EC&M On Air Electrical Industry Insights with EC&M 2025 Top 50 Electrical Contractor Executives
Oct 30, 2025
Jeff Thiede, the President and CEO of Everus Construction Group, and Greg Padalecki, the President and CEO of Alterman, discuss hot topics in electrical contracting. They explore how firms are tackling a skilled labor shortage and adapting to current economic challenges. The conversation dives into the booming demand for data centers, addressing recruitment strategies for younger workers, and the innovative use of AI in operations. Both executives emphasize the importance of disciplined project selection and the need for strong supplier relationships in a fluctuating market.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Decline Projects That Hurt Capacity
- Say no to projects that stretch your resources and reduce profitability.
- Focus on disciplined project selection to protect execution and future opportunities.
Make Labor Development Top Priority
- Invest heavily in recruiting, training, and retention to expand capacity.
- Treat skilled labor as a top priority since direct labor makes up ~90% of workforce headcount.
Younger Workforce Raises Training Stakes
- New entrants skew the workforce younger and less tenured, increasing training needs.
- Fast-tracking development and tooling up training are critical to maintain safety and productivity.