Modern Electrician Podcast

Welcome back Modern Electricians,

We've got a new episode of "Drive Time Live" for you today. These segments are designed to give your boys a chance to catch up and share notes and thoughts on our way to and from projects. This helps us make the most of our drive time while we get ourselves on the same page as a company. In today's episode, we discuss all sorts of topics but the one that stands out the most to us is the idea of needing to love your work. We question whether it's necessary to love the work that you do or is it just as good, if not better to not care as much about your professional work and to fulfill your passions outside of work.

Enjoy the episode!

#modernelectricianpodcast

#modernelectrician

#trades

#loveyourwork

#passion

#workwithyourhands

#tradepodcast

#bluecollar

#electrician

#masterelectrician

#podcast

#electric

#electrical

#commute

Welcome back!

In today's episode of "Coffee & Code" we discuss historic wiring. We live and work in an historic town and we are hired to repair and replace historic wiring of all sorts. Much of this type of work is not taught in detail in school and needs to be learned overtime in the field. Today, we share our thoughts, processes and techniques for identifying, repairing and replacing really old wiring systems.

We also discuss why historic wiring can cause problems, not only in terms of overall home safety but also in regards to your ability (or inability for that matter) to upgrade your historic home with new, modern technologies. While we've had our share of experience in these settings, we are by no means an authority on this matter, so, as always, if you have some thoughts or ideas to add to the conversation, we'd love to hear them.

Enjoy the episode!

In today's episode, we sit down with our friend Marty Humerickhouse to check in and hear how things have been in his world since he passed his California Journeyman's exam last year. Marty works alongside our good friend Sean Dee at Sean's company Unity Electric. Since becoming a Journeyman Electrician, Marty has been assigned an apprentice and has been taking on much more responsibility within the organization. So, sit back, relax and hear what it's like to go from an apprentice to a journeyman electrician in this industry.

You can find Marty on IG @that_one_electrician_guy and you can find Unity electric online at www.unity-electric.com and on IG @unityelectric. Enjoy the episode!

#journeymanelectrician

#journeyman

#management

#apprentice

#apprenticeship

#Progress

#learningprocess #growthmindset

#electricalcontractor #modernelectrician

#modernelectricianpodcast

#tradepodcasts

#bluecollar

#electricians

#startingabusiness #electricalcontractor

#smallbusiness #education

#tradecompany

#constructioncompany

Welcome back everyone! In today's episode, Josh and I sit down with the 360 Electrician himself, Jeff Guldalian. Jeff is an electrical contractor, business-owner and business coach. His website: www.the360electrician.com is a space where he offers courses and workshops as well as individual coaching for electrical contractors. Jeff is also the host of the 360 Electrician Podcast, a show that focusses on educating electricians that "want to become electrical contractors and electrical contractors that want to level up." You can find Jeff on YouTube for video tutorials, courses, etc. He's a guy with a lot of irons in the fire and a lot to share. We were lucky enough to find some time to sit down with Jeff to records this episode. In today's episode, we catch up with Jeff, hear all about what he's been working on and get into a discussion about :"Trading in your timecard for your contractors card." With so many of us out there hoping to make the jump from working for someone to working for yourself, todays episode is full of tips on what might have to change in your mind and your life if and when you decide to make the jump. Enjoy today's show! D&J www.the360electrician.com

https://www.youtube.com/@UCvzwdmGkt6E4TaCfthyQMrw

https://www.instagram.com/the360electrician/

#360electrician

#the360electrician

#businesscoaching #businesscoach #businessowner #learningprocess

#growthmindset

#electricalcontractor #modernelectrician

#modernelectricianpodcast

#tradepodcasts

#bluecollar

#electricians

#startingabusiness #electricalcontractor

#smallbusiness #education

#tradecompany

#constructioncompany

Welcome back everyone!  

In today's episode, Josh and I sit down to Debrief from a recent service upgrade project that was a real butt kicker. Anytime we get beat up on a project, we like to take the time to go over the project and discuss what worked and what didn't. This is all part of our learning process. We say it all the time, but just because you have a Masters license doesn't mean you're going to know exactly how to handle every situation. You will always be confronted by scenarios that you've never seen before and it will be your responsibility to guide your client through this process from start to finish. Obviously, there are a lot of variables involved in each one of these projects and plenty of room to make mistakes. Instead of ignoring and avoiding our mistakes, we choose to discuss them in an attempt to improve ourselves and become better electricians every day.   

This episode is a behind the scenes look into how we do business, make decisions and learn from our mistakes at Lumen Brothers Electric Company. We've decided to share this conversation, even though parts of it are uncomfortable for us, in the hopes that you can learn from our mistakes and our process. Some people think that blue collar work is just physical labor. This conversation is proof that our game is as much mental as it is physical. Hope this helps.   

