Keepin' The Lights On – Détails, épisodes et analyse

(00:00:00) Electrical Contractor Business Benchmarks w Josh Bone, ELECTRI International
(00:05:28) Project Basics
(00:15:31) Evolution of an EC Business
(00:23:17) Project Progress
(00:32:16) Who is This For?
(00:33:19) What to Measure in Business?
(00:38:22) Passion for the Industry

Business financial and operation benchmarks are invaluable as you look to improve your business numbers and service levels. However, if you’re an electrical contractor or data/comm installer, how do you find numbers that relate to your industry?

I spoke with Josh Bone, Executive Director at ELECTRI International, about a new project to create a repository of benchmarking data that will be available to contractors for free. We discuss the design of the project and how the data will help contractors understand their businesses for better management and financial success.

ELECTRI International is a non-profit research organization focused on the electrical and comm/data side of construction.

Thank you for listening and please take a moment to subscribe, rate, and review our show on your favorite app.

To get a hold of us here at Keepin’ The Lights On, please email: podcast@graybar.com

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/JkEiv3FKFdw

To reach Josh Bone on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshbone/

Learn more about Electri International: https://www.electri.org/

Find the free Electri International research reports: https://www.electri.org/research-overview/research/

Get engaged in the latest research: https://www.electri.org/research-overview/electri-research-engagement-hub/

Drago’s Seafood New Orleans: https://www.dragosrestaurant.com/

Safety in the workplace is critical in any job, but it is tough to achieve on a job that involves construction. Sites can be very dangerous environments as well as the work being very taxing. I reached out to see if Wes Wheeler, NECA’s Executive Director of Safety, could discuss the state of safety in construction. It didn’t take us long before mental health came up as the focus of our conversation. Wes shares his unique viewpoint on this important topic.

As always, when I discuss mental health, I want to remind you of resources made for those working through challenging mental health issues. Remember, these resources are also for you who want to come alongside your loved ones to support their journey.

There’s the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (phone and text) which offers 24/7 access to trained crisis counselors who can help people experiencing mental health-related distress.

There’s also the Crisis Text Line: Text HELLO to 741741. Every person who texts is connected with a crisis counselor who is trained to listen and offer sound advice 24/7 Both are free, confidential, and again if you’re struggling with mental health or concerned for a loved one.

Wes joined NECA in 2014 and has over 40 years of electrical experience. Prior to NECA, he was safety consultant in his own business and has been a Safety Director and OSHA Safety trainer for a large industrial based electrical contractor in Florida. Wesley is a qualified OSHA Construction Outreach Instructor and has assisted in OSHA Instructor classes for Electrical Training Alliance. Wes has served in many capacities in his career from electrician, foreman, superintendent, estimator, project manager to safety director and is a member of OSHA’s Advisory Committee on Construction Safety and Health (ACCSH). His credentials continue, but suffice to say, Wes knows and loves the construction world. 

Thank you for listening and please take a moment to subscribe, rate, and review our show on your favorite app.

To get a hold of us here at Keepin’ The Lights On, please email: podcast@graybar.com

To reach Wes Wheeler on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/wesley-wheeler-sms-cescp-msp-99278452/

Learn more about NECA Safety: https://www.necanet.org/programs/safety/overview

Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention: https://www.preventconstructionsuicide.com/

TEXT 741741 Crisis Text Line: https://www.crisistextline.org/

Call or Text 988 Lifeline: https://988lifeline.org/

YouTube: https://youtu.be/R9OcCmeLM4c

I believe one way to keep the energy and productivity up in a company is to spend time ensuring your culture is strong. In this episode I speak with, Mica Ashmore, Strategic Business Integration Manager with Alterman Electric. He shares ideas on ways to create a culture of engagement, empowerment, and accountability.

Thank you for listening and please take a moment to subscribe, rate, and review our show on your favorite app.

To get a hold of us here at Keepin’ The Lights On, please email: podcast@graybar.com

YouTube Version: https://youtu.be/XNIdo1IhOUA

To reach Mica Ashmore on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/mica-ashmore-69218050/

Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, Continuous Improvement, Organization Development, Strategic Alignment, and Change Management

Learn more about Alterman: https://goalterman.com/

Taqueria Jalisco #9: https://taqueriajalisco9.com/

Fun fact, the reason for the “#9” is because there are several other restaurants (haha, at least 8 others at a minimum) with the same name, but since they are separate owners, for registration/tax purposes, they have to designate a difference in name, thus the number.

What does continuous improvement mean to you? Article from “The Fabricator” publication, written by Jeff Sipes, one of my Lean Six Sigma Black Belt instructors from Villanova University https://www.thefabricator.com/thefabricator/article/shopmanagement/what-does-continuous-improvement-mean-to-you-

What is Lean? Another great resource from Paul Akers (Author of “2-Second Lean”); found this to be a great practical resource for lean adoption, as he taps into culture a lot. https://paulakers.net/what-is-lean

Company Culture is Everyone’s Responsibility This HBR article touches on the question in our chat about how all levels of an organization impact culture https://hbr.org/2021/02/company-culture-is-everyones-responsibility

Stratified Systems Theory (SST) A little on the detailed side, but early in the article, it provides a great overview of what SST is and the various roles/responsibilities of each organizational tier https://www.cognadev.com/blog_040.html#:~:text=Elliott%20Jaques%20proposed%20the%20Stratified,span%20of%20the%20work%20involved.

