Member Spotlight

Shawn Hasskamp--Dutch's Electric, Aitkin MN

 

At our annual Electrical Contractor's Summit this February, Shawn Hasskamp of Dutch’s Electric will take on the role of Chair for the Electrical Association’s Board of Directors. Shawn has served on the Government Action, Membership/Workforce, and Education committees. Dutch’s Electric has been very involved with the Association for decades.

Dutch’s Electric has been serving the Aitkin, MN and surrounding areas with commercial, industrial, and residential needs since 1979 when Shawn’s father, George, started the company. It seemed very clear to Shawn that his dad wanted him to follow him in his footsteps and work in the electrical industry. He would go with his dad to jobsites at a very young age, and when he was about 10 years old, Shawn began wiring. In 2002 he graduated high school and then completed the two-year construction electrician program in Wadena. Throughout high school and college, Shawn spent his summers doing a variety of work for his dad. Sadly George passed away in 2011. Shawn went from working in the field to working on estimates and scheduling employees. Over time, he gained a deeper understanding of the business and expanded all areas. Shawn’s greatest business success is that he has been able to continue the family business since his dad’s passing.

Regardless of the job’s size, Shawn takes pride in assisting people. He acknowledges that at times customers may find the work inconvenient, especially when it’s unexpected. Whether he’s working on a new construction project or fixing a light switch, Shawn appreciates the satisfaction that comes from knowing he has been able to help someone.

It was George’s involvement with the Electrical Association that lead to Shawn becoming involved himself. He remembers attending a lot of fun Association events with his father. One in particular was going to Fair Hills Resort in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. They stayed in small cabins, at the dinner hall, and the evening entertainment included a hootenanny! Since then, Shawn has attended numerous Association meetings and events throughout the state.

Shawn considers the Electrical Association a valuable resource for business. He frequently utilizes offerings like education programs, and while some resources may be accessed only once a year, the Association serves as a go-to place when encountering uncertainties and needing guidance in various situations.

Work seems to take up a lot of Shawn’s time, but when they can, his family is fortunate to do some fun things. Shawn’s kids are between 9 and 16 years old, so they are on the go constantly. They have gone on some amazing trips to Yellowstone National Park and to Maine, where they were in a lobster boat checking traps. If the Hasskamps aren’t traveling, you can find them at sporting events or spending time on their pontoon.

We extend our sincere appreciation to Shawn and Dutch’s Electric for their consistent support and dedicated commitment to the Electrical Association!


 

Dutch's Electric