Please comment below with your thoughts on this project. What would you have done differently? How do you communicate your process with your clients? Be nice. Be respectful, but let us know your thoughts.   

D&J  

#serviceupgrade
#debrief
#talkitout
#learningprocess
#growthmindset
#accountability
#modernelectrician
#modernelectricianpodcast
#tradepodcasts
#bluecollar
#electricians
#worldofelectricians
#electricalcontractor
#gettingbetter
#selfimprovement

Welcome to our first "Drive Time Live" Episode. Today's episode is a behind the scenes look into a day in the life of Lumen Brother Electric Company. Josh and I recently purchased some WiFi mics and are using them to capture our conversations to and from the projects we work on together. During our drives, we discuss upcoming projects, plans for today's project and cover everything related to running a small electric company. Hopefully you can glean some information and / or techniques from these talks. These are raw, roughly-edited conversations between two master electricians about how we approach work on a daily basis.  

We hope you enjoy!  

#modernelectricianpodcast  
#modernelectrician  
#electricianculture  
#drivetime  
#drivetimelive
#tradepodcast
#electricalpodcast
#americanworkculture  
#tradeculture  
#bluecollarculture  
#vanlife  
#businessowner  
#business  
#businesstalks

Chad German is a Master Electrician from Utah who has found his calling as an educator and more recently, as an administrator, helping his organization become the largest trade education program in the state. Chad has worked in the electrical field for almost 2 decades and has found his purpose as a teacher. Chad is a code expert with a knack for breaking down code articles in a way that we can all understand. He has created quite the platform on Instagram; with nearly 30K followers, Chad is showing us all how quality content sells itself. He's also a reminder that quality teachers and mentors are few and far between. Electricians like Chad and Rudy from @right_wire_electric have a heavy following because of their experience and their ability to teach electrical theory, technique and code in a way thats digestible and easy to understand. 

We had the opportunity to meet, spend some time with and get to know Chad last October when we traveled to the NECA conference in Austin, Tx. He's a great guy and he's on a mission to make us all better electricians. Check Chad out on Instagram @utah_electrician. Find where he's teaching and sign up for one of his classes. 

Enjoy the show!

#utahelectrician
#modernelectrician
#modernelectricianpodcast
#tradepodcasts
#bluecollar
#electricians
#worldofelectricians
#electricalcontractor
#chadgerman
#education
#electricaleducation

What's up everyone!

On this episode of the MEP, Josh and I travel from our beautiful, historic hometown of Frederick, Maryland to nearby Williamsport to hang with one of our favorite local electricians, Josh Burch. Josh is a Master Electrician and owner / operator of J. Burch Electric, a boutique, family-owned electric company based in Falling Waters, WV. We met at Cushwa Brewing, a Williamsport staple, to enjoy some local beer and the amazing pizzas from Rad Pies Md. The owners and staff at Cushwa Brewing were kind enough to offer us a space to record this episode so we set up an impromptu studio for the first time since our trip to Austin last year, and started talking. Josh is a great guy, fellow dog lover and one hell of an electrician!

Recording an episode live like this was so much fun! We've definitely got some live audio / production kinks to work out but we're getting better with every episode we record and produce. We're excited about the possibilities of traveling to nearby places and recording more live episodes with tradespeople just like you! It might even be you!

Enjoy today's episode and give Josh a follow on IG: @jburchelectric

Check out his website: www.jburchelectric.com

#modernelectricianpodcast
#jburchelectric
#lumenbrotherselectric
#cushwabrewing
#radpiesmd
#tradeconversations
#tradetalk
#bluecollarculture
#workculture
#dowhatyoulove
#workwithyourhands

A long time ago, rites of passage were commonplace throughout societies across the world. Whether religious or cultural in nature, rites of passage set out to accomplish one thing: The death of "the boy" and the rebirth of "the man." In our current society, these rites of passage are few and far between. Some of us, who are part of a religious culture, may still have these traditional rites of passage in place, but for many of us, the line between adolescence and adulthood is blurry and seems to keep moving further from us as we get closer to it.   

On today's episode, we sit down with Roman Scarloto, owner/operator of ACDC Statewide out of Central Florida, to discuss all manor of things, and during our talk, the topic of Rites of Passage comes up. Roman tells a story of a hardship that he and his family endured and how that experience changed him from a boy into a man. We think that these are good conversations to have because, while many of us may not experience major rites of passage the way we used to in society, we all experience hardship. That hardship gives us an opportunity to grow or regress. It's up to us to choose the path forward into responsible adulthood.   We talk about all kinds of things in this episode. We discuss our experiences using services like "Angie's List," or "Angie." We discuss developing and growing your small trade company and we even get into online electrical debates on social platforms. 

