Meet Andy, one of Price Electric’s People You Can Rely On.

Andy is an industrial supervisor who has transitioned from being a journeyman electrician to managing large industrial projects. He supervises crews and goes wherever he’s needed, whether for industrial, commercial, or service work.

On a typical day as a supervisor, Andy’s first task is to hold a huddle where safety concerns are discussed, and Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs) are completed. Andy ensures that everyone understands their assignments and gets started on their tasks. He also makes certain that all crew members have their questions answered.

When he is not at work, Andy enjoys activities such as fishing, hiking, exploring the outdoors, and golfing. The more time I spend outdoors, the happier I feel. He is a musician and plays the guitar. Spending time with family and teaching my grandkids is important for Andy.

 

What has been your favorite project at Price Electric, and why?

 My favorite project was the Clarinda wastewater treatment job. I was involved early in the pre-planning stages and had the opportunity to experience Price Electric’s processes and approach firsthand. It was certainly challenging, with many obstacles to overcome, but I thrive on challenges. Feeling challenged is significant to me; if I don’t have that, I begin to feel stagnant.

Throughout this project, I developed meaningful relationships and gained a solid understanding of how Price Electric operates. I was genuinely impressed with their methods. In previous jobs, I didn’t always have the opportunity to engage in preplanning, but I adapted and did what was necessary. However, at Clarinda, it was my favorite project because I was involved from the very beginning.

Do you have a motto or mantra that guides your life?

• Maintain your integrity – For me, maintaining integrity is one of the most important principles, and I expect the same from others.
• Learn something new every day – I believe in trying to learn something new every day, no matter how insignificant or irrelevant it may seem; it all adds up in the long run.
• Maintain your balance in life – Maintaining balance and staying centered is crucial. This applies to various aspects of life, such as politics, personal relationships, and work. It’s essential to achieve balance, especially when juggling family and employment responsibilities.

Where would you go for a dream vacation?

I would love to go to Ireland or Scotland, part of the British Isles, for a dream vacation.

Which Price Electric Core Value do you relate to the most?

I resonate most with the Core Value of Innovative Thinking. I believe that knowledge and innovative thinking are crucial. While I recognize that all core values are essential, I find that innovative thinking stands out as the most important. It is a fundamental part of the job, and there are times when creativity is necessary. I enjoy solving problems and consider myself a strong problem solver. This aspect of innovative thinking is the most significant for me.

Tell us three things that most people don’t know about you.

• As a classically trained musician, I’ve been playing and reading music since childhood, and I also write my own music. Music is significant in my family; my dad played the fiddle, and my sister played violin. I find it hard to listen to music while working because I get distracted by mentally reading the score. My approach to tasks is to break them down and piece them back together, a skill developed through my musical training. I also play bluegrass guitar and can flat-pick.
• I am an excellent cook with various specialties, including gourmet recipes. In college, I worked at a high-end restaurant where the chefs taught me many techniques. I particularly enjoy preparing beef tenderloin with cabernet sauce and making Grand Marnier soufflés, a classic French dessert.

• I’m an adrenaline junkie who loves going fast and playing hard. After years of free solo climbing in places like Colorado and South Dakota, I’ve felt the toll of this lifestyle. I still crave adrenaline and enjoy motorcycles, but that’s why I don’t own one—wanting to go fast can be risky.

 What would you say to someone considering employment and an electrical career with Price Electric?

Make the most of the opportunities available to you here, as there are many chances to explore different aspects of the electrical trade. This environment offers resources and experiences that you might not find in other companies. I encourage you to take full advantage of all the learning opportunities presented to you. Additionally, I believe patience is essential for everyone. I’ve noticed that many people are eager to learn too quickly. I recommend that everyone challenge themselves to improve in at least one area at work.

What is your favorite restaurant?

My favorite restaurant is Olive Garden. I love any pasta, especially the shrimp Alfredo.

What is the best vacation that you have had?

I generally don’t take vacations, so I’ve never really had the opportunity to experience many. The only real vacation I can genuinely call a vacation was a trip to Colorado. It was one of my favorites. My kids were young at the time, and we had a great time exploring the mountains and other natural wonders. During vacation periods, I usually try to spend time with my extended family. Overall, the Colorado trip remains the best vacation I’ve had.

 What three words do you think best describe Price Electric?

1. 1. Loyalty
   2. Commitment – The commitment to employees is strong, which is important to me.
   3. Professionalism – I think that everyone here has a very professional approach.

What was the first concert that you ever attended?

My very first concert was a bluegrass show featuring Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs, held in a cave in southern Missouri. It was a fantastic experience. Music. I’ve attended many concerts over the years. In the 1970s, performances were everywhere, and tickets were quite affordable. My first major rock concert was in 1975 in Kansas City, Missouri, where I saw Foghat, Bachman-Turner Overdrive, and Judas Priest, who was the opening act.

 Do you have a work nickname?

One of my nicknames is “Old Man,” given to me by a co-worker. (laughs)

What’s the best thing about working at Price Electric?

One of the best aspects of my job is witnessing the growth of my apprentices. Teaching them brings me great satisfaction, and I enjoy sharing my knowledge while setting a good example. I taught the ABC of Iowa apprenticeship classes for years, and seeing some students rise to positions even higher than mine fills me with gratitude.

What is on your bucket list?

My bucket list is quite limitless and includes anything that sparks my interest. One item is skydiving, which I’ve never tried. I also want to see the ocean since I’ve never laid eyes on it, despite being within 20 miles of the coast. Additionally, I’d love to visit the Pacific Northwest. Although I don’t have many aspirations to travel abroad, I want to experience Europe’s art and architecture, especially Gothic architecture.

Do you have any hidden talents?

I like art. I draw and sculpt. I haven’t done that for several years, but it’s something that I enjoy.

When are you happiest?

I truly enjoy spending time with my family, especially my seven grandkids—two boys and five girls, including a set of twins. We go on adventures together, and I fully relax and have fun with them. The youngest, who is five, recently learned my name is William and finds it hilarious to call me that, often cracking up in the process.

What is your favorite meal?

My favorite meal is biscuits and gravy.

What do you like about our company culture?

What I appreciate about our company culture is the “work hard, play hard” attitude. The personal support we receive as employees is truly unique.