Member Spotlight
Joe Gatewood--Gatewood Electric, Willmar, MN
At the April Board of Directors Meeting, the gavel will be passed from Karen Maine to Joel Gatewood, Gatewood Electric, Willmar, MN. This month’s members spotlight features the incoming President of MEA, Joe, and his journey through the electrical industry as well as his time in training and leadership with MEA.
Joe wanted to become an electrician because he enjoyed the technical side of electricity and being able to put this into action with his mind, hands, wires and cool tools was the perfect mix. Joe attended St. Cloud Technical College for their electrical program, followed by Wilmar Community College and Mt. Senario University to study business. The business training gave him the confidence to open his own shop as a business owner with plenty of preparation. Joe was also inspired by the owner of his first job that he had in high school. The way he treated customers and employees while operating a successful business was respectful. He started business on his own and was happy reaching the 5- and 10-year marks, which is when 50% & 70% of businesses close down. In July, Gatewood Electric will be celebrating their 20th year in business!
As Joe reflects back on advice to give to newer contractors getting started in the industry, a large challenge for new contracting business owners is the amount of time and effort it takes to get all of the state and federal paperwork, insurance and licenses properly filled out. Another challenge that most new contractors don’t foresee is the amount of time and bookwork involved in addition to the standard 40-hour billable work week. Advice to anyone thinking about starting an electrical business is to take a personal inventory of skills beyond electrical aptitude. So many other skills are put to daily test, such as communication, time and calendar management, purchasing strategies, money management, and office automation. These areas consume an enormous amount of time in addition to the hours of doing actual electrical work. Remember; all of this plays the second chair to family!
Joe’s work load has an even variety of residential, commercial and industrial customers. It’s an almost even split between planned, bid projects and calls that need quicker action. All of this is worth it when customers benefit from his efforts, and he receives a fair wage. From the first hand shake to the last, the planning and performing of an electrical project to completion is a rewarding process.
Speaking of family – Joe and his wife Lynn met in high school. They have 2 sons, Max (15) & Jackson (12). They are in the thick of life with constant activities in sports and programs. They enjoy traveling near and far, yet love backyard cook outs and bonfires.
Gatewood Electric has been a member of the Minnesota Electrical Association since 2002, and Joe has been one of our amazing trainers of the code for many years.
He has served as the chair of the Education Committee, Secretary of the Board, Treasurer of the Board, Vice-President of the Board and soon to be President of the Board for the Association. Joe’s wisdom, guidance and overall character is valued as a leader of MEA. We couldn’t be more grateful to have him on board!
Lots of happy faces at Joe's recent class in Worthington! Thank you for the great turnout! 