This is a fun one!  

Enjoy!  

#modernelectricianpodcast  #americanworkculture  #modernelectrician  #leadership  #riteofpassage #ritesofpassage #workculture  #mentorship  #businessowner  #businessownership  #tradeculture  #tradelifestyle  #bluecollarculture  #favoriteelectrician  #yourfavoriteelectrician  #electriccomedian  #funnyelectrician  #electricianculture  #personalgrowth  #growthmindset

Today I sit down to talk shop with Josh Bauserman, Master Electrician and owner/operator of Haven Electrical out of Ashland, Va. Josh has been working with his hands since he was 14 years old and has been an electrician for over 20 years. In this conversation we talk about everything from coming up in the trades, to vehicle organization and the importance of organization in general. Josh is a great guy who's passionate about the work that he does, even after all this time. He's got a lot to teach and he's a great electrician to try to emulate (for all you younger listeners out there).   

You can find Josh and Haven Electrical on Instagram @havenelectrical His page has grown to over 12k follower at the time of this recording. Go follow his work and show him some support!  

Enjoy the show!  

#americanworkculture  
#havenelectrical
#smallbusiness
#workculture
#softskills
#tradeculture
#tradelifestyle
#softskillsdevelopment
#leadership
#mentorship
#bluecollarculture
#favoriteelectrician
#yourfavoriteelectrician
#modernelectricianpodcast
#modernelectrician
#worktruck
#electriccomedian
#electricianculture
#electricians

Billy Drowne is a licensed electrician in Massachusetts. He's also a lifelong skateboarder, a fisherman, a dog owner and a boyfriend. What I enjoy most about him is his laid back approach to life. This conversation with Billy reminded me of the simple pleasures inherent in electrical work. The chop wood / carry water lifestyle suits him well and is a great reminder for all of us that life can be simple and as easy as waking up and giving it our best every day.   

I've always believed that there was a beautiful simplicity in working with your hands. In order to solve a problem or complete a project, absolute concentration must be given to the task at hand. The world  disappears and all that's left is your work. It's beautiful. It's what life is all about. A big thanks to Billy for bringing that energy to the conversation and for reminding us that self improvement can be an enjoyable process.   

Enjoy!  

#tradeculture
#bluecollarculture
#americanworkculture
#workculture
#tradelifestyle
#favoriteelectrician
#favoriteelectrician
#massachusetts
#licensedelectrician
#journeyman
#journeymanelectrician
#tradetalk
#lifeofanelectrician
#lifeofatradesperson
#skateboarding
#workwithyourhands

Hey everyone!  We've got a great conversation for you this week! We sit down with Bob Pereira-Tome (aka @bob_electricien on IG) to discuss the life of a journeyman electrician in Montreal, Quebec. We discuss Bob's electrical background and get his take on electrical trade culture, in particular, the relationship between apprentice and journeyman. Bob is a big proponent of leadership offering apprentices a space in which to discuss their struggles while growing in the trade. In this conversation, we discuss the stigma around mental health in the trades and challenge it's efficacy and overall impact on the lives of tradespeople everywhere.   

You can find Bob on Instagram. Look him up, give him a follow and show him some support! Hope you enjoy today's conversation!  

Please feel free to add your comments below. We'd love to hear your thoughts on this topic.  

Enjoy!  

#electriccomedian #tradeculture #bluecollarculture #tradelifestyle #workculture #americanworkculture #favoriteelectrician #yourfavoriteelectrician #modernelectricianpodcast #modernelectrician #tradepodcast #funnyelectrician #funnymasterelectrician #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthinthetrades #bluecollarmentalhealth #talkaboutit

Happy New Year everyone!

Hope you holidays were filled with love and laughter! We're back for 2023 with fresh interviews with tradespeople, business-owners and go-getters just like you!

In today's episode, we sit down with Tim Moreland, Master Electrician / Owner-Operator of Power To The People Electric out of Fraser Colorado to discuss all things "small trade business." Tim has been an electrician for over 30 years and has owned a company for almost as long so we were honored that he was willing to lend us an hour of his time so we could learn from him. We discuss the complications of running a small business, communication, trade culture and a lot more. 

Check out PTTP Electric at the link below:

https://www.pttpelectric.com/

Enjoy!

