The Electrical Current

Go behind the scenes with IEC’s Executive Director, Amy Biedenharn, as she shares updates, highlights, and insider perspectives on what’s happening at IEC and the upcoming Business Summit. Get the scoop straight from the source!

Zack has been in the industry for nearly 30 years, and now is the Training Director for IEC Fort Worth/Tarrant County. In this podcast- you’ll hear his passion in teaching the next generation of electricians and how he is hyper focused on implementing new ideas to recruit the next generation of electricians (hint start early!). In addition, he’s bringing new energy in using the classroom environment to inspire and retain those already in the industry

Darren is a Project Manager and Estimator for Ohio Valley Electrical Services. As a younger member of the electrical workforce, Darren shares his observations on how important culture within a company is to retain people and create a healthy working environment. His important lessons on how to relate to a different generation can apply to all businesses and is a great listen!

Thayer Long talks with Danna Stone, Vice President, Category Management at Graybar. Together, they discuss trends in the industry and how Graybar is dedicated to supporting electrical contractors.

Thayer Long talks with Steve Killius, Vice President, Contractor Industry Affairs and Programs, Legrand, North America, a 30-year industry veteran who discusses the latest trends in electrification and the exciting future in front of the industry.

IEC Executive Director, Thayer Long talks with Elizabeth (Liz) McGoldrick, Project Administrator for Electrical Consulting Services, Inc. (ECSI) in West Palm Beach, FL. In addition to her demanding job, Liz is an active U.S. Army drill sergeant and Head JV Softball Coach for Palm Beach County School District. You will be inspired by this impressive young woman who possesses a master's degree and has chosen to work and thrive in the trades.

Get to Know NAWIC (National Association of Women in Construction) by Independent Electrical Contractors

Thayer Long talks with Cecil Leedy, of LEW Electrical Services, and the current President of IEC's National Board of Directors.

Raeshawn Crosson and Maria Rioumine of Agora Systems talk about how outdated procurement methods are responsible for inefficiencies and slowing down the rate of projects. They discuss Agora’s offerings to serve the full breadth of the electrical and systems contracting industry. They also discuss how the pandemic has affected materials ordering andthe importance of working cross-departmentally and how Agora can assist in that process.

Raeshawn Crosson and Spenser Villwock talk about the future Vision and direction of IEC National. They discuss expanding offerings to serve the full breadth of the electrical and systems contracting industry.  They also discuss Servant Leadership, member-driven-purpose-focused work, collaborating together as a team, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.  IEC has a bright, prosperous future leading America’s merit shop contractors ahead!  Make way, here comes IEC! #WeAreIEC

Spenser Villwock talks with Bruce Kohan of Kohan-Allen in Patterson, NJ. They discuss growing up in the family electrical contracting business, being an entrepreneur, going to Woodstock in 1969, starting an IEC chapter, finding a niche service to provide, emerging technology and low voltage, and the changing demands in today's electrical and systems contracting industry. Some excellent nuggets of wisdom here that you'll greatly benefit from in your own life and business. Thanks to Bruce and thanks to you for tuning in. #WeAreIEC

Spenser Villwock talks with Matt Parkin, Project Manager and Service Manager at Eworks Electric, LLC in Portland, Oregon. They discuss what Merit Shop means to Matt; how the pursuit of a continual drive for learning and perfection is life-long; the excitement around the launch of the new Emerging Leader program that can help create linkages to further folks in their own career paths; and they talk about technology and practices that have impacted and innovated our processes throughout and probably beyond the COVID-19 pandemic. Settle in for an excellent and insightful ride with Matt Parkin, y'all. #WeAreIEC

Spenser Villwock talks with Larry Ayer, Vice President at BizCom Electric in Cincinnati, Ohio. Larry currently sits as the Chair of the Correlating Committee for the NFPA’s National Electric Code (NEC). They discuss growing up in the family business, pursuing an engineering degree, and growing in the industry over the years. Larry shares insights on the future of the industry with exciting developing technologies within limited energy, including Power over Ethernet and Pulse Energy Transfer. They also discuss medium voltage applications and even the future demands on renewable energy and even powering your home off of the battery power of an electric vehicle (EV). Tune in and you’re gonna love this one! #WeAreIEC #Futurist

