2024’s 30 Under 30 EC&M Electrical All Stars

At a time when the world needs power and innovation, EC&M’s 30 Under 30 are prepared to solve problems, discover new technologies, and lead teams.

For example, Yamil Camacho, a project manager for Henderson Engineers in Lenexa, Kan., advises other up-and-coming electrical professionals to never let anyone put a ceiling above their head that they didn’t put there themselves.

“The world, including the electrical industry, is too big to settle,” says 29-year-old Camacho, who earned the MVP award from his company last year. “Get out, explore, and learn. You only get one life, so you might as well enjoy it to the fullest. Know that there will be some bumps in the road, but every hiccup is a learning opportunity, so it’s up to us to use those lessons as motivation to get to where we want to go.”

Ryan Helsdingen, a 29-year-old electrical engineer for Syska Hennessy Group in Denver, says early on, he was taught to be a sponge — and this has stuck with him throughout his career. Today, he dedicates time to staying updated on industry advancements, new code changes, growing impacts of today’s sustainability efforts, and emerging technologies through industry events, workshops, and online courses.

“I think of it like an Ironman race with one foot in front of the other toward the finish,” Helsdingen says. “These goals will require patience, persistence, determination, adaptability, and a little grit. It’s about staying focused, sticking to my values, pushing through challenges, and celebrating the little milestones along the way.”

One way that young electrical professionals can help their companies succeed is by learning about the latest tools and technology. For example, Maria Howell, a 27-year-old staff electrical engineer for Burns & McDonnell in Kansas City, Mo., says technology is changing faster than it ever has before — and right now, the electrical industry is still reeling from the material shortages caused by world events.

“The construction and the economic needs are still there, so engineers are having to get creative in their solutions to keep things moving,” Howell says. “We need to be curious, and we need to ask why in order to continue to innovate and grow.”

The following profiles explore how this year’s EC&M 30 Under 30 All Stars are making their mark on the electrical industry and inspiring the next generation to follow in their footsteps.

Tips and Techniques to Reach the Top in the Electrical Industry

The 30 Under 30 highlighted in this year’s story shared their strategies for other up-and-coming electrical professionals. Here are some words of wisdom for electrical students or those just starting in the trade or engineering industry.

Gain a deep understanding of business processes and knowledge of what defines success for a project or company. Young electrical professionals should also continuously work to improve how they perform in their role, says Conner Willert, project manager for ArchKey Solutions.
Get comfortable with learning from those who have come before you. “I wouldn’t be able to do my job without the wisdom and experience of my peers and managers who have more years of experience,” says Evan Owen, project engineer for Core States Group. “Being comfortable with learning new things is a vital skill to have in this industry.” Nathan Shafer, project manager for Henkels & McCoy, agrees, encouraging young professionals to surround themselves with experienced individuals who have been in the field for decades. “The knowledge and expertise that these seasoned professionals have cannot be found in textbooks,” he says. “By learning from those with years of experience, young professionals can gain invaluable insights and skills that will help them succeed in their careers. Building a strong foundation through mentorship and guidance from industry veterans is essential for success in the fast-paced and ever-changing electrical trade.”
Be self-driven. Jorge Gonzalez, new construction manager for LaFlamme Electric, Inc., says the way in which he was raised gave him the “drive to consistently thrive.” “If you want to succeed in the trade, you must understand that failure is part of the process. No one will guide you throughout your journey, so you must be highly self-driven,” Gonzalez says.
Pay attention and listen. “This is construction. You’re probably going to be yelled at a bunch, and just know it’s probably for your own good. Learn from it,” advised Chris Johnson, project superintendent for Montgomery Electric, Inc.
Slowly build up your tool arsenal. If you can buy a new tool once a week or once a month, you’ll have about everything you need to do your job, Johnson added.
Put yourself in situations where you ask new questions and see new ways of doing things. “That doesn't happen spending all your time behind your desk. I was lucky enough to have an opportunity early in my career, and I made the most of it,” says Maria Howell, electrical engineer for Burns & McDonnell.
Be teachable and develop the understanding that this is a constantly changing industry. “Being willing to stay up to date on everything new in this industry is the key to success,” says Sierra English, instructor for Phoenix Electrical JATC.
Be willing to learn. “College cannot prepare you for all the complex problems you face as an engineer, so I think it’s important for young professionals to put themselves out there, seek challenging projects, and ask questions,” says Kelsey Mucklebauer, control engineer for M.C. Dean.
Stay focused on tasks, even in challenging conditions. “Anyone can succeed in this industry if they are willing to work hard and learn from their mentors,” says Sandy Hill, project engineer for Canon & Wendt Electric. “It's as simple as showing up and wanting to be better than yesterday.”
Bridge the gap between the field and the office. “Not only does this positively impact the attitude around the workplace, but also allows me to develop relationships with those I do not actively work with day-to-day,” says Connor Smathers, project manager 1 for Stansell Electric. “I enjoy being a part of a team, and making sure those around me feel the same way is important to me.”
Put your head down, have a good attitude, and learn as much as you can. “There are a lot of resources willing and able to teach and train you,” says Jonah Stevens, project manager for Eldeco.
Learn from your mistakes. “You need to have a strong work ethic, be able to adapt, and always be learning and wanting to improve your expertise,” says Saharat Vorachitti, electrical engineer for CDM Smith.
Commit to being a lifelong learner. “Extract all the information you can from your technical leads,” says Jose Obusan, electrical engineer for P2S Inc. “Make it a goal to learn a thing or two with every project.”
Show up ready to work, have a humble attitude, and give it your best. “Being young in this industry is hard at times,” says Clayton Stauffer, lead installer for Capital Solar City Electric. “People look at you as if you don’t know what you’re doing because how young you are. Learn as much as you can every day.”
Be patient in this trade. “It takes time to really understand the reasons why we do things a certain way,” says Journeyman Electrician Tanner Nicks of Pavletich Electric & Communications, Inc. “Everything we as electricians do has to be installed safely and correctly. Understanding that is very important when it comes to someone wanting to have a career in the electrical industry.”