#tradepodcast
#tradeculture
#workculture
#americanworkculture
#tradetalk
#workwithyourhands
#bluecollarculture
#tradelifestyle
#hardwork
#bluecollarpodcast
#americanpodcast
#smallbusiness
#goodforthetrades
#localbusiness
#tradecompany
#constructioncompany
#businessowner
#entrepreneur

For most of us in the trades who've taken that step into business ownership, we do so with very little actual business knowledge. Most of us do not have a business degree and the majority didn't even attend college. Those of us who go from technician to entrepreneur tend to be eager, driven tradespeople who have a vision and want to see it through; as opposed to business-savvy executives who see an opportunity in the trades. Some of us figure the "business side of things" out before going under; Others are less fortunate. And while it can be challenging to understand something like business while running your own, you don't have to go it alone. Fortunately, we live in the future, and there are tons of great business coaches at your fingertips. Today, we sit down with a business coach to discuss why you might want to as well. 

Dominic Rubino is a business owner, author, business coach and host of Profit Toolbelt Podcast, an interview-based podcast focused on helping trade-entrepreneurs get their lives back through systems and processes. Dom was kind enough to lend us some of his time and expertise this week but you can check him out at:

www.10xblt.com

And you can listen to Profit Tool Belt Podcast anywhere you listen to podcasts. Or click the link below to hear Doug and Dom's convo:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/28EqdkUnGQWih0pllMHJ80?si=W7F2-opSSXa33zSVOVpc1g

Enjoy the show!

#modernelectrician

#profittoolbelt

#businessowner

#smallbusiness

#tradebusiness

#tradecompany

#constructionbusiness

#electrician

#electricalcompany

#podcast

#growthmindset

#furthertogether

#businesscoach

#mentor

#mentorship

In this week’s episode, Josh and I sit down with one of our favorite electricians! His name is Cory Blair, he’s co-owner-operator of Lighthouse Electric out of Louisville, Kentucky, he’s a father of 4 (with a newborn), a husband and he’s one hell of a good guy! We’ve been friends online for a few years and Josh and I have always been drawn to his down-to-earth approach to leadership and his ability to communicate. Cory runs a small electrical service company with his business partner Jake. Josh and I had a chance to pick his brain on partnerships, talk shop and catch up with our Lumen Brother from another Lumen Mother.

You can find Cory and Lighthouse Electric on IG @lighthouseelectric.co Check them out, give them a follow and say hi. 

Enjoy the conversation!

#electricians
#electrical
#electricalpodcasts
#trades
#bluecollar
#partner
#partnership
#teamwork
#leadership
#smallbusiness
#tradebusiness
#tradecompany
#smallcompany
#businessowner
#teamwork
#modernelectricianpodcast
#lighthouseelectric
#lumenbroterselectric
#communityovercompetition
#tradecommunity

Today's conversation is our second talk with Michael Stellmann, owner-operator of Stellmann Electrical Corp. We've long-been drawn to Michael due to his wisdom and talent, but what we love most about mike is that he says what he means. Michael is a Bronx native with a killer sense of humor and the NYC accent to tie it all together. He doesn't pull punches in his critiques of the electrical work that he finds working in and around New York City and in most cases, has us cracking up laughing with his unique, very New York take on his day to day work.   

Michael is a true Master of his craft and has worked very hard to get to where he is today. In this conversation, we discuss a lot of different things but we spend a good amount of time discussing how Michael has learned to set his brand apart by specializing. Stellmann Electrical Corp is a Lutron Homeworks dealer and installer. If you're unfamiliar with Lutron's Homeworks system, check it out:  

https://www.lutron.com/en-US/Products/Pages/WholeHomeSystems/Homeworks/Overview.aspx 

This sort of specialization set's Stellmann Electrical Corp apart from their competition in the NTC area and gives Michael's team a competitive edge in the electrical market. Check out our convo and let us know how you set your company apart in the comment section below.  

Enjoy!  

Check out Stellmann Electrical Corp Here:

https://www.stellmannelectrical.com/

You can follow Michael on IG:

@stellmannelectricalcorp

#electricians
#electrical
#electricaltrade
#lutron
#lutronhomeworks
#specialization
#niche
#business
#businessowner
#smallbusiness
#hiring
#lumenbrotherselectric
#modernelectricianpodcast
#stellmannelectricalcorp
#businessdevelopment
#growthmindset
#mindset

The trades have a long, long history of information and skills being passed down, person to person, from Master to Apprentice for millennia. The same method for transmitting lessons and knowledge from person to person hasn't changed for thousands of years. It's how we learn! We are herd animals who learn from those around us. That's one of the things that specifically drew Josh and I to the trades in the first place. We absorb information best when it's being taught directly to us in a setting where we can turn around and practice what we've been taught. Every Kung-Fu master throughout history has come about their position in the exact same way. Who would Luke Skywalker have been without OB1 and Yoda to guide him and help him unlock his potential? We need to learn from those who have come before us, that's just how it works.

