Session: Acknowledging, Recording, Managing, and Mitigating Rework

Session Description: Yes Virginia, there is Rework. Does your team cover it up or are you measuring, managing, and mitigating? 

Anticipating rework before construction begins can be valuable in helping electrical contractors be more proactive, productive, and profitable. In this session, you will learn about tracking rework to allow for creating and applying crucial Rework Predictors, an early warning tool for identifying and addressing potential rework events. 

Rework is defined as activities (including prefabrication) that must be done more than once, or activities which remove work previously installed as part of the project regardless of source, where no change order has been issued, and no change of scope has been identified by the Owner. In other words, it’s work that you won’t be paid for.  

 Rework can have devastating consequences for your project. In addition to demoralizing your team, it can harm your reputation, and it can be very costly to project profitability. To understand the impact of rework, it is important to understand your organizations Error Culture. Does your organization acknowledge mistakes, bring them to your attention, identify the cause and take steps to mitigate those conditions going forward? Or are they embarrassed by and fearful of admitting errors? Is it harmful for them to make errors known to others? Does your team correct errors without concern for identifying the root cause and sharing the lessons learned so that a similar error might be prevented? Is it best that they just bury it and move on?  

The key to mitigating the causes of rework it to start with your organizations Error Culture and adjusting that culture so that it allows you to create a process that will: 

• Implement a rework data collection system to document rework that does occur. 
• Train teams to Analyze and Act on rework data to mitigate risks on future projects. 
• Perform an Anticipated Rework Assessment prior to the start of construction. 
• Contractors who practice this have seen dramatic reductions in rework through honest assessment of mistakes, allowing the field teams to be more collaborative, cooperative, productive, and profitable! 

Speaker: Steve Killius | Title: VP Contractor Industry Affairs and Programs | Company: Legrand North and Central America 

Bio: Steve Killius is VP, Contractor Industry Affairs and Programs for Legrand North and Central Americas Electrical Wiring Systems Division manages outreach to the electrical contractor community, providing support to and through industry associations, foundations and electrical apprenticeship programs in the US. Steves mission is to demonstrate that Legrand is a true friend and partner to the electrical contractor, the electrical professional, and the student/apprentice. With over 30 years of sales and demand creation experience primarily with the contractor community, he brings expertise in needs assessment, problem solving, solutions selection, process improvement, and productivity.

Session: How to Maximize ROI at Conventions and Summits 

Session Description: Attending conventions and summits is a significant investment, but are you genuinely capitalizing on their opportunities? This session will provide a strategic roadmap to maximize your return on investment (ROI) before, during, and after the event. Learn how to set measurable goals, engage effectively with attendees, leverage networking opportunities, and implement follow-up strategies that convert leads into meaningful business relationships. Whether you're looking to generate new business, strengthen partnerships, or enhance brand visibility, this session will equip you with actionable insights to make every event successful.  

Speaker: Zack Jarmon |  Company: Dallas Independent Electrical Contractors |  Title: Director of Business Development

Bio: Zack Jarmon completed his apprenticeship program over 28 years ago and has been in the electrical industry for 33 years. Over the past decade, Zack has served as an instructor—eight years with IEC Fort Worth and two years with IEC Dallas. Zack also spent three years as the Training Director at IEC Fort Worth. As of April 2024, Zack will have completed his first year as the Director of Business Development at IEC Dallas. Since 2005, Zack has been the owner and Master Electrician of Providence Electric.

Session: Conquering Lien Waivers: A Sub's Guide to Getting Paid

Session Description: When the process works as it should, submitting lien waivers is a win-win for everyone involved. They ensure that subs get paid what they’re owed and assure GCs that there won’t be any contractual problems. However, putting a system in place to properly submit, track, and manage lien waivers can be painful, considering what a cumbersome and complex process it can be. In this session, billing expert Claire Wilson will cover everything subs need to know about the lien waiver process, from understanding the differences between waiver types to managing them upward and downward.

Speaker: Claire Wilson |  Company: Siteline |  Title: Co-Founder and COO 

Bio: Claire Wilson is the co-founder and COO of Siteline, the only pay app management software for subcontractors. Previously, Claire was a project manager at Tishman Construction in New York City, where she worked on monumental projects such as Hudson Yards and JP Morgan’s Corporate Headquarters. Her experience there gave Claire a direct view into how construction billing works and why trade contractors need software specific to their workflows.  

