EC&M On Air

In this Next-Gen Insights, Ellen Parson is joined by Hannah Shasserre, Project Engineer at ArchKey Solutions, to discuss what led her to succeed in the electrical industry and to become a 2025 EC&M 30 Under 30 All Star honoree. She discusses how she got started in the industry, challenges she's faced on the job and how she overcame them, her favorite projects, and tips for other young professionals.

In this episode of EC&M On Air podcast, host Ellen Parson, Editor-in-Chief of EC&M, speaks with industry experts from Henderson Engineers, CannonDesign, and Augmenta about how artificial intelligence is reshaping design and construction workflows in the electrical industry. The discussion explores how AI tools are being used to accelerate early-stage design decisions, automate tasks like electrical conduit routing and model coordination, and analyze past project data to improve planning and benchmarking. Our experts include: Dustin Schafer, Head of Research at Henderson Engineers Aaron Henderson, Senior Digital Innovation Director at Henderson Engineers Joel Yow, Director of Digital Products at CannonDesign Aaron Szymanski, Co-Founder and Head of Product at Augmenta Look for part 2 of this discussion coming next month.

In this Next-Gen Insights, Ellen Parson is joined by Carlie Cook, Director of semiconductor operations at Rosendin, to discuss what led her to succeed in the electrical industry and to become a 2025 EC&M 30 Under 30 All Star honoree. They discuss what it’s like to work on semiconductor projects, tips for success, and thoughts on the future of the industry.

We're highlighting a popular recent article in a special audio-only format. This article is read by Editor-in-Chief Ellen Parson and was originally published on the EC&M website in October. Written by Jennifer Daneshgari and Dr. Heather Moore, this piece explores how to design a process of procurement (PoP) that allows your construction org to effectively plan work, manage labor, procure materials, and more.

Philip Keebler, technical advisor with PBE Engineers, joins EC&M On Air to discuss power quality issues. Editor-in-Chief Ellen Parson's conversation with him was so detailed that we decided to divide into three parts. This is the third and final part. You can find the other two discussions with Philip in the On Air feed. In this episode, we turn our sights onto the monitoring aspect of power quality.

In this episode, David Speidelsbach, Sales and Strategic Initiatives at Wesco, shares expert insights on how to successfully pursue and execute complex data center projects.

In this Next-Gen Insights, Ellen Parson is joined by Austin Hays, Apprenticeship Coordinator at Claypool Electric, Inc., to discuss what has helped him succeed in his career and as a 2025 EC&M 30 Under 30 All Star honoree. They discuss what led Austin to a career in the electrical industry, advice for young professionals, work-life balance, and more!

We're highlighting a popular past article that ran online in a special audio-only format. This article is read by Editor-in-Chief Ellen Parson and was originally published on the EC&M website in October. Written by Theo Brillhart, this article explores into how the chief barrier in EV adoption is now "charging anxiety" and the reliability of EV charging infrastructure.

Ellen Parson sits down with Jim Lucy, Editor-in-Chief of EC&M’s sister publications, Electrical Wholesaling and Electrical Marketing. They discuss Lucy's 2026 construction forecast that appeared in the December 2025 issue of EC&M. Lucy breaks down trends, drivers to look out for, and more. Learn more about what to expect for the construction industry in this new year.

For Episode 94, we're highlighting a popular past article that ran online in a special audio-only format. This article is read by Editor-in-Chief Ellen Parson and was originally published on the EC&M website in October. Written by one of EC&M's trusted subject matter experts, Mark Lamendola, this article defines what safety should look like across organizations and for individuals based on NFPA 70E requirements.

In Episode 93 of EC&M On Air, Sophia Pike, electrical engineer III with Syska Hennessey Group, joins Ellen Parson to discuss what has helped her succeed so early in her career as a 2025 EC&M 30 Under 30 All Star honoree. They discuss how Sophia got interested in electrical design and data center work, tips she'd share with other young professionals in the industry, key technology to stay sharp with, and more.

In our final full-length episode of 2025, Ellen Parson and the rest of the EC&M editorial team are highlighting some of the most memorable and popular content of this past year. Ellen highlights topics like the top 2026 National Electrical Code changes and what AI means for the electrical industry. Managing Editor Ellie Coggins Angus covers what's going on with The Everyday Electrician (including our first viral Instagram reel!), safety-related trends, and some of Freelancer Tom Zind's best reporting work of the year (his most popular article was about why there are so many abandoned construction projects and what that means for electrical professionals). Editor Michael Morris shares what industry he's been observing this year when it comes to electric vehicles, top Tech Talk topics from subject matter expert Randy Barnett, covering the Everyday Electrician's top product picks from NECA, and popular, downloadable e-books from our library.