In the latest Electrical Current podcast, Spenser Villwock talks with Steve Humphrey, Jr. about being a third-generation electrician, building strong company culture by following Biblical principles, gaining the ultimate satisfaction in leadership by seeing team members overcome challenges, and gaining wisdom through the trials and tribulations of life experiences. Tune in for a great conversation with a humble and committed leader who is a “willing participant” and a titan of the industry. #WeAreIEC

Spenser Villwock talks with Bill Fowler, Senior Instructor & Manager of Industry Partnerships at Southwire. They discuss growing up in a rural farming community, creative problem solving, innovation, lifelong learning, giving back, and inspiring others. Bill shares about his grandfather's philosophy of "listening to people that have been down the road" as a way to gain understanding, empathy, and deepen relationships. He talks about the inspiring 12 for Life program (http://www.12forlife.com/) and how it has changed thousands of lives and given them the opportunity to better their lives, businesses, and communities. Prepare to be inspired. You're going to gain a lot of insights on this one. #WeAreIEC

Spenser Villwock talks with Mike Montanari, VP of Power Systems Business at Schneider Electric. They discuss trends in the construction industry post-COVID, technology, systems integration, collaboration, communication, and the Internet of Things (IOT). This insightful conversation is not one to be missed. Thanks to Mike for the deep insights and partnership! #WeAreIEC

Spenser Villwock talks with Joel Smith of Greenlee-Emerson on how the electrical contracting and construction industry may change in the years ahead. They discuss a Design-Manufacture-Construct process that is disrupting how construction projects have historically been completed. Smith shares some safety innovations and solutions for the industry and they look into the crystal ball to try to shed some light on what the future may hold for the economy. Tune in for this great conversation with Joel Smith. #WeAreIEC

Spenser Villwock talks with John Crawmer, Safety Services Supervisor at Pinnacol Assurance in Colorado. They discuss choosing the rewarding and challenging profession of the electrical trade. John shares details on how his career working in the field turned to one dedicated to safety and education due to a sudden incident that occurred on a jobsite. Strong safety culture is built, purposefully and with full intent to support the full knowledge of not only how to perform our craft successfully and safely, but the why behind all of what we do. Tune in and settle in for a terrific conversation full with insights to advance the culture of safety within your company. #WeAreIEC

Spenser Villwock talks with Steve Killius, Vice President of Contractor Industry Affairs and Programs at Legrand. Steve shares his lifelong passion and interest in the construction and electrical industry, as well as his dedication to the advancement of skilled trades education. They discuss the potential acceleration of prefabrication and modularization within the construction in the post-COVID world. Key to this shift is a mindset and approach of construction “project” management to construction “product” management. Listen in to learn more from industry leader and key expert, Steve Killius. #WeAreIEC

Spenser Villwock talks with expert construction economist at Sage Policy Group Chairman & CEO, Arniban Basu. They discuss the current impacts of the Coronavirus, COVID-19, on the economy, paying particular attention to how electrical and systems contractors in America can best act in the current time. Basu notes as a “short and vicious” V-shaped market reaction and steep recovery that is something unlike what we have experienced in recent time. The current economic disruption is due to a Supply Shock of the market, versus a Demand Shock, as it was in the Great Recession. The message that Basu shares is one of hope, optimism, yet a strong thread of realism of the current time and how contractors may not only survive, but thrive coming out of the COVID-19 period. Listen in to the podcast and gain terrific insights on something that will be written about in history books forevermore. #MeritShopStrong #WeAreIEC

Spenser Villwock talks with Billy Ross Hill, President of Hill Electric in San Antonio, Texas. They discuss gaining the foundational aspects of leadership through the team sport of soccer; developing your teams through accountability and engagement; and determining your target customer, then aligning your business focus on top grading that targeted customer. Billy Ross shares about his love for the industry being all about the people and making a difference. He shares wisdom on insights gained through his participation in his IEC Forum Group and calls to action other contractors to step up and get involved in their trade association. Tune in for a great, energetic conversation. #WeAreIEC

Spenser Villwock talks with Dennis Walker, Senior National Association Manager for platinum partner, United Rentals. Dennis is an association guru and active in several associations throughout the construction sector. They discuss alignment and involvement in associations, utilizing United Rentals value-add programs as an extension to business success, and giving back to the communities that you are a part of. Tune in for a very enjoyable conversation with depth and insights abound. #WeAreIEC

