Innovation Overload

“It’s about simplicity—solutions to compliment people and process.” Josh Bone, Executive Director of ELECTRI International, shares exciting innovative events at the NECA Convention in Nashville, TN. Listen to his thoughts on the education sessions, technology offerings and the trade show highlights.

“Innovation is a combination of being empathic, creative, and connecting different solutions.” Tim Batty, General Manager at Buckingham Manufacturing, shares how important research is when developing tools and upskilling our future workforce. Listen to how Buckingham works with local contractors to continuously improve products and how important safety is for our electrical contractors.

“Learning a trade can never be taken away from you and it opens so many doors for you.” Scott Block, Vice President of Block Electric in Chicago, shares the journey of starting a prefab shop and the obstacles that were faced along the way. Listen to how Block Electric approaches communication between the field and the office and how they have streamlined their processes.

“Innovation is finding new and unique ways to solve a problem.” Rob Trefz, Vice President of Pipe and Electrical Solutions at Greenlee, shares how important driving productivity and efficiency is when developing innovative products. Listen to how Greenlee’s software and job site training aims to improve our contractors' jobsites.

“Expanding the industry we are in and taking the next step to further the solar industry.” Melinda Kershaw, Director of Marketing at Day and Night Solar, a NECA Premier Partner, shares the importance of solar energy, microgrids, and EV charging and how big of an opportunity our NECA contractors have in this industry. Listen to how Day and Night Solar supports our contractors and how they focus on policy and technology trends around the U.S.

“You have got to have a strategy from the top down and leave no stone unturned.” Russ King, Director of Contractor Solutions at Southwire, shares the importance of research and development and how implementing a culture of curiosity can be beneficial for contractors. Listen to Southwire’s latest innovations and tools that help keep our electrical contractors safe and efficient on the jobsite.

“Building processes that produce superior results and continuously improving those processes while training your people.” Bill Weber, Principal of Gaston Electrical, shares his experience in peer groups and how working on your business—not just in the business—has been an impactful gained perspective. Listen to how Gaston Electrical approaches employee training by instilling company culture and empowerment across all levels.

“Innovation is both the generation and execution of new ideas.” Greg Santoro, Co-founder and Head of Product at DADO, shares the importance of focusing on a targeted business case to help facilitate digital transformation within a company. Listen to how DADO approaches new technologies by using storytelling to help communicate pain points and gain trust in the development process.

“Innovation in our organization means staying on the forefront of what is yet to come.” Michael Deaton, President of Laibe Electric in Toledo, Ohio, shares his experience in peer groups and how they help facilitate personal development and camaraderie. Listen to how teamwork and a growth mindset play important roles in running a family business.

“You can never grow if you don’t realize what your mistakes are.” Josh Sabatino, Owner of Paul’s Electric, New Ulm, MN, shares how he approaches new ideas and the resources that he uses to learn in order to keep up with the pace of innovation. Listen to Paul’s Electric’s perspective on bringing in a prefab shop and instilling a strong company culture.