Electrical Association

Outside Expertise

Written by Eric Seanger

At MEA's summer conference, I was talking with several contractors about how much time and money each of us had saved by using experts with experience in the kind of contracting done by our company. We named several large contractors who built their success by hiring the best trainers, accountants, lobbyists, lawyers, and managers who were experts in their field of electrical contracting.

Accountants

One of the contractors changed accountants when his tax attorney told him they had outgrown the accountant's expertise. He hired an accountant who worked for large electrical contractors and the change saved his company thousands.

For example, a really good accountant will keep us informed of things like, effective July 1, 2009, the Sales and Use Tax Rate will increase to 6.875% an increase of 0.375%--plus penalties if you are audited and did not know.

Attorneys

Another contractor said he used different lawyers for different issues such as labor law; an employee problem; contract matter; tax advice; and the like. They all have one thing in common and that is their specialized knowledge of contracting and construction.

For example, a law firm with expertise in contracting will know that the Contractors Bill of Rights was just expanded to cover residential construction (thanks in part to the excellent job done by MEA's lobbying team). Knowing this can save a residential electrical contractor time and money.

Training

MEA hires electrical experts to give us training in the NEC, safety, apprentice skills and technical knowledge. MEA puts us in touch with organizations that provide expert training in solar (NABCEP), LEED certification (the U.S. Green Building Council), and more.

As a key part of MEA's commitment to quality training, the association hired senior training specialist, Paul Krmpotich, in June. Paul will be coordinating all of MEA's training programs and is starting by teaching the following:

• MEA's exam prep classes in the metro area and in greater MN.
• OSHA 10- and 30-hour training and
• NFPA 70E related training.

Business Operations Training
How many times do you hear a fellow contractor say-I don't mind competition if it is good competition. Experienced contractors know the most common mistake new contractors make is not including all of their overhead costs when bidding a job-which can cause them to cut corners, do shoddy work, or go out of business. MEA is looking at helping contractors become more successful (and help electricians who are considering becoming a contractor) by inviting Tom Grandy to help contractors evaluate how they calculate overhead,how to identify and prepare for the changes that arise as your company grows, and more.

My father, Tom, my brother, Jason, and I all have avoided mistakes by asking an expert first-whether it is an accountant, attorney, engineer, or inspector. My family's on-going commitment to education is what prompted my brother to become an engineer, me to get my business degree, and to strongly support quality training from MEA for the industry. MEA's training has helped our employees do their best work, pass their licensing exams, and keep them current on the code. Melrose Electric owes much of its success to these outside experts.

Discussions like these are common at the MEA conferences. I invite you to join us at the next conference and talk about business in a relaxing, fun environment.

Have a successful summer.