Spenser Villwock talks with Frank Nerio, Health & Safety Manager at Allied Electric Services in Georgetown, Texas. They discuss growing up on a ranch, learning the valuable lesson of carving out a career pathway with purpose, and being a mentor to ignite others along to reach their full potential along their own pathways. Frank shares some tips on how to gain success in promoting the trades and recruiting in high schools and on military bases to attract our returning Veterans to a bright future within the electrical and systems industry. Listen in for a great conversation and some terrific nuggets of wisdom. #WeAreIEC

Spenser Villwock talks with Tim White, Vice President of Service at APG Electric, Inc. in Tampa, Florida. Tim shares about being exposed to the electrical trade in high school vocational courses and falling in love with the career pathway. He shares details and gratitude about the mentors in his life that have helped him to learn, act, and achieve. And they talk about Tim’s “super mullet” that he sported back in 1986. A great leader and successful business person, tune in and learn more from the great Tim White. #WeAreIEC

Spenser Villwock talks with Brian Inskeep, President and Founder of InPwr, Inc. based in Indianapolis, Indiana. They talk about vision and pragmatism, dreams without action just being dreams. They discuss grit and perseverance, merit shop, drive and motivation, and becoming clear on who you want to become and getting there. His career in the electrical industry started shortly after leaving high school on a Greyhound bus to Los Angeles, where he had the a-ha moment of experiencing the tremendous satisfaction of powering on his first project. He was hooked from there and the rest, as they say, is history. A successful businessperson, visionary, and humble leader, enjoy this conversation peppered with terrific depth and insight with Brian Inskeep. #WeAreIEC

Spenser Villwock talks with David Jones, Area Sales for QED, a Sonepar Company. They discuss the importance of culture, relationships, and providing value-adds to form true partnerships with those that you work with. David is a 35-year veteran in the industry, starting in the field and then working into the distributor world. He shares insights about the past, present and future of electrical contracting. Join us for this Christmas edition of IEC’s podcast, the Electrical Current. #HappyHolidays #WeAreIEC

Spenser Villwock talks with Thomas Domitrovich, Vice President of Technical Sales at EATON Corporation. They discuss the need to find out what makes you happy and aligning your career with that found passion and talent. Thomas shares his insights on the importance of not being paralyzed of the fear of failure, but to explore opportunities as a way to grow and further align with your passion and talent. He shares a very moving story about saving a man’s life through safety and safe workplace practices in the electrical industry. Tune in for a great conversation with a great partner of IEC. #WeAreIEC

Spenser Villwock talks with Cindy Regier, Executive Director of IEC of Oregon. They discuss the nuances of regulations and apprenticeship unique to the state of Oregon. In addition, they talk about some of the tips of being an effective leader is not only vision, perseverance, and tenacity, but also patience and mindfulness to be present. Working to serve your members and stakeholders, as well as the support staff next to you. Join us to learn from the 2019 IEC National Executive Director of the Year, Cindy Regier. #WeAreIEC

Spenser Villwock talks with Mark Wilke, AVP of Construction Segment at CNA Insurance. They discuss labor and workforce demands in the construction industry, changing the conventional mindset of skilled trades career to align better with the reality of economic outlook and outcomes, and viewing the inevitability of change in our lives as opportunities to seize the challenges before us: by eating a Buick one bite at a time. Settle in for some insightful wisdom shared from longstanding partner and industry solution provider, Mark Wilke of CNA Insurance. #WeAreIEC

Spenser Villwock talks with Andrew Monson, Leadman/Journeyman at King’s Electric Services in Cincinnati, Ohio. Andrew is the 2019 IEC National Apprentice of the Year, surfacing to the top of his trade through an enduring competition of grit, tenacity, and application of highly technical skill. He shares his story about growing up in Ohio and finding a home in the electrical industry that is challenging, rewarding, and satisfying. Settle in to hear Andrew share about his mentors, mindset, outlook on the future, and affirmation that Free Bird by Lynyrd Skynyrd is the best American rock number of all times. Congratulations to Andrew and keep up the great work. #WeAreIEC

Spenser Villwock talks with David Henry, General Manager of Namaste Solar, based in Colorado. They discuss being purpose-driven, employee-ownership, being a certified B-Corp, transparency in finances and business operations, making leadership decisions in a distributed leadership model, and hair bands from the 1980s. Buckle in folks, this is an interesting and successful business engaged in the merit shop contracting world that has a unique perspective. #WeAreIEC

