Think Like A Leader

Fred Sargent, President of Great Service Forums, talks with ELECTRI about ways electrical contractors can add a valuable and profitable component to their businesses: service and maintenance. Fred’s approach is to keep it simple and always keep the customer in mind. His best advice? “Remember: a service experience is only as good as the way the customer remembers you.”

Allen Estes, Esq. specializes in serving the construction industry, and especially the electrical contracting specialty. He is a member of the Executive Committee and Co-Chair of the Construction Practices Group with Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani. He shares his perspective on being a leader in the legal profession and helping contractors become strong leaders in the EC industry.

The costs of building a building can run to 40% for materials. Maria Davidson, Founder and CEO of Agora Systems, is determined to help electrical contractors create supply management systems with features that help streamline everything they touch along the supply chain. She describes the importance of listening to what the customer wants and needs and delivering ways that will help them improve procurement, productivity, and profit.

Greg Stewart grew up in the electrical construction business and is now Chair of The Superior Group, headquartered in Ohio. Greg talked with ELECTRI about the growth of his firm and what it means to lead so many different aspects to make the whole run smoothly. He calls out some very good advice he received from his father: “The electrical trade is a good way to make a living but be sure, at age 50, you’re not the guy in the ditch.” Join us as Greg describes what it takes to lead The Superior Group and what his involvement with his community means to him as well.

Rex Ferry has helped his company, VEC Inc., grow and prosper based on three core principles. This also includes a desire to ensure that, for every project, the VEC team works with the client to ensure they understand what they are getting from the partnership. Listen to learn more about Rex’s clear and inspirational approach to leadership and learning.

In this episode we speak with Jason Seger the president and Border States Electric. Jason shares his thoughts on innovative approaches impacting the electrical contracting supply chain. He also discusses how electrical contractors can build stronger relationships with distributors and manufacturer to outpace the competition. Jason also shares how being an ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) company increases Border State’s ability to support their customers and be more innovative.

Joelle Salerno serves as Director of Government Affairs for the Western Pennsylvania Chapter of NECA. But her work take her far beyond the state’s borders. She is an active leader in bringing laws and regulations to the attention of electrical contractors, legislators, and regulators. She is also passionate about bringing the EC industry to the attention of students and other young adults who may not be aware of the variety of opportunities offered in construction. Learn how Joelle balances her professional and personal responsibilities and follows the advice she received from Wyoming’s Senator Alan Simpson: “With integrity, nothing else matters. Without integrity, nothing else matters.”

Laura Karow, President of Gunnar Electric, Eden Prairie, Minn., has been involved in the family business for many years. She recognizes the company’s greatest advances are in the areas of technology and designing/implementing processes that help to streamline operations. According to Laura, her favorite part of leadership is having the opportunity to work with and learn from other EC leaders in the Twin Cities, and then seeing her own team succeed using new means and methods.

Working for a worldwide corporation with more than 88,000 employees might seem overwhelming. For Joel Smith, EMERSON’s Director of Strategic Contractor Relations, it’s a matter of culture. He focuses on representing the company and the community by bringing his own leadership style to the table. His way of dealing with people and issues is simple: “Always be firm and fair.”

Richard Jamerson's approach to leadership ranges from prefabrication, to succession planning, to thinking outside the box at every opportunity. As president of Jamerson & Bauwens, he makes sure the people who work with him have a role in being part of the solution. His one piece of advice? “Treat people with respect and build that respect into your company’s culture. That’s the best way to lead.”