EC&M On Air

ICYMI — Why Are There So Many Abandoned Construction Projects?

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.

Electrical Industry Insights with EC&M 2025 Top 50 Electrical Contractor Executives

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. 

 

Tips for the Safe Installation of IT Equipment — EC&M On Air Highlights

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. 

Next-Gen Insights with Ryan Helsdingen, Syska Hennessy Group

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. 

Innovations in eMobility: The Next Frontier of Construction

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.

The 2025 Top 40 Electrical Design Firms: A Conversation with Top 40 Executives

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. 

How to Handle Safety Violations on Client Sites — EC&M On Air Highlights

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. 

Meet the 2025 EC&M Product of the Year Competition Winners!

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. 

Next-Gen Insights with Conner Willert, ArchKey Solutions

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. 

Why Women Are Leaving the Construction Industry — EC&M On Air Highlights

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.