EC&M On Air

In this special Next-Gen Insights episode of EC&M On Air, Managing Editor Ellie Coggins sits down with Pedro Salas, field supervisor for Gaylor Electric in Noblesville, Ind., and one of EC&M's 2026 30 Under 30 All Stars. They discuss Pedro's family background in electrical, some of the skills he has honed in order to become a leader at his company, and technological knowledge — especially with AI — that everyone should develop.

If you want to learn more about Pedro, check out his complete 30 Under 30 profile, which also appeared in the July 2026 print issue. 

The latest episode of EC&M On Air Highlights features an audio-only version of a popular past online article. Ellen Parson, Editor-in-Chief and podcast host, reads Part 9 of "NFPA 70E: Key Terms Electricians Should Know" by Mark Lamendola, longtime technical contributor to EC&M. 

This particular article highlights NFPA 70E definitions regarding "hazard" and what they mean for working electricians when it comes to electrical safety best practices. If you missed Parts 1 through 8, you can go back and listen to past episodes to catch up. 

In this episode, EC&M's Ellen Parson speaks with Wesco's David Speidelsbach and Andy Jimenez about the strategies that help data center projects stay on schedule and reduce risk.

In this podcast, Kristy Phillips and Adam Akins explore how electrical contractors can improve jobsite productivity, safety, and sustainability through better preplanning, equipment standardization, and collaboration with manufacturers. The discussion highlights how innovative tools, prefabricated and ready-to-install solutions, and manufacturer-led training can reduce labor demands, minimize jobsite hazards, and help address skilled workforce shortages. They also examine how early collaboration, responsible sourcing, and sustainable material practices can reduce waste, improve project efficiency, and deliver long-term value across electrical construction projects.

This episode of EC&M On Air features Part 2 of Ellen Parson's conversation with Nicki Sparks, P.E., principal and electrical engineering leader at HED, and Adam Toth, P.E., president of Toth & Associates, two executives from this year's EC&M Top 40 Electrical Design Firms. In case you missed it, you can check out the first part of their conversation, featuring discussions on the current state of the industry and where demand for electrical design work is coming from.

In Part 2, Nicki, Adam, and Ellen focus on AI adoption and both what it can replace and what it won't. They also dissect workforce challenges, infrastructure concerns, and what the future will bring for the industry. 

How well do you understand terms related to ground/grounding, according to NFPA 70E standards? In this audio-only version of a popular online article, Ellen Parson reads Mark Lamendola's explanation of the dozen ground-related terms all electricians need to know. 

The electrical industry is undergoing significant transformation. As demand for data centers, critical infrastructure, and electrification projects accelerates, contractors are facing a unique opportunity to expand beyond installation services and create new revenue streams through equipment manufacturing.

In this episode, Mary Derrick, Vice President of EOEM and Power Applications at Schneider Electric, discusses how electrical contractors can evolve into Electrical Original Equipment Manufacturers (EOEMs) and capitalize on one of the fastest-growing segments of the power industry. Mary shares insights from her work with contractors, OEMs, distributors, and partners across North America, highlighting the market trends driving demand for custom-engineered electrical equipment, including switchboards, power distribution systems, and mission-critical infrastructure solutions.

The discussion explores why contractors are uniquely positioned to succeed as EOEMs, leveraging customer relationships, installation expertise, and market knowledge to expand their capabilities. Mary also discusses the critical success factors for entering the market, including engineering expertise, UL 891 competency, supply chain resilience, and strategic partnerships.

Listeners will learn how the growth of hyperscale data centers and other electro-intensive industries is creating new opportunities for contractors, what separates successful EOEMs from the competition, and how Schneider Electric is helping partners grow through innovation, support, and collaboration. Whether you're exploring manufacturing for the first time or looking to scale your existing business, this conversation offers practical guidance for navigating the future of the electrical industry.

In this episode of EC&M On Air Next Gen Insights, Managing Editor Ellie Coggins talks with Sophia Piatczyc, project manager/electrical engineer. We discuss what fuels her passion for sustainable solutions/renewables, the four pillars of successful engineering, and technological insights. Sophia also shares more about her work with the Society of Women Engineers. 

In this episode, EC&M's Ellen Parson sits down with Wesco's David Speidelsbach and Andy Jimenez to explore how AI is influencing the next generation of data center electrical systems. 

In this episode of EC&M On Air, Ellen Parson sits down with some of this year's executives from the Top 40 Electrical Design Firms, based on electrical revenue from 2025: Nicki Sparks, P.E., principal and electrical engineering leader at HED, and Adam Toth, P.E., president of Toth & Associates. They discuss where the majority of today's electrical design work is coming from and what will continue to drive engineering firms over the next several years. 

 

Their conversation was so in depth that we decided to split it into two parts — you can check Part 2 when it releases next month.