What has changed along the trade landscape is the advent of Social Media. Never before in the history of the trades have apprentices had the opportunity to access skills and knowledge from so many masters at the same time. It's truly remarkable. And while social apps offer us some great one-on-one connections, they haven't focussed specifically on tradespeople, until now. Trade Hounds is a social app designed to unite tradespeople from all walks of life in an attempt to spread knowledge and skills in an open environment. In this week's episode, we sit down with JP Canfield from Trade Hounds to discuss their mission and what they've got in store for our community heading into the future. 

You can download the Trade Hounds app in the Apple & Google app stores. Download it, create a profile and get started today!

Enjoy the conversation!

#modernelectricianpodcast
#tradehounds
#farthertogether
#master
#apprentice
#journeyman
#journeyperson
#community
#teamworkmakesthedreamwork
#sharingknowledge
#herdanimals
#growtogether

In today's episode, Josh and I sit down with Jason Hogan, owner / operator of Amphitrite Electric out of Uculet, BC. We talk surfing in Canada, work culture, the Milwaukee M12 series, staying small as a company and a few other things. We picked up a lot during this talk with Jason but our biggest takeaway was his go-with-the-flow approach to life and the trades. 

You can follow Jason and his work at Amphitrite Electric on IG at: 

https://www.instagram.com/amphitriteelectric/

Check out our Live Video of this episode on our YouTube Channel:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnaJWV2QLYRnsIsaXcCK-Dw

Be sure to subscribe to the YouTube Channel for more video content. 

Also, consider becoming a Patron of the show! The MEP is a listener-supported podcast so every Patron matters. Click the link below to join the team!

https://www.patreon.com/modernelectrician

Enjoy the episode!

#modernelectricianpodcast

#amphitriteelectric

#lumenbrotherselectriccompany

#trades

#bluecollarpodcast

#workculture

#passionforyourwork

#lovewhatyoudo

#growthmindset

In today's conversation, we sit down with Bryan Duffy, owner-operator of Transition Electric Co. out of Greenville, SC. to discuss leadership in the modern era. We talk philosophy, education and the necessity of positive mentors in our lives and in our trade. We all learn differently and a good leader takes that into consideration in order to get the most from their team. You can find Bryan and Transition Electric Co online IG at:

https://www.instagram.com/transitionelectric_co/

Enjoy the show!

We talk a lot about our careers on this podcast. We've discussed how to get started in the trades, how to find a mentor, techniques for improving yourself, starting a company from the ground up, the list goes on. In this episode, we sit down with our friend Jarrod Bolyer from Quick Connect Electrical Services to discuss how we can leverage our growth and success in our careers to benefit those less fortunate than us. Jarrod is a huge proponent of community outreach and wanted to sit down with us during our final night in Austin, Texas to discuss the ways in which he's been able to exact change in his community. In this episode, Jarrod offers us an opportunity to take a long look at ourselves and ask what are we doing in our own communities to help those struggling to make ends meet. We discuss small things that each of us can do in our daily lives to enhance the lives of those around us. Jarrod is an interesting tradesperson with a unique story to share and we were lucky enough to steal some time from him during our recent trip to the NECA conference in Austin this season.

Thanks Jarrod! Hope you all enjoy this episode!

***On a Technical Note:

We are currently in the process of upping our audio and video production. We'd like to take the time to thank all of you dedicated listeners who have endured our apprentice-level recording techniques up to this point. As we move forward, we will be incorporating more video of these conversations. Our goal is to bring you all the best recorded versions of these wonderful conversations with tradespeople just like you. You'll hear some echo in today's conversation. You;ll also notice that we sound a bit tired... cause we were. Thanks everyone for sticking with our show! We can't wait to bring you better and better content!

#lumenbrotherselectric
#quickconnectelectricalservices
#woundedwarriorproject
#modernelectricianpodcast
#austin
#AustinTX
#NECAaustin22
#electricians
#Electrical
#bluecollar
#bluecollarlife
#bluecollarpodcasts
#trades
#tradelife
#tradebasedpodcast
#lovewhatyoudo
#selfimprovement
#givingback
#charity
#howyoucanhelp

In this week's episode, we sit down with Luke Sheetz of Edwards Electrical & Mechanical out of Indianapolis Indiana to discuss how approaching your work with enthusiasm and gratitude can lead to a fulfilling career. Luke is an electrician by trade who has worked for the same company for over a decade and a half. He has grown in the industry from an electrical apprentice to a team leader and a teacher in large part due to his love for what he does and his desire to share that passion. We can all learn from someone who, like Luke, puts their all into the work that they do. I hope you can gain some insight and/or motivation from this episode. 

