Electrical Association

From the President: Trainers Who Add Value

Written by Judi Rubin, President

Joe Gatewood is one of the key reasons that MEA provides some of the best code training available. His experience as an excellent contractor, estimator, designer and project manager; national and international construction experience; excitement about making the code easy to understand; and enjoyment of helping other contractors and electricians learn—make him a popular trainer.

Whether you're a self-made man like Joe Gatewood or are taking your family business to the next level—today's electrical contractors are an interesting hybrid of traditional values that maximize productivity with today's technology.

I had dinner with Joe recently and found him to be a modest, hardworking, self-made man who is smart, hard-charging, super-organized, funny and connected 24/7. His "smart phone" and laptop are always close at hand so he can get as much done online as possible whether it's ordering products, taking a class, or finding the answer to a question. He is as comfortable talking about "green" electrical trends and construction as he is about traditional projects. We evaluated a Tom Grandy Contractor's Boot Camp together and Joe showed up with all of the required information on his laptop. It quickly became clear that he put his college business training to good use.

It was interesting to learn that Joe's business goals are to provide the kind of service, safety and satisfaction that builds deep, loyal, long-term friendships in the Willmar community and with electrical contractors around the state. Good mentors were the motivation that led to Joe putting himself through college, becoming an electrician, and starting his own business.

So—with a contracting business, a beautiful and smart wife, two great kids—what is it that makes Joe want to spend part of his spare time training for MEA?

It is because he believes...

• continuing education makes it possible for electricians to advance in a career that supports their goals, dreams and families.
• there is nothing as satisfying as seeing electricians light up when they understand a new idea or concept.

Joe is one of the many contractors in MEA who are willing to share ideas about how to make electrical contractors more successful. Whether you are taking a class from him—or talking shop—it's always interesting.

We hope you will join us at the MEA Spring Conference on April 13 & 14 and stay for the NCEL Expo on April 14 & 15. Contractors have a great time exchanging ideas in committee meetings, at lunch or dinner, and in the hospitality suite at MEA's conferences. It may look like it's all laughter, but when you listen in on the discussion—sooner or later it comes around to—talking about how to make a business more successful.