EC&M’s The Everyday Electrician Goes Viral

Amid the national skilled labor shortage that continues to hinder industry growth, I’m proud to share that EC&M’s “The Everyday Electrician” has officially gone viral — and the timing couldn’t be better. When we surveyed top electrical design and electrical contracting firms for our annual Top 40 and Top 50 surveys this year, more than 60% of respondents indicated that “difficulty finding and retaining quality employees” was the greatest threat to their business. Yet, even in the face of these hiring challenges, a new wave of young professionals is stepping up to lead — and The Everyday Electrician is helping to amplify their voices.

If you’re not familiar with this short-form video series, now’s the perfect time to dive in (www.ecmweb.com/members-only/videos/the-everyday-electrician). Since launching this concept in January 2024, these reels have quickly gained momentum across our social platforms (Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok), really taking on a life of their own and quickly becoming a favorite among our audience. 

At the heart of the series is Trevor Ottmann, president of 3/0 Electric, based in Bennet, Neb., who brings viewers along with him on real-life job-site adventures (mainly in the agricultural and industrial markets). His videos offer an authentic, behind-the-scenes look at the electrical trade, featuring troubleshooting techniques/hacks, practical tips/best practices, routine challenges, and clever job-site strategies — all delivered in a straightforward, relatable way that resonates with electricians at every level. One of Trevor’s recent reels, in which he explains why roto-phase installations can be so intimidating, recently went viral on Instagram, garnering more than 127,000 views, 1,900 likes, 850 shares, and 120 comments (and still climbing). Watch the clip to see what all the buzz is about — in just a couple of weeks, this video truly proved to be electric. 

At a time when the labor gap is only expected to widen, we need more voices like Trevor’s to demonstrate the practical and technical side of electrical work. The breakout success of The Everyday Electrician is proof of what happens when we elevate real people doing real work in the field — the entire industry benefits. Now it’s time to keep that momentum going, and where better to do that than the 2025 NECA Show. Presented by the National Electrical Contractors Association and held September 13-15 in Chicago, this event is the perfect place to network. EC&M’s editorial team and Trevor, our very own everyday electrician, will be in attendance, making the rounds to see what’s new with the latest new products and technologies, attend educational sessions and panel discussions, and network with attendees. Make sure and stop by EC&M’s Booth #3726 to not only meet Trevor in person and register for a chance to win cool Everyday Electrician merchandise (T-shirts and hats) but also to talk with our editorial team about what issues and topics are most important to you as an electrical professional.

If you’re interested in showcasing your electrical expertise in this type of format, we want to talk to you. Stop by the booth and see us at NECA! We’re on the hunt for more electricians from all types of market segments to join Trevor as one of EC&M’s electrical influencers. And if you can’t make this year’s NECA, consider submitting a short video (2 minutes or less, vertical format) for consideration. Although this may be our first reel to go viral, the performance of all of Trevor’s video content is growing rapidly, routinely generating thousands of views per reel and significant engagement/interaction. That tells me this is more than just a moment — it’s a signal that the next generation of electricians is ready to lead. With your help, The Everyday Electrician will continue to elevate the trades, educate our workforce, and inspire future generations of electrical professionals.