Enjoy!

#modernelectricianpodcast
#modernelectrician
#edwardselectrical&mechanical
#tradelife
#bluecollar
#bluecollarfamily
#workwithyourheart
#begratefulinspiteofyoursuffering
#gratitude
#gratitudeiseverything
#gettingbettereveryday
#growthmindset
#electricians
#electricalapprentice
#electricaljourneyperson
#masterelectrician

In this episode, we sit down to chat life in the electrical industry through the eyes of Brian Hogan, a 28-year-old newly (Class A) licensed electrician in the Albany, NY area. Brian and I first met on Instagram a few years back. He always made me laugh and I enjoyed the content that he created. Lately, Brian has been on the move, from the west coast to his new home in Albany attempting to find the right electrical opportunity for himself. This conversation reminds me that its important for us to keep in mind that success is not a straight line. Life can sometimes be painted or imagined as neat and clean with everything happening when its "supposed to happen" but we all know that it seldom, if ever, happens that way. Life is filled with sidebars, twists and turns, distractions and obstacles that require our best effort to overcome. Seldom do we end up in the exact destination that we set a course for. More times than not, we find what we're looking for along the way and in-turn we realize that some imagined destination or dream was just what we needed to get going. 

Go check out Brian on IG @hulk_da_spaky. Show him some support and say hi! We're all on our own personal adventure in this life. Let's support one another as we walk through!

Have a great week everyone!

#electricianlife
#lifeofanelectrician
#tradelife
#sparky
#sparkylife
#electricalporn
#tradetalk
#tradeconversation
#masterelectrician
#classaelectrician
#findyourplace
#findyourbeach
#getinwhereyoufitin
#inspriration
#mondaymotivation
#learnsomethingneweveryday
#justkeepswimming

Hey everyone,

Welcome back to the show! One of the most challenging elements of the work we do as tradespeople is trying to remain inspired by our daily routines. Its easy to be excited about something when you're first starting, but what happens when you're a few years in and the day to day begins to wear on you? How do you stay engaged and continue to challenge yourself every day? In today's conversation with Marty Humerickhouse of Unity Electric in Southern California, we discuss just that. Marty is a very inspiring human being who has a genuine desire to improve himself and he uses his career path as an opportunity to grow and challenge himself daily. 

In this conversation, we discuss the importance of finding a company with the right work culture for you, how to lean into your mistakes and how important it is to give back to those who are just entering the trade. You'll hear examples of how Marty goes out of his way to communicate with young apprentices to help them gain confidence by better understanding their industry. He's a great guy and a great example of how a positive approach can have dramatic effects on your life. 

Enjoy!

https://www.unity-electric.com/

@that_one_electrician_guy

@unityelectric

#modernelectricianpodcast
#selfimprovement
#growthmindset
#gettingbettereveryday
#journeymanelectrician
#masterelectrician
#nationalelectricalcode
#NEC
#southercalifornia
#familyguy

Have you ever considered starting your own company? Its a real opportunity that those of us with a skilled trade or craft get to consider as we navigate the paths of our careers. Even though, statistically speaking, the majority of us don't go out on our own, we've at least considered what our company might look like. Some of us imagine ourselves leading a team, trucks with our logos on them, wait trucks... how many trucks are we talking...? How much money is this gonna cost...!? you get the idea. There are a lot of things to consider when starting a business but there is one item that Josh and I continue to discuss over and over, and that is our company's size. Because, you see folks, when it comes to starting your own trade company... Size Matters!

 In this week's episode, The fellas from Lumen Brothers Electric Company discuss some thoughts on sizing your business to fit your lifestyle. We definitely want to remind everyone that these discussions express only our opinions and are in no way intended to suggest we have any idea what we're talking about. We're learning as we go and these conversations help us get to the next step. Hopefully you can find something helpful in this episode!

Enjoy!

#stayingsmall
#smallbusiness
#localeconomy
#electricalcompany
#tradecompany
#startingacompany
#business
#startup
#gobigorgohome
#alltypesofcompanies

The conversation for this week's episode was recorded about one week after Doug's first attempt at the Maryland Master Electricians Exam. In this conversation, we recap everything that Doug experienced during his first time through the exam and discuss strategies for the retake. Doug ended up passing the Masters Exam on his second try, just a few short weeks after we recorded this conversation. We are releasing this episode to help anyone who is getting ready to take a licensing exam or anyone who is looking for the motivation to get themselves signed up to take one. The truth is, sometimes, even when you give something your all, you can still fail! Its important to not allow a failure to define you but to instead focus on the areas where you struggled and to come back better, stronger and more prepared for your next attempt. Hopefully this episode is helpful to some of you. Please feel free to reach out to let us know how your test prep is going!