Claire has a BS in Civil Engineering from Bucknell University. She lives in San Francisco, where she serves on the board of the Bay Area Subcontractors Association (BASA). She has spoken at several regional CFMA conferences as well as many trade shows, including the 2022 and 2024 North American Iron Workers' IMPACT Conference, the 2023 Steel Conference, the 2023 SMACNA annual conference, the 2023 IEC Spark 2023, and the 2024 IEC Business Summit. She was also selected to speak at the upcoming 2025 CFMA Annual Conference. 

Session: Ladies - and Gentlemen - Start Your Engines: Driving Leadership into the Future! 

Session Description: This dynamic session blends a panel discussion with interactive activities to explore "drafting"—a strategy from auto racing and cycling—as a leadership tool. Just as racers work together to build momentum, strong leaders foster collaboration, efficiency, and shared success.  

Facilitated by Marilyn Akers Stansbury, this session features electrical contractors, industry partners, and chapter leaders as panelists and table hosts, bringing diverse perspectives on leadership. Originating from IEC’s National Women in Power series, this conversation is for anyone—men and women—who seeks to lead, support others, and drive the future of our industry. 

Speaker: Marilyn Akers Stansbury |  Company: IEC Rocky Mountain |  Title: CEO

Bio: Marilyn Akers Stansbury is the CEO of Independent Electrical Contractors Rocky Mountain (IECRM) and recently celebrated 10 years as part of the IEC community. She is a long-time executive leader, strategic partnership developer and change advocate. Throughout her career in the public, private and nonprofit sectors, Marilyn has moved organizations and complex initiatives from start-up, strategic vision to successful, sustained implementation. Her goal at IECRM is to attract talented and energetic individuals to meet the growing demands of the electrical and energy industry and serve the members of the association on general business and industry specific issues through governance, policy, advocacy, education, and leadership. This focus enhances IECRM’s contractor members and partners’ success in their workforce and business development efforts and contributes to the growth and stability of the region’s economy. Prior to IECRM, Marilyn led high profile, impactful organizations and initiatives for the State of Colorado Office of the Governor, the State of Alabama Legislature, Georgia Public Media, The Home Depot, and was the founder of a strategy implementation consulting firm serving public and private sector clients through leadership, governance, operational, technology and finance initiatives. Marilyn holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication from The University of Alabama. She has studied economic development, leadership development, public administration, change management and strategic communications throughout her diverse career. Marilyn is an IEC Foundation Trustee and serves on the Board of Directors for several non-profit organizations and public sector entities. Outside of work, Marilyn enjoys the mountains, the beach, baseball, college football, golf and learning about the people and places that round out the world. 

Session: Is My Electrical Company a Target for Acquisition, and What Do I Need to Know? 

Session Description: Many owners receive weekly calls from Brokers, Private Equity (PE), and Consolidators showing interest in buying their electrical contracting company. Our advice is to wait and not sign any agreements or provide financial information only to find yourself negotiating with only one limited opportunity. 

Our immediate advice is to take a deep breath and strategically consider your personal, business, and financial goals. Remember, cashing out will be the largest financial transaction of your lifetime, and you only have one chance to get it right. 

If your goals align with selling externally, this presentation provides an overview of the external marketplace and the attributes of an ideal target company, valuation, EBITDA, multiples, tax considerations, and the M&A process.  

The objective is to help owners understand the opportunities, challenges, and obstacles and what to do to make their company salable and build value. 

Speaker: Joe Bazzano |  Company: Beacon Exit Planning |  Title: COO, Co-Owner

Bio: Mr. Bazzano is the Co-Owner and COO of Beacon Exit Planning, a certified public accountant, a certified valuation analyst, and a certified business exit consultant with over 20 years of experience in public accounting, valuation, and exit strategy services for companies ranging from $5 to over $400 million. He is a national speaker on exit planning, valuation, taxes, and asset protection. He has shown business owners how to increase the value of their businesses by millions of dollars with exponential savings on tax dollars. 

Joe is a recognized voice and thought leader in the construction industry on exit planning. He has presented at over sixty national and regional contracting trade associations and peer groups. 