This bonus episode of EC&M On Air, sponsored by Wesco, explores how the rapid growth of AI, cloud computing, and digital infrastructure is reshaping the data center market and pushing development beyond traditional core locations. Host Ellen Parson is joined by Wesco subject matter expert David Speidelsbach to examine the forces driving unprecedented demand, the strain being placed on established data center hubs, and why emerging and tertiary markets are becoming the next frontier for development. The conversation dives into the benefits and challenges of building data centers in these new regions, including cost advantages, access to land and renewable energy, tax incentives, and the realities of labor, water, and infrastructure constraints. David also shares guidance for electrical contractors navigating these complex projects, highlighting the importance of early collaboration, strong partnerships, and supply chain coordination. Throughout the discussion, listeners gain practical insight into how contractors and suppliers can successfully support large-scale, mission-critical data center builds in an evolving market.

We're bringing listeners another special episode of EC&M On Air for Episdoe 91. This Next-Gen Insights ep features a conversation with Editor-in-Chief Ellen Parson and 2025 30 Under 30 honoree Luis Llamas, master electrician and owner of Salvador Electric in Mechanicville, Md. They discuss what a day in the life looks like for Luis, industry trends, and more. If you want to get to know more about Luis, read his 30 Under 30 profile.

Philip Keebler, senior electrical engineer with PBE Engineers, joins Episode 89 of EC&M On Air to discuss power quality issues. Editor-in-Chief Ellen Parson's conversation with him was so detailed that we wanted to divide into three parts. Part 1 covered safety issues related to power quality. In this episode, we're diving into grounding-related topics, including why grounding is fundamental when it comes to achieving/maintaining power quality in electrical systems.

In Episode 90 of EC&M On Air, Ellen Parson features an ICYMI-style show. This is an audio-only version of a popular past online-only article published in August 2025 by one of our longtime experts and contributors, Mark Lamendola. It covers electrical maintenance and repair best practices and why faster does NOT always equal more efficient when it comes to these jobs. Listen to the article read here or check out the original article online.

In Episode 88 of EC&M On Air, we're featuring an audio-only version of a popular past article. This time, Editor-in-Chief Ellen Parson is highlighting an article from longtime EC&M freelancer Tom Zind on why there are so many abandoned construction projects — and the impact on electrical contractors. Listen to this audio-only version, or check out the original online exclusive article.

In this episode of EC&M On Air, Editor-in-Chief Ellen Parson discusses some of the most pressing topics facing the electrical industry with a couple of special guests: Jeff Thiede, president and CEO of Everus Construction Group, and Greg Padalecki, president and CEO of Alterman. They are executives from two of this year's EC&M Top 50 Electrical Contractors, recognized in our annual special report. Greg, Jeff, and Ellen share electrical industry insights, including how leading electrical contracting firms are navigating the current economic climate, material price increases, the skilled labor shortage, AI usage, and what to look forward to in 2026 and beyond.

In Episode 86, Editor-in-Chief Parson reads an audio-only version of a popular past article. This time, she is highlighting an article of safe installation of IT equipment for electrical professionals, originally an online-only article by Mark Lamendola, a subject matter expert for EC&M magazine. The original article, "Safe Installation of IT Equipment," can be found on our website.

Episode 85 features a special interview with Ryan Helsdingen, electrical engineer, PE, LEED AP, with Syska Hennessy Group as part of EC&M On Air's Next-Gen Insights series! Ellen Parson, editor-in-chief, and Ryan discuss what it takes to grow as a leader in the electrical industry, electrical design insights, and technological trends up-and-coming electrical leaders should keep up with. Read Ryan's original 30 Under 30 profile to learn more about him.

As the demand for electric vehicle charging stations increases, electrical contractors face mounting challenges—cable damage, site disruption, and labor shortages can slow down project timelines. This episode explores how streamlined solutions can simplify eMobility infrastructure installations, ensuring efficiency and reliability. Southwire is leading the charge with innovative cables, jobsite calculators, and installation techniques designed to cut costs and accelerate project completion. Learn how electrical contractors can leverage these resources to overcome labor hurdles, enhance sustainability efforts, and confidently meet growing demand. Whether you're in the trenches installing EV chargers or managing large-scale infrastructure projects, this episode delivers actionable insights to keep you ahead of the curve. Tune in to discover how smarter installations can drive success in the evolving EV landscape.