#marylandmasterelectrician
#masterelectrician
#electrician
#testprep
#failingup
#overcomingadversity
#giveityourall
#letafailurebecomeavictory
#careerdevelopment
#lumenbrothers
#lumenbrotherselectric
#lumenbrotherselectriccompany
#modernelectrician
#coffeeandcode

In this week's episode, we discuss the challenges and tactics of managing a client's expectations throughout a project. Whether keeping your client informed of the timeline or helping them to understand why certain procedures might be necessary, it is our role, as the contractor to help them navigate the project from start to finish. These are the conversations that Josh and I consistently have to ensure that we're providing our client's with the best service possible. Enjoy.

We'd like to hear your thoughts. What are your company's policies and procedures regarding client communication? How does your company manage your client's expectations throughout a project? Reach out at dpowellelectric@gmail.com. 

#managingexpectations
#softskills
#electricalindustry
#residentialelectricians
#modernelectricianpodcast
#lumenbrotherselectriccompany

In this week's episode, we sit down with our apprentice at Lumen Brothers Electric Company, Young Daniel, to ask him why he chose hanging out with 2 old dudes over partying in college. Daniel reached out to us last fall to inquire about an apprenticeship. While we weren't necessarily considering hiring anyone, we couldn't help but be intrigued that someone his age would be interested in the electrical trade, so we gave him a chance. He fit right in and the rest is history. Recently, we asked him to sit down and record an interview for our show and he was happy to do it. Turns out he's a natural podcaster too! Lock up your daughters America! 

In this episode, we chat with Daniel about his decision to become an electrician over going to college. We get into all sorts of great stuff cause, you know...podcasts.

Enjoy!

#modernelectricianpodcast
#apprenticeship
#bluecollarlifestyle
#tradelife
#futureofthetrades

WELCOME BAAAAAACK!!!

We're so happy to be back and so happy to have you back as our guest as we venture into new territory here on the Modern Electrician Podcast! The show is back after a brief hiatus following the completion of Doug's Master Electricians exam here in the beautiful state of Maryland. As we pick back up were adding a few new members to the cast. The first is Josh Wright. Josh is a Master Electrician, co-owner of Lumen Brothers Electric Company and your new co-host for the show. In this episode, we sit down with Josh to discuss his background, his trajectory in the trades and to introduce you to him. Josh has been on a few episodes of this podcast already and you'll hear Doug reference him a lot. We're happy to have him on the team.

So sit back, relax and enjoy our newest episode. If this show speaks to you and adds value to your life, please consider becoming a sponsor by visiting: https://www.patreon.com/modernelectrician?fan_landing=true

You can also check us out at www.modernelectricianpod.com or on IG @modern_electrician

This past week, I took the Maryland Master Electrician's Exam for the second time. Because of how challenging the test is and how many people have reached out since the exam to ask me for tips on study materials, I wanted to create a short Podcast episode to recount some of the lessons I learned throughout this process. 

Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions about taking the Journeyman's or Masters Exam. I'd be happy to point you in the right direction as best I can.

Enjoy!

We talk about this topic a lot on this show but we do that because I think it's such an important part of living a fulfilled life, and that topic is "Following your passion." So many of us start out our lives imagining what we might be when we grow up. We fantasize about being astronauts and Super Heroes who change the shape of humanity or save the world from impending doom. But as we grow older and we settle into the reality that is adult life, so many times, we choose the "safe bet" in regards to our careers. We go with something that's steady, pays well, etc and we hide away the dreams of those little astronauts and Super Heroes. But some people choose to follow that childish excitement and they dive into a world where everything hinges on their work-ethic and discipline. This is the world of the entrepreneur and it can be both beautifully fulfilling while at the same time being terrifying and overwhelming. So why do some people risk it all while others take the "sure thing?" I don't know man... I'm just a dude with a podcast. All I know is I'm one of those people with their head in the clouds who can't help himself... I've got to follow my heart!

Today's conversation is with a really cool person who does the same. Her name is Danielle and she's the owner / artist of Cross Cut Artistry (@crosscutartistry on instagram). Danielle is an artist who works in wood and epoxy resin. Her functional artwork is stunning and showcases her true creative nature. She has chosen to go out on her own in the past year and today we discuss everything involved with making a jump like that. Go check out Danielle's work on IG and visit her website www.crosscutartistry.com. 