Spenser Villwock talks with Gordon Stewart, General Manager of Joe Swartz Electric in Houston, Texas. They discuss growing up in a military family, being an athlete, central Texas small town living, college at Texas A&M, leadership opportunities through the Corps Cadets, and a 4-decade career in the skilled trades. Gordon shares insights about the challenges and humility needed to lead people and lead companies. He believes that 80% of success is the “want to” drive and ambition that a person can bring to the table. He also shares a story of how to survive, should you find yourself shaven from head to toe, without clothes, 9 cents in your hand, and 70-miles from where you’re supposed to be. Hang onto your hats, y’all, this is a great podcast to tune in for. #WeAreIEC

Spenser Villwock talks with Mark Gillespie, President of TMI Energy Solutions in Cincinnati, Ohio. They talk about growing up in a big family, getting into the trade, inspiration from parents, servant leadership, gratitude, moving meditation through bicycle rides, being optimistic and positive, and the difference between knowledge and wisdom. Mark is a leader in the industry and within the association. He is one of the true greats in today’s business world. Take a listen. #WeAreIEC

Spenser Villwock talks with Jerry Thomas, Executive Director of IEC Dallas. Jerry has been a leader of IEC for 31 years and helped make the association what it is today. They discuss innovative ways of attracting talent into the industry and providing a fulfilling and lucrative career pathway for young people. Merit shop in America has benefited from the commitment and dedication of Jerry Thomas to serve our mission, contractors, and students. Take a listen and enjoy. #WeAreIEC

Spenser Villwock talks live with Bruce Seilhammer, Electrical Group Manager at SECCŌ, Inc. in Camp Hill, PA. Between fits of laughter, they discuss principals and fundamentals of leadership. The two industry professionals explore the critical characteristics of a success business leader, the privilege and honor of the opportunity to lead, and how to ultimately help others to grow in their lives, careers, and within their companies. Bruce shares insight and inspiration through this great podcast. Enjoy. #WeAreIEC

Spenser Villwock talks with Mark Kredit, President of Kredit Electric in Manhattan, Montana. Mark’s father helped introduce him to the trade as a career pathway back in Iowa. His excitement about the industry flourished from the very beginning. One of his jobs allowed him to eat as much ice cream as he could while in the confines of the manufacturing plant. Learn a bit more about where you could get all the ice cream you might want, as well as a tremendously rewarding career, by tuning in to this first episode of the second season of IEC’s The Electrical Current podcast. #WeAreIEC

Spenser Villwock talks with Caleb Hunter, Owner of Extreme Electric in O’Fallon, Missouri. They talk about the trials and tribulations of business, great career pathways in the electrical industry, and speculate on the future excitement in techological changes within the electrical construction industry as a whole. Caleb has a great story to share and we’re grateful that he is a part of what makes IEC great! #WeAreIEC

Spenser Villwock talks with Harvey Hammock, Senior Vice President of Safety at IES. They discuss Harvey’s start in the field as an electrician’s helper in Macon, Georgia, his service in the United States Navy, and his terrific career in the electrical industry. Great insights on building safety culture within a business and investing in the time to learn about each individual in our companies as a way to connect and enrich our working relationships. Enjoy this enlightening podcast conversation. #WeAreIEC

Spenser Villwock talks one-on-one with Robert Lerman, PhD Economics, an Institute Fellow in the Center on Labor, Human Services, and Population at the Urban Institute in Washington DC. Dr. Lerman is one of the leading experts on apprenticeship in America and throughout the world. They discuss the need and the pathway for a paradigm shift in our views and approach for vocational, apprenticeship, and post-secondary higher education. They look at models for apprenticeship in Switzerland, Australia, and the United Kingdom for lessons learned. This podcast also has a call to action on how business owners and key stakeholders can play a role in educating others in their communities about success through apprenticeship. #WeAreIEC

Spenser Villwock talks with Gil Resto, President of GR Electric in Allentown, Pennsylvania. They discuss hiring for company culture through behavioral interviewing, maintain a learning mentality in leadership roles, changing the way that we talk about the opportunities within the skilled trades in order to deepen the value within others of what we provide, growing a business, and engaging with your community to give back. Enjoy this podcast and buckle your seatbelts, as it’s a great conversation here. #WeAreIEC