In Episode 83 of EC&M On Air, Editor-in-Chief Ellen Parson discusses key insights from some of this year's Top 40 electrical design firm executives. This conversation features Darin Anderson, CEO & chairman of Salas O'Brien, and Matt Goss, senior vice president of CDM Smith. They discuss industry trends, secrets to success, and current challenges facing electrical design firms — and how they're addressing those challenges head on.

On Episode 82 of EC&M On Air, we're featuring an audio-only version of a popular past article, read by Editor-in-Chief Ellen Parson. This article, called "Handling Safety Violations on Client Sites," is by Mark Lamendola and appeared online in May 2025.

In today's episode, meet the three overall winners of this year's Product of the Year competition, hosted by EC&M magazine! First, Editor-in-Chief Ellen Parson speaks with Sergio Panetta, VP of Engineering at I-Gard Corp., about the overall Platinum-winning product: the i-AVT Plus in the “Protective Devices” category. Next, she discusses the Gold winner, the DCC-9 in the “Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment” category with Léo Viger-Bernard, RVE’s Senior Advisor – Specification and Strategy – USA. Lastly, Ellen learns more about the 2025 POTY Silver winner with Jason Axelson, Product Application Specialist, Routine Maintenance at Fluke, about its iSee Mobile Thermal Camera in the “Cameras & Imaging Equipment” category. You can read more about each of our three winners in this special report by Freelancer Amy Fischbach. All of the submissions and category winners of the 2025 competition are featured in this digital issue.

In Episode 80, we're featuring another Next-Gen Insights interview, this time with 2024 30 Under 30 honoree Conner Willert. Conner is a project manager for ArchKey Solutions, and he and Editor-in-Chief Ellen Parson discuss his career, practices to help up-and-coming electrical leaders, and more.

Episode 79 features an audio-only version of a popular gallery that recently ran on the EC&M website called "What's Driving Women Out of Construction?" This gallery offers statistics from a survey conducted by The National Center for Construction Education and Research. The findings offer insights on some of the elements that are keeping women from entering and remaining in the construction industry. Tune in to the audio-only version of this gallery, read by Ellen Parson, editor-in-chief of EC&M.

Philip Keebler, technical advisor to PBE Engineers, joins the podcast to discuss the relationship between power quality and electrical safety with Ellen Parson in Episode 78. In this discussion, Keebler explores how poor power quality, such as voltage sags, transients, and harmonics, can compromise electrical safety, increase arc flash and fire risks, and cause critical equipment failures. He also dives into the importance of proactive design, proper grounding, and overcurrent protection coordination to mitigate these hazards.

In today's episode, we're highlighting an audio-only version of a popular past article from Mark Lamendola, long-time EC&M contributor and electrical safety expert, on the importance of check steps when it comes to electrical work and better job-site safety.

In Episode 76 of EC&M On Air, Editor-in-Chief Ellen Parson sat down with David Lincoln, senior vice president at Rosendin, to discuss some really cool technology they're implementing throughout their solar installations. They have been using robots to increase the efficiency and safety of building solar energy fields. Ellen and David dive into this exciting practice and how robotic technology can help electrical contractors perform work (like solar) faster and more effectively.

Episode 75 features a special edition of EC&M On Air, where we are highlighting insights from past EC&M Under 30 All Stars! Today's guest is Hazen Ring, account service manager with Vanguard Electrical in Fort Worth, Texas. Hazen and Ellen discuss tips for young folks in the industry, technology worth exploring, and more.

In Episode 74 of EC&M On Air, we're featuring another audio-only version of a popular piece of past content from the EC&M website. Today, Editor-in-Chief Ellen Parson is highlighting the most unusual power outages of 2024, which was a photo gallery based on data gathered by Eaton. It covers some of the wildest and weirdest causes of power outages in the United States and Canada. Listen to hear about some of these unique electrical instigators, or check out the original gallery.

In this episode of EC&M On Air, we're featuring an interview conducted at PowerTest 25 in March 2025 by Ellen Parson with Lanny Floyd, adjunct professor (principle consultant, electrical safety and technology), The University of Alabama at Birmingham. They got the opportunity to discuss Lanny's presentation at PowerTest 25, hosted by NETA, entitled "Advanced Risk Factors for Electrical Safety." Topics covered include: Why there has been a steady decline in electrical fatalities in the United States over the past decade. New safety approaches from major organizations like OSHA, NIOSH, and NSC. How human behavior and decision making drive electrical safety outcomes. Strategies for integrating advanced risk factor analyses into existing electrical safety programs. Defining how "expanding our thinking" will lead to improved electrical safety outcomes.