Mr. Bazzano is the co-author of the Amazon #1 Best Seller “The Contractor's 60 Minute Exit Plan” and the American Business Awards 2019 Gold Stevie Winner for the Best Business Book of the Year with “An Owner’s Guide to Exit & Succession Planning” www.BeaconExitPlanning.com 

Session: Mindful Leadership for Electrical Contractors: Driving Performance, Productivity, & Profits 

Session Description: For electrical contractors, this approach to leadership is more than just a buzzword—it’s a powerful strategy to strengthen communication, improve decision-making, and boost the overall well-being of your workforce. 

In the high-pressure world of construction and contracting, being a mindful leader means more than just keeping things running smoothly. It means creating an environment where your team feels respected, valued, and empowered to take ownership of their work. It’s about creating a culture that attracts top talent, drives innovation, and supports sustainable success. 

You might think you’re not in a leadership position. But in fact you are – by HOW you’re showing up each day. Leadership is a mindset as much as a role. It’s the attitude and action you bring to every situation. By fully claiming and owning that, you create the potential to transform your workplace and the landscape of this industry. 

The Bottom Line: Mindful Leadership Drives Growth 

Let’s face it: in today’s competitive market, the ability to deliver high-quality work quickly, safely, and efficiently is crucial. But it’s the people who make this possible. By cultivating mindful leadership, you’re not just improving workplace culture—you’re creating a ripple effect that boosts team performance, sparks innovation, and drives productivity. 

Imagine having a workforce that is: 

• More engaged and loyal, reducing turnover and improving retention. 

• Better equipped to solve problems, delivering innovative solutions on every job. 

• Faster, more efficient, allowing you to complete projects ahead of schedule. 

• More focused and safe, minimizing costly accidents and downtime. 

In this workshop, you’ll learn: 

• How to become a more mindful leader and get the ROI you seek 
• The secret sauce of attracting, retaining, and leading high-performing teams 
• New tools for your toolbox to be more productive and focused without burning out 
• The science behind the strategies to create sustainability 

Speaker: Angela Buttimer |  Company: CEO |  Title: Buttimer Consulting

Bio: Angela Buttimer, MS, LPC is a licensed psychotherapist, executive coach, leadership development trainer and consultant, keynote speaker, TEDx speaker, retreat facilitator, and author with a focus on human potential and growth. Whether in the conference ballroom, corporate boardroom or out in the field, she enjoys working with individuals, groups, and audiences about how to feel, perform and live at their best! Angela is a member of National Association for Women in Construction (NAWIC) and specializes in speaking to audiences in the construction industry. 

She is the founder and CEO of Buttimer Consulting, which she launched over 20 years ago. She is a regular television contributor for Good Day Atlanta Fox 5, was a daily columnist for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution (Joyful Daily) and has been published in multiple media outlets like Huffington Post, Spirituality & Health and CNBC as a psychology expert. In 2017, she delivered a TEDx talk with her husband/business partner Dennis called “Defusing Stress with Mindful Mojo” and now coaches other TEDx speakers as well as emerging corporate speakers to bring their messages to the world. She is the author of two books, CALM: Choosing to Live Mindfully (2011) and Inspired: 365 Days of Mindful Mojo (2017) and is working on her third due out this year, Mindful Leadership.  She grew up riding motorcycles in Georgia and horses in Montana. She loves delicious nutritious food and drink, quality time with good friends and is happiest when cooking and dancing in the kitchen with people she loves. 

Session: Simplifying Energy Management for Commercial and Industrial Buildings

Session Description: The U.S. is undergoing massive change as we move to electrify nearly everything. This presents new challenges for electrical contractors and facilities managers alike. Energy Management is now top of mind for many commercial and industrial operations. Costs for nearly everything have risen over the last few years and has impacted contractor project costs. This can include the cost of materials, labor, and training required for new technology. Customer operations costs have also risen, and facilities managers are keen to manage energy consumption. 

Trying to balance complex project needs while addressing customer expectations is one of the highest priorities for electrical contractors. Now, new customer needs for energy management are a driver and often add another layer of complex-ity.  

We’ll show you how to keep it simple. New solutions make it easier than ever to connect electrical equipment to monitoring and controls systems. Combining lo-cal monitoring and control of Low Voltage components from a single switchboard panel display is one example. A simplified commissioning process means meeting customer expectations while minimizing overall project complexity. 

