt on,” which gained him respect from both him and his superiors.
Get your foot in the door. Marcotte advises aspiring electricians to find a good company to get started with. That way, they can build experience and earn money at the same time.
Have a never-quit attitude. Brandon Perkins, vice president and project manager at Perkins Electric in Tallahassee, Fla., says he is self-motivated, which is key to being successful in the electrical industry. “I think younger guys today need to be hard chargers, think about what they’re doing, try to understand it, and ask questions,” he says. “They shouldn’t expect anyone to give them anything, and they should be on time to work. To have a chance at being a successful electrician, you have to give 100% effort, 100% of the time.”
Don’t be ruled by fear. Assistant Project Manager at Helix Electric in Los Angeles, Gabe Rubin says it’s easy for young employees to feel like they don’t have enough experience, knowledge, or established respect to speak up in meetings, share their ideas, or contribute to solutions. “In most companies, you can do that – but you don’t grow,” he says. “Luckily, I have been fortunate enough to work with a team that encourages that, challenges all employees, and provides opportunity to grow into a role.”
Learn from others with more experience. “If they’ve been in the industry for 30 years, they typically know what they are doing, and may be able to give you a whole different perspective in your designs,” says Alexander Toennies, an electrical engineer with Donco Electrical Construction in Edwardsville, Ill. “Also, you need a thirst for the ever-evolving knowledge in this industry.”
Exert maximum effort. Michael Oglesby says the key to success is maximum effort on behalf of an individual. “When you apply yourself, people teaching you have a natural tendency to want to help you more simply because they see you putting in the work and effort,” he says.
Be a good listener, and follow directions. Assistant Project Manager at Sullivan and McLaughlin Companies in Boston, Elliot Holt says young professionals should not be afraid to ask questions, yet always keep in mind that everyone is busy. “I put in a solid effort to find and recommend ideas and solutions before using others’ time,” he says. “I am grateful for every opportunity to learn in interactions with others.” John Burnett, service manager at Interstates in Fort Collins, Colo., adds that it’s important to listen to understand — not just wait for your turn to talk.
Focus on teamwork. Holt says he tries to remember that it isn’t all about him, but rather what they do together as a team. In addition, he tries to hear others’ trust by working with honesty, integrity, and respect for others and understand what is expected of him and deliver on commitments. Finally, he tries to be flexible, multitask, and be solutions oriented, positive, and constructive.
Be humble and have hustle. Burnett learned this phrase from his regional manager, Josh Barber, and he applies it to his day-to-day work life.
Be part of the solution, not part of the problem. Burnett says in the electrical industry, there is always a fire to fight and a problem to solve, and it’s important to actively resolve issues rather than creating more problems.
Be honest. Burnett maintains that young professionals in the electrical trade must be forward-looking and inspiring — and know that they are not entitled to anything.
Be open to opportunities and challenges. “Every opportunity you get in the workplace, whether it be large or small, is a chance for you to prove yourself and what you are capable of,” says Garrett Smith, an estimator at FSG in Austin, Texas. “You never know who is watching, and how they will carry that impression into the future.”
Embrace change. Karen McHugh, manager of strategic projects at Parsons Electric in Minneapolis, says the construction industry as a whole, and also specifically the electrical industry, has experienced drastic changes due to technological advancements and the implementation of LEAN on projects. She has tried to keep an open mind and advocate for these changes in the industry. “Ready or not, these big changes and advances are coming, so I think the best I can do is get on board with it, embrace it wholly, and work each day to ensure that Parsons is prepared for it,” she says.