Construction faces a crisis. Unfortunately, construction ranks as first or second on lists as one of the industries with the highest incidents of suicide.

Fortunately, the construction industry isn’t sitting idle. They’ve created many programs to support and come alongside all in the industry. I spoke to many different representatives from the industry about this topic to learn more. There was one name that was consistently mentioned as an expert working toward improvements in how mental health impacts construction, Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas.

Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas is a clinical psychologist, inspirational international speaker and an impact entrepreneur. She currently serves as the president of United Suicide Survivors International.

Dr. Sally and I discuss:
Why construction and similar industries struggle with mental health and suicide.
Ways employers can create environments that foster improved mental health in their teams.
How to have conversations with your friends/peers about your own and their mental health.  

Thank you for listening and please take a moment to subscribe, rate, and review our show on your favorite app.

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline offers 24/7 access to trained crisis counselors who can help people experiencing mental health-related distress. 

Crisis Text Line: Text HELLO to 741741. Every person who texts is connected with a crisis counselor who is trained to listen and  offer sound advice 24/7 (Free and Confidential)

YouTube Version: https://youtu.be/bifaDXKThB4 

To get a hold of us here at Keepin’ The Lights On, please email: podcast@graybar.com

To reach Dr. Sally on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/sallyspencerthomas/

Dr. Sally’s website: https://www.sallyspencerthomas.com/

Headspace for the Workplace Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/headspace-for-the-workplace-with-dr-sally/id1662373539

Hope Illuminated Podcast: https://www.sallyspencerthomas.com/hope-illuminated-podcast

Thank you to all the following for input as I developed this show:
(Organization names are for reference only and where the individuals worked at the time I spoke with them. The organization name is not meant to imply endorsement of this episode or the podcast.  All trademarks, logos and brand names are the property of their respective owners. All company, product and service names used in this website are for identification purposes only. Use of these names,trademarks and brands does not imply endorsement.)

Chandler Brooks (Procore): https://www.linkedin.com/in/chandlerbrooks/
Ashley Logan (Procore)
Shaelyn McHugh (Procore)
Sasha Reed (Procore)
Wes Wheeler (NECA): https://www.linkedin.com/in/wesley-wheeler-sms-cescp-msp-99278452/ Alex Kopp (TAUC): https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexmkopp/
Justin Crandol (SMACNA): https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-crandol-csp-arm-cris-23900711/ Brandon Anderson (AGC of Missouri): https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-anderson-80b816110/ Justin Azbill (Milwaukee Tools): https://www.linkedin.com/in/azbill-justin/
Raffi Elchemmas (MCAA): https://www.linkedin.com/in/raffielch/

RESOURCES
Get Construction Talking: https://www.getconstructiontalking.org/

Kevin Hines: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinhinesstory/
Kevin Hines’ story: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-lkZG7IYeQ&rco=1

MCAA Mental Health Awareness Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5c1rY9FZVOY

SMACNA Resources: https://www.smacna.org/resources/business-management/safety-and-health/mental-health-substance-abuse

www.Mantherapy.org

National guidelines for Workplace Suicide Prevention: https://suicidology.org

Construction Alliance for Suicide Prevention – Construction Industry Blueprint www.constructionworkingminds.org

http://www.workplacesuicideprevention.com

United Suicide Survivors International

https://preventconstructionsuicide.com/

ABC (Associated Builders and Contractors) Total Human Health page: https://www.abc.org/Safety/Total-Human-Health

Mike Connaughton discusses AI's impact on data centers. We explore the challenges and opportunities AI brings, including increased power, cooling, and connectivity needs.

Mike has 30+ years of experience with fiber optic cabling and is responsible for strategic data center account support and alliances at Leviton. He has received the Aegis Excellence Award from the U.S. Navy for his work on the Fiber Optic Cable Steering Committee and was a key member of the committee that developed the SMPTE 311M standard for a hybrid fiber optic HD camera cable. He has participated in standardization activities for TIA, ICEA, ANSI and IEEE.

Thank you for listening and please take a moment to subscribe, rate, and review our show on your favorite app.