Speaker: Mike Hoppe|  Company: ABB |  Title: ABB Product Marketing Director for the EL Digital portfolio, U.S.

Bio: Mike joined ABB in 2021, as U.S. Product Marketing Director for the EL Digital portfolio. Prior to coming to ABB, Mike was the product leader for building controls at Daikin, and prior to that, he was a senior product marketing manager for the Home Comfort business line at Honeywell. Mike is located in Minnetonka, Minnesota.

Session: Arm Yourself for Success 

Session Description: Back by popular demand from this year’s IEC Business Summit opening keynote, Retired Lieutenant Colonel Oakland McCulloch has 40 + years of leadership experience, in Combat, Peacekeeping Operations, Disaster Relief and in the Board Room. His "Arm Yourself for Success" talk is based on his wealth of knowledge and lessons learned in coaching, teaching, and mentoring people during years as a leader. Oak highlights principles that will help you be a more successful person at work and in your personal life. 

In this talk we will cover the following topics for leaders:  

• What it means to be a Servant Leader  
• How to establish a Winning Culture  
• How to build Effective and Efficient Teams  
• How to avoid the Evils of Micromanagement  
• What is and how to build 360-Degree Trust  
• How to become a better and Decisive Decision Maker  
• The importance of a Professional and Leadership Development Program  
• The importance of Getting Results    

Speaker: Oakland McCulloch  |  Company: Your Leadership Legacy |  Title: Retired Lieutenant Colonel, United States Army

Bio: Oakland McCulloch was born in Loudon, Tennessee and raised in Kirkland, Illinois. After graduating from high school, he attended the United States Military Academy at West Point for two years. He then graduated from Northern Illinois University and received his commission as an Infantry Officer through the Reserve Officer Training Course in 1986. 

In his 23-year career in the Army Oak McCulloch held numerous leadership positions in the Infantry and Armor branches. He assisted in disaster relief operations for Hurricane HUGO in Charleston, South Carolina and Hurricane ANDREW in south Florida. His operational deployments include Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm in Saudi Arabia and Iraq, Peace Enforcement Operations in Bosnia and Peace Keeping Operations in Kosovo. He held instructor positions at the US Army Ordnance School, the US Army Command and General Staff College, the Australian Command and Staff College, University of South Alabama and Stetson University. His last position in the Army was a three-year tour as the Professor of Military Science at the University of South Alabama where he led the training and commissioning of Lieutenants and tripled the size of the program in his three-year tour. 

LTC McCulloch retired from the Army in September 2009 with over 23 years of active service and joined the staff at the Bay Area Food Bank as the Associate Director. He was also the Vice Chair for Military Affairs on the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce and a member of the Mobile Rotary International Club. LTC McCulloch left the food bank in December 2010 to become the Senior Military Science Instructor and recruiter for the Army ROTC program at Stetson University in DeLand, Florida. In his 9 years at Stetson, the program grew from 15 Cadets to over 100 Cadets. In October 2013, he became the Recruiting Operations Officer for the Eagle Battalion Army ROTC program at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University where he has more than doubled the size of the program in 6 years. Cadet Command selected LTC McCulloch as the top recruiting officer, out of 274 recruiters, for 2019.  

In February 2021 LTC Oak McCulloch published his first book “Your Leadership Legacy: Becoming the Leader You Were Meant to Be”. He is now an internationally recognized keynote speaker on Leadership and Success. 

LTC McCulloch earned a Bachelor of Science degree in History from Northern Illinois University in 1987 and a Master of Military Arts and Science in History from the United States Army Command and General Staff College in 2002. He received thirty-one military service awards including the Bronze Star, eight Meritorious Service Medals and the Humanitarian Service Medal.  

LTC Oak McCulloch is married to the former Kelly Smyth of Wauconda, Illinois. They were married at Fort Sheridan, Illinois in 1987 and they have two children, Oakland Vincent McCulloch and Caileigh Nicholson. They also have a granddaughter, Ryleigh Jade Nicholson and two grandsons Christopher Bryce Nicholson and Oakland Maverick McCulloch. 

Session: Engaging with Elected Officials: Building Relationships to Impact Policy 

Session Description: Attendees will learn first-hand why and how to engage with your elected officials. Whether it’s local, state or federal politicians, hear about the importance of building relationships with officials at all levels of government and the simple steps to take to begin establishing connections to policymakers and their staff. Participants will be given practical guidance and insight into how to leverage these relationships to ultimately impact policy decisions affecting merit shop electrical contractors.  