Spenser Villwock talks with Doug Sanford, Electrical Group President at IDEAL Industries in Sycamore, Illinois. They discuss social stigma on the skilled trades, growing a national and international competition to feature the excellence within the electrical industry, innovation and market disruption, and the humbling role of leadership. This is a podcast that business owners, futurists, and aspiring leaders will not want to miss. #WeAreIEC

Spenser Villwock talks with Cesar Ramirez, Sales Manager of Precision Power Solutions in Houston, Texas. They discuss being a second generation electrician, going through the IEC apprenticeship program at IEC Texas Gulf Coast, competing at the IDEAL National Championships in Florida, teaching, and serving the industry through education and training efforts. You’re going to enjoy this inspiring conversation with Cesar. #WeAreIEC

Spenser Villwock talks with Ryan Jackson of Ryan Jackson Electrical Training in Salt Lake City, Utah. They discuss the National Electrical Code® (NEC®), starting in the electrical trade at 18, becoming an inspector, an instructor, and becoming a Code Nerd (term of affection). Ryan has recently authored a book for IEC, A Comprehensive Guide to the NEC®, that will be included in the IEC National Apprenticeship Program for 4th year Apprentices starting this upcoming academic year, 2019-2020. They talk about the project in-depth and share some insights for IEC Instructors from coast-to-coast. This is a fun, enlightening conversation, and we hope that you will enjoy learning, laughing, and gaining insights on this podcast. #WeAreIEC

Spenser Villwock talks with Joseph Hovanec, Jr., President of Advanced Electric Design and Service in Rahway, New Jersey. They go deep on the future of the industry, power over ethernet, regulatory and legal victories and challenges, and the brilliance of Walt Disney. Joe is a tremendously big thinker and great asset to the industry as a whole. Sit back, listen intently, and enjoy this conversation about the past, present, and future of where we’re headed. #WeAreIEC

Spenser Villwock talks with Bryan Beckett, CEO of Office Sensei, IEC Partner and supplier of office products, tech, furniture, promotional products, and other key business solutions. They discuss Bryan’s history working in the construction industry, providing him a unique perspective on a vision of launching his company and, later, benefitting greatly from connecting with like-minded business leaders at IEC, locally, and nationally. Bryan shares insight on retention of workforce talent by IEC members through recognition programs. Come learn more from the Sensei, gain wisdom, laugh a bit, and learn what a happy hour with Bryan Beckett might just look like. Thank you, Bryan and Office Sensei. #WeAreIEC

Spenser Villwock talks with Gloria Aey, CFO of Aey Electric in Youngstown, Ohio. They talk about being a financial professional in the electrical contracting industry, the workforce needs of the future, and work-life balance with kayaks on the lake. Gloria is a leader in the industry and association, both locally at IEC Western Reserve and IEC National. Thank you for sharing your story with us, Gloria. #WeAreIEC

Spenser Villwock talks with Phil Santoro, US Contractor Segment Manager at Schneider Electric. Phil started his career with Schneider at the age of 19 in Detroit, Michigan. He has seen the industry change dramatically over that time and focuses on leading solutions to today’s contractors. In addition to a number of key topics, Phil shares terrific insights on IoT and the opportunities available for contractors to become a proactive solution provider for their clients and customers. Thank you to Phil and Schneider Electric for all you do to make IEC great. #WeAreIEC

Spenser Villwock talks with Matt Parkin, Foreman and Electrician at Bear Electric in Donald, Oregon. Matt shares about being a young leader in today’s industry and the drive to change the stigma on skilled trades as a career path in today’s world. He talks about the exciting challenges in his day-to-day and the intersection of technology in all that he does. Matt’s enthusiasm is infectious and you’re going to enjoy gaining his insights about what the future holds. #WeAreIEC

Spenser Villwock talks with Carol Reynolds, Founder and CEO of United Industrial Services. They talk about being third generation in the electrical contracting industry, women in the construction workforce, testifying on apprenticeships to the US Congress, and opportunities for a prosperous career path in the industry. Listen in to this great conversation with a true leader, Carol Reynolds.

Spenser Villwock talks with Jim Schoenfelder, owner of 1st Electric Contractors in Lakewood, Colorado. They discuss supporting your team, growing a successful company, and living a life of purpose—personally and professionally. Tremendous insights from this great industry leader and exceptionally well-rounded human being, Jim Schoenfelder. You’re gonna love it. #WeAreIEC