Enjoy!

Hey there everyone, and welcome back to the Modern Electrician Podcast!

This week, I sit down with a 3rd year apprentice out of Ontario named Tatiyana. You can find her story on Instagram @apprenticetatiy. Go check her out and show her some support! In this conversation, we discuss Tatiyana's path through the first 3 years of her electrical apprenticeship. She shares her experiences as a young woman entering a male-dominated field and the passion she has for personal growth and improvement. I think Tatiyana is a great role model for your people (especially young women) who might be interested in a path other-than college. Even if the people in your life don't think trade work is for you, or even a good option... Tatiyana's example can help people see the importance of making our own decisions and blazing our own trails.

Enjoy!

Hey there everyone!

Welcome back to the Modern Electrician Podcast! Im happy that you're here and that you continue to return to listen to these conversations. Today, I sit down with Eric Andrade. Eric is a 17 year veteran of the electrical trade, a second generation electrician and a second generation Mexican-American living in NYC. Eric has navigated his way through the electrical trade and now finds himself the owner and operator of his own company JE Electrical Maintenance. Eric's path, like many of us, was not an easy one. He has put in thousands of hours in the field and has had a wide variety of experiences who have made him who he is today. We talk about the influence his parents, who were first generation immigrants, had on his life. We chat about the challenges of starting your own business and the reason many of us decide to start our own company. Eric also shares his perspective as a Mexican-American working in the trades and the opportunities this country has offered him and his family.

I hope you all enjoy this conversation! You can find Eric on Instagram at @eric_andrade6. Go follow him, show him some support and see what JE Electrical Maintenance is working on. 

Hey there everyone!

Welcome back to the Modern Electrician Podcast! In today's episode, I sit down with Frederick, Maryland-based artisan, craftsman and maker of many things, Erin Aylor. Erin has led an interesting life that's been guided by his ambitions and furthered by his passion for working with his hands. Erin has lived on his family homestead for over 20 years now where he has established a name for himself as one of Frederick's premiere artisans. His path has led him through many interesting experiences, including a spot of the TV show "Forged In Fire." Erin is now the Vice President of the Blacksmith Guild of Western Maryland, an organization dedicated to dispersing the knowledge of traditional skills. They offer workshops for people interested in learning a traditional skill such as welding, woodworking, pottery, etc. Erin can be found on his homestead working tirelessly on his life's passion.

Check him out at the links below:

www.facebook.com/blacksmithguildofwesternmaryland

On Intagram at:

@erinlutzeraylor

@blacksmithguildofwesternmaryland

Welcome back everyone!

In this week's episode I sit down with my friend Than Halstead (you can find him on IG @thantastical) to discuss the concept of balance. For those of you out there with more ambition than you have time, this one's for you. It can be challenging sometimes to balance everything that we've got going on in our lives. Family, career, passions, education, etc... sometimes it seems like there aren't enough hours in the day. While neither Than or myself are any sort of expert on the topic of balance, we dive pretty deep into the concept during this talk and we hope there's something you can glean from it.

If any of you are like us and struggle to strike that ideal balance between your home life and your passions, chime in and let us know what techniques you use to structure your life. 

Enjoy the episode!

Welcome back to the Modern Electrician Podcast!

This week, I sit down with the one and only Foxtrot (@foxtrots.sparks.notes) to discuss leadership, apprentices, Tesla, numerology, Omega Theory and a few other topics. This is Foxtrot's second time on the podcast and we love having him on! 

Enjoy the show!

Check out Foxtrot here:

IG: @foxtrots.sparks.notes

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/FoxtrotsSparkNotes

Leadership is an interesting thing to discuss at this present time in history, in my opinion. We currently live in a world where integrity, loyalty and self-sacrifice are not always values that our leaders exemplify. If you look around, its not hard to see examples of poor leadership from people in positions of authority across the world. But if you look just beneath the surface, you'll realize that the world is filled with inspiring, hard-working, compassionate people in leadership positions who are working hard to create positive environments in which their employees can flourish and feel appreciated. Today, I was lucky enough to sit down with two such leaders. Jarrod and David from Quick Connect Electrical Services are the kind of guys that I want to go to work for and they were kind enough to lend an hour and a half to us so we can learn from their experience and passion. 

You can find them online at:

https://www.marblefallselectric.com/

They're on Instagram @quickconnectelectricalservices and on Facebook/quickconnectelectricalservices

This was a fun conversation exploring ideas on leadership and sharing stories from our own lives about those who influenced us along the way. Enjoy!