Adam Ruff | ABC’s 2017 Craft Professional of the Year

Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) has named Adam Ruff of Ely, Iowa, field supervisor at Price Electric, its 2017 Craft Professional of the Year. Ruff received the honor at ABC’s Careers in Construction awards ceremony on March 3 during ABC’s Workforce Week ’17 conference in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.  This prestigious award is given out annually to a field employee who is a master of their skill, is a strong leader and demonstrates a passion for their trade.

“Adam Ruff is a tremendous leader and we are proud to honor his hard work for Price Electric and in his local community,” said 2017 ABC National Chair Chuck Goodrich, president of Gaylor Electric, Indianapolis. “Adam’s innovative approach to advancing the construction industry, commitment to the safe way being the only way, and to the well being of everyone he comes into contact with in the field, office or shop, is truly impressive.”

“Adam is the type of person that everyone wants on their team,” said Price Electric President Jeremy Price. “Our employees have been excited and greatly motivated by this entire process. This award shows everyone what can be achieved by making their jobs into a career, and dedicating yourself to it. A win for Adam was a win for all of us. It gives us pride to know we are associated with the award. It builds us up in the community and it helps to bring in future employees.”

ABC presents the Craft Professional of the Year award to a construction craft professional who excels in his or her field while also demonstrating a commitment to safety, training and the merit shop philosophy each year. As the 2017 Craft Professional of the Year, Ruff received a brand new 2017 Ram Tradesman Crew Cab truck from the award’s exclusive sponsor, Tradesmen International, with custom upgrades donated by ABC business partner Ram Commercial.

Ruff began his career in construction in 1998 as an electrical apprentice at ABC’s Iowa chapter and has worked in both the residential and commercial/industrial side of the electrical craft. He has risen through the ranks from apprentice, to journeyman and foreman into his current role as field supervisor where he ensures employees are safe, well-trained and productive. He has led Price Electric’s work on numerous award-winning jobs including their work on the University of Iowa Children’s Hospital, which was awarded a best-in-class Eagle Award at ABC’s 27th annual Excellence in Construction ® Awards gala, also held during Workforce Week ’17.

What Does Being Named the CPOY Mean to Adam?

After the event, Adam was asked a few questions before he headed off to celebrate  . . .

  • Congratulations on being named the 2017 Craft Professional of the Year.  How does it feel? This feels great!  I am honestly in shock.  I am a really humble guy and I am very thankful for this award.
  • Would you encourage the next generation to choose a career in the construction industry? I went to college for two years – I thought that I wanted to be a park ranger.  My roommate at the time was an electrician and I would see him coming home with good paychecks.  I asked him if he could help me get a job with his employer.  He helped me and I started working as an electrician.  I quickly figured out that there were so many directions that I could go in.  I could become a Supervisor or a Business Owner.  I could run multi-million dollar jobs . . .   So, yes, I would encourage young people to get into construction.  The sky is the limit.  I started out as an apprentice and now I am running job sites.  There is nothing like seeing a finished project when you are done!
  • What role does safety play in being the Craft Professional of the Year? Safety is #1.  You can’t go to work and be unsafe and expect to go home.  You always need to take the time to think about what you are doing.  In the electrical industry (or any trade) you cannot compromise on safety!

Congratulations to Adam!

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