In Episode 72 of EC&M On Air, Editor-in-Chief Ellen Parson reads an audio-only version of a past popular article from the EC&M website. Today, she features "Maintaining Safe Ladders on Job Sites," written by Mark Lamendola, an electrical consultant to EC&M, and originally published in February 2025.

Episode 71 of EC&M On Air features another interview with a past Under 30 All-Star! This time, Editor-in-Chief Ellen Parson interviews Khalid Hachil, an electrical engineer with Stantec. They discuss why Khalid decided to enter the electrical industry, insights from an electrical engineering perspective, and tips for other electrical engineers looking to advance in their career and better understand technological trends. Check out Khalid's original 30 Under 30 profile for more information about him.

This episode features Part 2 of EC&M Editor-in-Chief's conversation with Philip Keebler, technical advisor to PBE Engineers. They cover common misconceptions throughout the power quality industry that electrical professionals need to be aware of. In case you missed it, check out Part 1 of this conversation, where Ellen and Philip discussed economic factors of PQ issues.

In Episode 69 of EC&M On Air, Editor-in-Chief Ellen Parson is highlighting a popular past article with alerts from NECA for its members about what impending tariffs will mean for the electrical industry. If you're interested in more insights regarding tariffs, check out this recent article from Tom Zind, a freelance reporter for EC&M.

Episode 68 features our latest Next-Gen Insights interview with 2024 EC&M Under 30 All Star honoree, Wes Newton, a service technician with Hill Electric Co., Anderson, S.C. EC&M Editor-in-Chief Ellen Parson and Wes chat about Wes's journey into the electrical industry, must-know technology, and other tips for up-and-coming electrical leaders. You can learn more about Wes in his 2024 30 Under 30 Electrical All Star profile. Follow EC&M On Air for more Next-Gen Insights. These special interviews are released the second Thursday of each month!

In Episode 67, we're covering the many misconceptions surrounding power quality (PQ) issues with Philip Keebler, technical advisor to PBE Engineers. This episode had so much great PQ information, so Ellen Parson, host of EC&M On Air and Editor-in-Chief of EC&M, decided to split this episode into two parts. This episode is Part 1 and covers economic considerations all electrical professionals must understand when it comes to PQ issues.

Episode 66 is EC&M On Air's first Next-Gen Insights episode! We're featuring past and present EC&M 30 Under 30 All Stars who discuss their journey in the electrical industry, advice they'd share with other up-and-coming young electrical leaders, technological insights to keep up with, and more. This week, Ellen Parson chats with Yamil Camacho, retail sector project manager with Henderson Engineers in Lenexa, Kan. You can also check out his 2024 30 Under 30 profile.

ICYMI, this month's EC&M "On Air Highlights" features an audio-only version of a popular past article, read by Editor-in-Chief Ellen Parson. She reads an article by Kevin Kolhonen called "The Importance of Key Performance Indicators in Workplace Safety," which can also be viewed in its original form on the EC&M website.

In Episode 64 of EC&M On Air, Editor-in-Chief Ellen Parson sits down with the other EC&M editorial staff — Managing Editor Ellie Coggins Angus and Editor Michael Morris — to discuss the most popular articles, videos, podcasts, and social media trends of 2024! See what subject areas and authors got the most attention from our readers and resonated with Ellen, Ellie, and Michael.

ICYMI, Episode 63 features an audio-only version of Electrical Expert Mark Lamendola's popular online article, "Bender Basics for Safety," read by Ellen Parson, editor-in-chief of EC&M. This article covers the definition of a bender, proper usage, and top safety tips.

In Episode 62 of EC&M On Air, Ellen Parson sits down with Jim Lucy, editor-in-chief of EC&M's sister publication, Electrical Wholesaling. They take a deep dive into Jim's 2025 construction forecast, including what to expect in terms of hot and cool markets, mega projects to be on the lookout for, electrical product price increases, and how a new presidential administration may impact the overall electrical/construction industry. For more information, check out Jim's full 2025 construction forecast report, which appeared in the December 2024 print edition of EC&M. And if you want the most in-depth, up-to-date info on the electrical market, subscribe to Jim's bi-monthly Electrical Marketing newsletter.

In Episode 61 of EC&M On Air, we're bringing you "In Case You Missed It" insights from Rick Pedley, president and CEO of PK Safety! Your host and editor-in-chief of EC&M, Ellen Parson, reads an audio-only version of Rick's popular article, "How to Avoid Spark Explosions." This article highlights what static electricity is, how dust plays a role in creating spark explosions, and why proper static grounding devices help prevent worker injury. You can also read Rick's original article.