What drew you to the electrical trade?

I was attending CATEC in high school, but back then, they didn’t offer an electrical program like they do now. Since I couldn’t take electrical, I enrolled in a general construction course. One part of the class involved small wiring exercises, like connecting a switch to a light, which was basic but practical. My teacher saw my interest and said, ‘If you put your mind to it, you could be a great electrician.’ That stuck with me, and I thought, ‘I’m not on any specific path right now, so why not give it a shot?’ So, there I was, 16 years old, earning a paycheck and gaining experience on a big job site. That’s when I knew this trade could be the right fit for me.

Why did you decide to join design electric?

No one specifically told me about Design, but I’d always see their crew around town when I went out to lunch at places like Tubbies or Riverside. They’d be there in their Design trucks and shirts, laughing and enjoying each other’s company, and I thought, ‘That looks like a good place to work.’ Design seemed like the most prominent company in Charlottesville, and the fact that the work was local really appealed to me—I could stay close to home and spend more time with my family. Seeing them around town so often, I decided to give Design a shot.

What’s your career journey at Design Electric been like?

Since starting at Design Electric in 2015, I’ve had the opportunity to work on a wide range of projects that have shaped my career and skills. Early on, I tackled demanding night-shift work at a hospital, managing large-scale conduit installations that taught me the value of endurance and teamwork under challenging conditions. Later, I transitioned to academic settings, where I developed a strong understanding of lighting controls and eventually took on management responsibility for these systems.

As I progressed, I stepped into leadership roles, coordinating teams and managing complex tasks as a Leadman. Handling everything from motors and disconnects to the finer details of lighting controls, I gained a deeper technical knowledge and confidence in my work. Becoming a Foreman gave me my first project ownership, where I led a fast-paced job focused on access control systems.

Lighting controls became a specialty over time, especially as I took on healthcare projects with unique technical requirements. These experiences, often involving problem-solving and strategic planning, strengthened my skills and continue to push me forward in my career at Design Electric

What’s something you’ve learned from a team member at Design Electric?

One of the most important things I’ve learned at Design is the value of staying calm under pressure, especially from working with Smitty. I’ve seen him handle large, complex projects with demanding schedules, and he never loses his composure. Smitty’s ability to manage multiple jobs and work smoothly with GCs, no matter the challenges, has been inspiring. It seems to come naturally to him, and that steady leadership is something I’ve always respected and admired. To lead effectively here, staying cool under pressure is key, and it’s a quality I aim to carry forward in my own work.

What advice would you give to others thinking about joining the trade?

My advice to anyone considering the trade is simple: just go for it. Jump in and get started. When I first stepped onto a job site, it was intimidating, but you get used to it quickly. Stick with it, and before you know it, years will have flown by. A four-year apprenticeship might sound long, but it goes by fast, and you come out with skills that are incredibly valuable. There’s a lot of satisfaction in learning a trade, especially knowing you can fix things and see the results of your hard work.

What are your career goals?

Becoming a superintendent is a goal I’m working toward, but I know it will take some time. I’ve managed multiple small projects, and I took on a significant role on a large project, but I haven’t yet run a large project from start to finish. To be a superintendent, you need to be ready to handle projects of any size, and I want to make sure I have the right experience before stepping into that role. Right now, I’m focused on learning as much as I can and gaining more experience with each project. I enjoy the work and am excited to keep building my skills until I’m fully prepared to take that next step.