Meet Ryan Maas, one of Price Electric’s People You Can Rely On. Ryan serves as a Journeyman Electrician and Foreman for the Price Electric Commercial and Industrial Divisions.
His typical workday begins with a Job Hazard Analysis (JHA). Afterward, Ryan prepares the team for work, ensuring they have all the necessary materials and maintaining a positive atmosphere on the site.
He emphasizes the importance of good morale, believing it directly impacts the team’s performance. Sometimes, he buys breakfast and donuts or takes the team to lunch to celebrate meeting a deadline or finishing ahead of schedule. He enjoys joking around with the team to keep the mood light.
In addition to working on planning and paperwork, he assists with the most challenging tasks and anyone who needs help.
Ryan enjoys spending time with his friends and family when he’s not at work. He’s a big fan of country concerts and recently attended a show by Drake White.
He also recently took up kayaking and loves to paddle around Lake McBride, a no-wake lake, making it an ideal spot for kayaking.
Could you tell us about a project at Price Electric that stands out to you? What made it memorable?
My favorite project was when I went to Dunkirk, New York, for the Wells Enterprises manufacturing plant project, where they make Blue Bunny ice cream. I loved that job because it was my first time traveling to work outside of Iowa.
I worked with Robroy piping – a rigid conduit with a rubber coating on the outside, which is designed to provide protection for wiring and cable in electrical systems and to withstand harsh corrosive environments.
It’s very different; I had heard of it but had never used it before. The challenge and the opportunity to learn something new made it a memorable experience for me.
Did your family influence your career choice?
As a third-generation journeyman electrician, I am deeply rooted in this profession. My family’s legacy has inspired me to aim for my field’s highest level of expertise.
I am determined to take the master’s exam and become a third-generation Master Electrician, a goal that fuels my passion for continuous learning and growth.
Tell us three things that most people don’t know about you.
- I was a high school wrestler at City High and traveled nationwide for wrestling.
- I traveled a lot as a kid because my family lived all over the country. We frequently flew to visit relatives in Vegas and Cleveland.
- In 8th grade, I had the opportunity to travel to Vienna, Austria, for two weeks with the People-to-People Student Ambassador Program and even earned college credits for it. We visited a concentration camp during the trip, which was an eye-opening experience.
Which Price Electric Core Value do you relate to the most?
I identify the most with Price Electric’s core value of “Pursue Lasting Relationships.” This value resonates with me because I understand the importance of maintaining long-term relationships with co-workers and others in the different trades on-site. You never know when you might need these relationships in the future.
Have you been promoted at Price Electric?
Yes, I have been promoted to foreman at Price Electric. This promotion validates Price Electric’s opportunities for growth and learning. I am proud to say I passed my journeyman test at Price Electric.
Where would you go for a dream vacation?
I want to go to Bora Bora because of the movie XxX, called Triple X, an action film starring Vin Diesel. The final scenes were set in Bora Bora, which looked so cool. I had never heard of that place before.
Do you have a motto or mantra that you live by?
“Don’t fear failure. — Not failure, but low aim, is the crime. In great attempts, it is glorious even to fail.” Bruce Lee
What would you say to someone considering employment and an electrical career with Price Electric?
If you are considering employment and a career in the electrical field with Price Electric, my advice would be to show up every day and work hard, even if you don’t have all the knowledge. There are people here who will help you.
Those who work hard at Price Electric have the potential to go far. There are plenty of opportunities for learning and growth at Price Electric.
The company offers a wide range of electrical projects and divisions, providing the chance to work on diverse and exciting assignments.
When I joined Price Electric, I was a residential electrician, and it was great to switch to different kinds of projects. We work on big, exciting things. The opportunities here are unique and varied, which you do not find at most electrical companies.
What is your favorite meal?
My favorite meal would include Steak, baked potato, and a salad.
What has been one of your proudest moments working at Price Electric?
One of my proudest moments at Price Electric was passing my first final inspection as a foreman.
What is your biggest pet peeve?
My biggest pet peeve is lying; I’d rather you tell me the truth, and we’ll deal with it than have you lie and have me find out about it.
What’s the best thing about your job?
One of the best perks of my job is my flexible work schedule. I can work four 10-hour days and have Fridays off. This flexibility allows me to adjust my schedule as needed and easily plan short vacations.
I love my job because I work on various electrical systems, and the people at the job sites are all friendly and supportive. We even hang out outside of work.
What is on your bucket list?
I want to ride Route 66 on a motorcycle or cross the country on a bike.
What would you do if you could do another job besides being an electrician for a day?
When I imagine doing a different job for a day, I would choose to be a truck driver. I would love to get paid for traveling and exploring new places while driving a truck.
What is the best place you have ever traveled to and why?
The best place I have ever traveled to is North Carolina. I feel very peaceful there, and it’s like my dream place to live.
Topsail Island is my favorite spot, and I have family there.
It’s not very touristy, so I go there to hang out on the beach. It’s just 2 hours north of Myrtle Beach, a small, quaint town.
Charlotte, North Carolina, is my favorite city to visit.
What are five words for anyone considering an electrical profession with Price Electric?
Opportunities to work on different electrical systems.