Get personalized business coaching from the best in the electrical contracting industry!
ELECTRI International’s Business Coaching Network is poised to make a significant impact on the electrical contracting industry. By equipping contractors with the tools and knowledge to thrive in a dynamic marketplace, this initiative not only benefits individual businesses but also elevates the industry as a whole. It reinforces ELECTRI International’s commitment to industry excellence and growth while providing a valuable resource for contractors seeking to excel in their field.
ELECTRI will pair contractors looking for business coaching (clients) with experts in the industry who have years of experience in electrical contracting (coaches). Clients will receive personalized advice and coaching specific to their business needs. Virtual coaching services are offered at $250 per hour.
ELECTRI’s Business Coaching Network is designed for electrical contractors looking to:
- Diversify your business and adapt to changing market demands
- Grow and expand your business
- Improve your operations
- Enhance your competitiveness
Coaches will provide:
- Initial review of your company operations
- An overview of where they can be helpful in advancing your company’s goals
- Personalized insights on where improvements can be made
- Implementation strategies based on your focus area and goals
Meet the Coaches
Bob Dagostino
Dagostino Electronic Services
Expertise: Systems Integration, Low Voltage, Advanced Technology, Digital Electricity
About: Bob Dagostino is the founder and president of Dagostino Electronic Services (DES). With a lifelong passion for connectivity, Bob has steered DES since 1973 in bringing quality and innovative technology solutions to businesses across the region. World-class healthcare institutions, top universities, local and federal government and countless school districts have benefited from DES’ wide range of solutions, including networking, security, audiovisual, lighting and AI.
Denise Devine
Veloris Consulting
Expertise: Operational Efficiency, Business Development, Leadership Development, Process Optimization, Growth Strategy, Change Management, Project Management, Lean Six Sigma
About: Denise Devine is the Founder of Veloris Consulting and a Senior Manager at Continuum Advisory Group, with over 20 years of expertise in growth strategy and operational efficiencies. As a consultant, researcher, author and facilitator, Denise works with a wide range of industry stakeholders, including MEP and AEC firms, industry associations, and educational institutions to bring best practices and solutions directly to contractors. Some of her client-focused successes have included launching an EV division, establishing an estimating department, standardizing project management procedures, curating SOPs, and reducing labor waste. She has a proven track record in driving growth and operational improvements for companies on a national level.
Denise’s industry involvement extends to her roles as Chair of the Women Construction Coalition’s Julia Morgan Society, Communications Director for the Construction Progress Coalition and CMAA DEIB Treasurer, and a member of two construction cohorts. Her commitment to education and industry optimization reflects her passion for advancing the construction sector and supporting contractors nationwide.
Gary Fuchs
RIVET Work
Expertise: Workforce Management
About: RIVET Work is not only a software platform — it’s a growing team of industry veterans on Workforce Management, Labor Planning and Productivity. Gary has decades of experience in in tackling Workforce Management problems with thousands of contracting businesses. He and the team are offering a holistic consulting program on Workforce Management best practices which include Workforce Labor Planning, Workforce Productivity and Labor Operations workflow mapping. This program spans Forecasting, Rostering, Scheduling, Communication, Information and Productivity Insights. Having mapped thousands of contractor workflows that enhanced business outcomes, the team performs a business analysis, develops SOPs and recommends future enhancements based on different team and technology approaches. The coaching begins with a one-hour intake session and could be extended up to 4 hours for the business analysis.
Jerry Hein
ECSI Systems Integrators
Expertise: Systems Integration, Low Voltage
About: Jerry is the President of ECSI System Integrators in Bloomington, Minnesota. He founded ECSI in 1997. ECSI is a Systems Integrator and specializes in Limited Energy System Integration.
Jason Kreger
Aladdin Electric
Expertise: Service, Field Leadership, Leadership & Culture
About: Jason R Kreger is a seasoned professional more than 30 years of experience in the electrical service industry. As the President and General Manager of Aladdin Electric, Jason has demonstrated a powerful ability to connect with people and build strong, lasting relationships.
Known for his intense passion for his work, Jason is constantly seeking out talent from unconventional places, believing that diversity and fresh perspectives are essential for the success of any organization. He has a reputation for trusting his employees and empowering them to make decisions that drive the company forward. Jason is a dedicated mentor who enthusiastically pushes people to the extreme of their capability, helping them to reach their full potential. His leadership style is characterized by a strong focus on collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement, making him a driving force behind the success of Aladdin in the Jackson community.
Stef Lopata
Newport Industries
Expertise: System Integration, Low Voltage, Service, Prefab, Field Leadership, Finances
About: Stefan Lopata is President & CEO of Newport Industries – Newport is an ESOP holding company for several other companies, including Kelso-Burnett, with complete capabilities that include electrical, engineering, nurse call, voice/data communication, central office, fire alarm, security, sound and audio-visual. Kelso-Burnett has been consistently ranked as one of the Midwest’s fiftieth largest specialty contractors by ENR magazine for the past thirty-years.
Stef brings over 40 years of experience in the electrical contracting industry, having worked in both electrical distribution and electrical contracting. He has a wide range of expertise to offer.
Lindsay Mills
John Mills Electric
Expertise: Joint Ventures, Management Leadership
About: Lindsay is a highly accomplished and experienced electrical contractor, serving as CEO of John Mills Electric, Inc. for 32 years. Throughout his career, Lindsay has been a visionary, embracing innovation at every turn. His forward-thinking approach has led to numerous joint ventures and strategic partnerships, contributing to the growth and success of his company. His career is a testament to his expertise in electrical contracting, business operations, and industry negotiations. He specializes in establishing Joint Ventures between NECA contractors, leveraging the unique abilities of both companies to form a successful and profitable business enterprise and to aid in overcoming the manpower shortage on specific projects.
Glenn Patterson
Oregon Electric, Rosendin Electric
Expertise: Strategic Planning, Mergers and Acquisitions, Ownership Transition, Finances, Company Culture, Service, Prefab, Field Leadership, Growing Profitability, Lean Construction, Renewable Energy
About: Under the leadership of Glenn Patterson, Oregon Electric (OEG), then a 29-year-old family-owned electrical contractor with 10 electricians, grew significantly over next 28 years to become a more profitable and diversified business with more than 600 electricians. The company expanded its service work from 6 to over 60 service vans, developed a highly successful systems integration division, acquired 15 companies, and remained family-owned before eventually being sold for a high multiple of adjusted book value. Glenn later joined Rosendin Electric, serving 9 years, as a Division Manager and Renewables executive, where he helped grow one of the most profitable divisions to more than 500 electricians as well as starting a new service group.
Currently, Glenn is applying his industry experience and advisory services to primarily small and medium-sized businesses, including startups in electrical construction and related industries. He has been a co-majority owner of OEG and substantially participated in an ESOP with Rosendin Electric.
Kenneth Phelps
MP Systems
Expertise: Prefab, Field Leadership, Finances, Process Improvement, Lean Construction, Mergers and Acquisitions, Safety
About: Kenneth Phelps, now a retired executive who has served as President and COO of MP Systems, an electrical and infrastructure Line contractor. He began his career as an inside electrical apprentice at Pieper Electric and advanced to Construction Vice President before accepting the President and COO position at the sister company. The positions at the two sister companies afforded Mr. Phelps 46 years of experience in both the inside and outside electrical contracting industry.
Ken has varied experiences in industrial, institutional, utility and commercial construction market growth through acquisitions and internal expansion.
If you have questions, please reach out to Jessica Cardenas at Jessica.cardenas@necanet.org
To sign up for the program or to become a coach, please click one of the links below