Innovation Overload

"We are a system—not just silos. We’re an ecosystem, a biological organism. When you move one lever, it affects another."

In this episode of NECA’s Innovation Overload: Contractor Takeover Edition, Mica Ashmore, Strategic Business Integration Manager at Alterman Electric, shares how embracing systems thinking can transform the way electrical contractors operate. Drawing on insights from his cross-functional leadership role, Mica explains how breaking down silos and viewing the organization as an interconnected ecosystem leads to smarter planning, better communication, and meaningful innovation.

“I look at so much of this and think we’ve institutionalized so much. We’ve got to get used to faster rates of change, be more open, and keep our eyes open to what’s next.”

In this episode of the Innovation Overload Podcast, guest host Mike Oakes, President of First Choice Electrical Solutions, sits down with Ian Andrews, Executive Director of Field and Industrial Labor Relations, and Josh Bone, Executive Director of ELECTRI.

Together, they explore how labor and the union are adapting to the evolving jobsite. From smarter tools and emerging technologies to workforce shifts and changing expectations, they unpack the challenges and opportunities shaping the industry—and share how leaders can stay ahead in a fast-moving, competitive landscape.

“You can't go open a magazine article, you can't go to a conference without being slammed with 'AI', but no one understands what's going on under the hood.”  Join Contractor Takeover hosts Jared Christman of Big State Electric and Sean Lazarian of ESSCO as they break down the buzz around artificial intelligence, explore its real-world applications in electrical construction, and uncover how contractors can make the most of this evolving technology.

"If you're not innovating and thinking ahead, you're going to be behind the eight ball—and left behind."  On this episode of the Innovation Overload Podcast, we’re joined by Jef Fagan, Senior Vice President of Risk Management and Labor Relations at NECA National. Jef shares key tools and strategies for managing risk, navigating labor relations, and addressing workforce challenges in a rapidly evolving industry. Don’t miss this essential conversation for leaders looking to stay ahead of the curve.

Join us on this episode of Innovation Overload as we dive into the world of policy, advocacy, and the future of the electrical contracting industry with Marco Giamberardino. As a key voice in government affairs, Marco shares insights into his role in shaping policies that impact contractors nationwide. Hear how he works "to bridge the gap between those decision makers and our industry, ensuring the decisions they make reflect the real-world business needs of our contractors." Don't miss this essential conversation on the intersection of legislation, innovation, and the electrical industry’s evolving landscape!

 "Here we are an industry where the majority of our contractors, who own their companies have never opened the door of a college." Join Contractor Takeover hosts Jared Christman of Big State Electric and Sean Lazarian of ESSCO as they discuss outreach, and recruitment with Director of Chapter Development at Atlanta NECA, Liz Campbell.

In the VDC world, you're not always working with electricians – you're working with people who have learned electrical work from the 3D side of things.  So I try to be clear and bring whatever I've learned in the field into the office and try to teach everyone.  It just makes everyone's job easier.  What happens when a degreed electrical engineer with no initial industry background and a third generation IBEW electrician come together to reflect on their years of leadership and experience in electrical construction?  Join us for this incredible conversation between Todd Grossweiler from the Allison-Smith Company and Tim Viau from Miller Electric as they talk about the value of leadership, technology, and innovation to bridge the gap between field and office.

"Partnering is the strategic nature of making sure we are working together for the best outcome for all of us, not just for one of us." In this episode of the Innovation Overload Podcast, guest hosts Joe Barnard, President of National Installation for Archkey Solutions, and Dorin Nicorici, President & CEO of Dynalectric Oregon and Arizona, sit down with Eaton Strategic Account Manager Jeff Lewis to discuss industry changes, challenges, product innovations, and lead times. They also share best practices and strategies for collaborating with manufacturing partners to drive efficiency and ensure successful project outcomes.

"We are putting the right light in the right direction that drives wellness components because it's different."  In this episode of the Contractor Takeover edition of the Innovation Overload podcast, hosts Jared Christman, Director of Innovation and Technology at Big State Electric, and Sean Lazarian, CFO of ESSCO spoke with Robert Soler, co-founder of Skyview. Robert shares his journey from working at NASA to uncovering the science behind light and its impact on your sleep.

"We're trying to accelerate their learning process with the tools and technology that we use in our industry, and trying to facilitate and encourage their interaction with local contractors."  Discover how NECA Student Chapters are shaping the future of the electrical contracting by attracting and developing top talent. Guest hosts Adam Davis, Director of Fabrication and Modular Solutions at Miller Electric, and Adam Rude, Vice President of Construction Support Operations at ERMCO, explore the Electrical Contracting Innovation Challenge (ECIC) and share insights and resources to inspire interest and engagement in the industry.