To get a hold of us here at Keepin’ The Lights On, please email: podcast@graybar.com

To reach Mike Connaughton on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-connaughton-1933301/

MyWay Restaurant: https://mywaytavern.com/holly-springs

YouTube Version of Episode: https://youtu.be/pfvbHXLkcPo

Webinar: https://event.on24.com/wcc/r/4572085/E5E0687AB8C312C7678515EFE944B3A1?partnerref=rss-events

AI Webinar

OPT-X Global Fiber Systems

Data Center Page  https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.youtube.com/watch?v=JE8T2UwAHXw__;!!DZfPdMygIw!BjtI9RWapqu596fKjDULOGWqBZipXnRrm1aC3KqGf-pfpP-KFJf5RpZd1R_6XPwbBiSxtJUw7hQeu-geu-0o$

Corporate Video  

Leviton Spine Leaf Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rprH74BWJW0

Story on Power Consumption: https://www.datacenterfrontier.com/energy/article/55019791/doe-study-ai-boom-breeds-localized-energy-constraints-but-grid-can-meet-long-term-demand

How can software support contractor coordination with the field, distribution, and other trades? Adam Ketterer, Co-Founder and Senior Sales Director at AEC Inspire to share advancements he’s seeing in construction software. Thank you for listening and please take a moment to subscribe, rate, and review our show on your favorite app.

To get a hold of us here at Keepin’ The Lights On, please email: podcast@graybar.com

To reach Adam Ketterer on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamrobertketterer/
Learn more about AEC Inspire:  https://aecinspire.com/
Paul’s Market: https://paulsmarketstl.com/
Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/7ICtZzXlyX0

Jason Young, Virtual Design Director at IES Communications, shares how he’s implemented the principles of VDC in the telecom space to improve the efficiency of construction projects. Thank you for listening and please take a moment to subscribe, rate, and review our show on your favorite app.

To get a hold of us here at Keepin’ The Lights On, please email: podcast@graybar.com

To reach Jason on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-young-8b293236/
Learn more about IES Communications: https://www.iescomm.com/
VDC Jobs at IES Communications: Virtual Design and Construction Jobs (iescomm.com)
Pizzeria Bianco: http://www.pizzeriabianco.com/
Video Version: https://youtu.be/59ioN4LaC3U
Graybar: https://Graybar.com/podcast

Great lighting is critical for a healthcare facility in providing quality care to their community. But what are the unique needs of different kinds of healthcare buildings, from medical offices to urgent care centers? Tommy Nichols, Business Development Director for Healthcare with Acuity Brands Lighting joins me to shine a light on the latest in healthcare lighting.

Thank you for listening and please take a moment to subscribe, rate, and review our show on your favorite app.

To get a hold of us here at Keepin’ The Lights On, please email: podcast@graybar.com

To reach Tommy on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/tommy-nichols-lc-edac-2a69201bb/

Learn more about Acuity Lighting: https://www.bhfcllc.com/_files/ugd/90e0a5_c77f5e1ca8254dbb9763451d61a34305.pdf  

Care Collection by Acuity Brands  

LightSPEC How to light ambulatory care facilities by Tommy Nichols  

Behavioral Health Design Guide by Behavioral Health Facility Consulting, LLC  

Benny’s On the Beach: https://www.bennysonthebeach.com/

YouTube Version: https://youtu.be/MkiuHpV7ejE

I’ve had episodes about cybersecurity, which is in the news every day. But what about physical building/plant security? It is not immune from advanced methods of attack and changes in technology.

I asked Don Erickson, CEO of the Security Industry Association, if he could come on the show to share what megatrends may impact the security world in the next few years.

In this episode Don shares his insight around AI’s impact on the physical security world, the evolution of security’s ROI, Security as a Service and the impact on the security integrator, the impact of megatech, and real estate optimization.

Thank you for listening and please take a moment to subscribe, rate, and review our show on your favorite podcast platform, YouTube, or Graybar.com.

To get a hold of us here at Keepin’ The Lights On, please email: podcast@graybar.com

To reach Don Erickson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/don-erickson-0394bb1/

Learn more about SIA (Security Industry Association): https://www.securityindustry.org/

The Monocle: https://themonocle.com/ 

YouTube: https://youtu.be/hKayoAa8mP0

Every other year, Electrical Contractor Magazine conducts a survey of its reader base to get a better understanding of the state of the Electrical Contractor. In this episode Andre Klee and Julie Mazur, from EC Magazine, share an overview of the trends they’ve seen from this year’s survey.

You’ll learn what projects dominated their schedules, the change in the size of their businesses, and what is important to them as they train their teams for the future.
 
Thank you for listening and please take a moment to subscribe, rate, and review our show on your favorite app.

To get a hold of us here at Keepin’ The Lights On, please email: podcast@graybar.com

To watch the video version: https://youtu.be/5jmXSIpCxEw

The 2024 Profile can be found here: https://www.ecmag.com/magazine/articles/article-detail/2024-profile-of-the-electrical-contractor

Find Andrea on LinkedIn and at andrea.klee@necanet.org.

Find Julie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-mazur-40981298/

Learn more about the profile: https://www.ecmag.com/market-research/profile

Villa Maya: https://villamayarestaurant.com/

Albi: https://www.albidc.com/

Pujol: https://pujol.com.mx/eng/

Ambar: https://ambarrestaurant.com/capitol-hill-dc/