Meet Sam Felsinger, one of Price Electric’s People You Can Rely On. Sam is a Foreman and traveling electrician on the Price Electric traveling workforce team. A typical workday starts with brewing coffee, filling out a Job Hazard Analysis (JHA), preparing materials, completing tasks, cleaning the area, and finishing with a daily log. Sam enjoys hunting, 3D archery, fishing, grilling, and camping in his free time.
What has been your favorite project at Price Electric, and why?
My favorite project has been the Oahe Dam Motor Control Center (MCC) because it was a unique job. It involved replacing old panels and MCCs, installing new equipment, and learning new hydroelectric controls.
Have you been promoted at Price Electric?
I have been promoted to foreman at Price Electric.
Do you have a work nickname?
I have several nicknames. One of my nicknames is Caillou, named after an animated TV cartoon character. I shave my head so the name fits, as Caillou is also bald. Another nickname of mine is Stretch, Tree, or Lurch due to my height; I’m 6’6″ tall.
Do you have a motto or mantra that you live by?
Work hard, play harder—that is what we do as the traveling workforce. We work hard and play harder!
Which Price Electric Core Value do you relate to the most?
Pursuing lasting relationships best identifies me since I love to foster good relationships with my coworkers, general contractors, and clients. I plan to work with many of them in the future.
Tell us three things that most people don’t know about you.
- I travel and live in a camper.
- I am from Sheboygan, WI, and during my high school years, I attended trade school at LTC (Lakeshore Technical College) in Sheboygan. As a junior, I completed college-level coursework. From my sophomore to senior year, I worked as a co-op electrician.
- I am an old soul, a very old soul. I act like an older man.
What would you say to someone considering employment and an electrical career with Price Electric?
Starting a career in the electrical business at a young age can lead to more opportunities in the future, as it provides a better vantage point. The younger you start, the more chances you will have going forward. When you begin young, you have a better perspective and understanding of the industry. I started young and will become a journeyman by age 21. Starting early opens many doors for you down the road. We need young kids interested in getting into the electrical trade. You can make a lot of money as an electrician while getting a paid apprenticeship.
What is your favorite meal?
My favorite meal would include beef enchiladas with chips, queso, and guac.
What is the best vacation that you have had?
This is a tricky question since I work as a traveling electrician, and my job feels like I’m on vacation. However, I would say that my trip to Langston, Ontario, Canada, two years ago was the best. It was a fishing trip, and we caught many walleye fish, which made the experience even better.
What is your favorite movie?
Step Brothers, a comedy starring Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly, is my all-time favorite movie. Some co-workers at Price Electric remind me of these characters.
What has been one of your proudest moments working at Price Electric?
One of my proudest moments working at Price Electric was passing my Journeyman’s Exam. It’s the one thing we all work towards during our apprenticeship, and with the help of Price Electric employees, their experiences, and the job training given to me, I passed it on my first try.
What three words do you think best describe Price Electric?
- Reliability
- Caring (Price Electric cares about its employees)
- Versatility (All scopes under electrical are covered under Price Electric)
What’s the best thing about being part of the traveling workforce?
It’s like having a little family. Currently, the team includes Troy, Ethan, and me. Some people worry about feeling lonely on the road or leaving behind their loved ones, but the people you work with become your family. We have become a tight-knit group, living, working, and hanging out together. There’s always someone who has your back, and being part of such a supportive team is a great feeling. It’s a unique experience you don’t want to miss out on. Plus, it’s nice to have the freedom to travel and see new things before settling down and starting a family. It’s a lot of fun to explore new places, meet new people, and make friends all over the country. I have friends in almost every state I’ve visited; whenever I pass through, I always make a point to see them. I love it!
What is on your bucket list?
My dream vacation is to go to Anchorage, Alaska, to see the scenery and heritage of the place, meet the people, and, if possible, go fishing and hunting. I want to meet the native people there. I would also like to go skydiving.
What would you do if you could do another job besides being an electrician for a day?
I’d be a hunting guide. I hunt everything. I do a lot of deer hunting, coyote hunting, wolves, bears, and more. This year, I have hunted in Wisconsin, Missouri, Nebraska, Iowa, Indiana, and Ohio. I shot 13 deer this year.
What is the best place you have ever traveled to and why?
The best place I have ever traveled to is Alabama. The football team is excellent, the food is fantastic, and the people are friendly. Overall, it’s just a really enjoyable experience. I worked in Orange Beach, just 15 minutes from the coast. It was a fantastic experience to be so close to the beach while working.
What are five words for anyone considering an electrical profession with Price Electric?
There’s something to learn everyday.