Speaker: Caleb Hunter |  Company: Extreme Electrical Contractors, LLC |  Title: Owner 

About Caleb: Caleb has been a lifelong resident of the O’Fallon, Missouri area and co-founded his own electrical business in 2009 as a way to give back to the community that has supported him throughout his life. With over two decades of experience as a licensed electrician and a lifetime immersed in the electrical and construction industries, Caleb brings both technical expertise and deep-rooted community insight to his work.

A dedicated civic leader and regional advocate, Caleb has served on numerous influential boards and commissions, including the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the O’Fallon Planning and Zoning Commission, the St. Charles County Road Board, and the Independent Electrical Contractors Association. His service in these roles has given him a strong working knowledge of local government processes, infrastructure planning, and economic development, allowing him to effectively advocate for policies that support smart growth and strengthen local businesses.

Caleb is also actively involved in his church and has remained committed to youth mentorship, having served as a Boy Scout leader after earning the rank of Eagle Scout himself. His leadership philosophy is grounded in integrity, transparency, and a strong commitment to service—values he also upholds through his business and community efforts.

Outside of his professional and civic responsibilities, Caleb enjoys the outdoors, spending time with his family, hunting, and competing in endurance mountain biking events. His passion for public service, combined with his business acumen and firsthand knowledge of local issues, makes him a trusted voice in the community and a strong advocate for responsible, community-driven progress.

Session: Setting Boundaries: The Barney Effect - Handling Difficult People

Session Description: Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we lived in a world where everyone gets along and does what they are supposed to do, when they are supposed to do it, and the way WE want it done? Unfortunately, that is rarely a reality, especially in the dynamic, fast-paced world of electrical contractors. Vendors who over-promise and under-deliver, clients that won’t return phone calls, and colleagues that don’t follow through can leave even the most patient professional disappointed and frustrated. Juggling client expectations, managing scope creep and unrealistic demands is critical in the daily life of a contractor. In this high-impact, interactive session, Jan Spence will share the warning signs you are dealing with a “difficult” person and provide a different approach to making your interactions more meaningful and successful. Participants will leave with immediate, actionable tools that will be used to set boundaries, maintain a more positive outlook and ultimately be more productive when faced with challenging individuals.

After this session, attendees will be able to:

• 5 tips for coping with challenging people, including Jan’s “ALOHA©️ ” method.
• 3 magical phrases to clear up any confusion that arises.
• How to set and manage expectations via Jan’s “ARC©️ ” method.

Speaker: Jan Spence, CSP |  Company: Jan Spence & Associates |  Title: CSP, CEO

About Caleb: Jan Spence, CSP (Certified Speaking Professional - less than 400 hold this designation worldwide) is an international speaker, author, and consultant. With contagious charisma and a zest for life which make her an excellent motivator and leader, this TEDx speaker uses her vast knowledge in sales, communications, finances, and employee engagement to help numerous clients including Pillsbury, Walmart, and Frito-Lay. 

Having been inducted into the 2021 Virtual Speakers Hall of Fame, Jan’s high energy style combined with her Southern wit have inspired and moved audiences to action across the globe.  

She and her husband, Mitch, launched the second FiltaFry franchise in the US in 2003. As CEO, Jan built such a successful operation that they were awarded the 2005 Franchisee of the Year by the International Franchise Association. Meeting their four-year plan, they sold the business in 2007 at 300% ROI. Since then, Jan has circled the globe as a trainer, consultant, and speaker for franchisees, organizations, and companies. 

Having been interviewed by Entrepreneur magazine and the Big Dog Morning Show in Jesup, Ga, Jan shares her story of fulfilling her lifelong dream of playing women’s professional full-tackle football. As a member of the National Speakers Association, Jan combines the lessons she learned through that experience with her business experience to inspire people to make a difference through Cheer Leadership. Known for her highly interactive, entertaining, and inspirational style, she recently taught in Hungary, Dubai, Bahrain and Australia.  

Jan is past president of the National Speakers Association Central Florida, and chair of Compass Finances God’s Way Florida. She is active with the local MPI NF chapter, Association of Talent Development chapter and Beach Church in Jacksonville, Florida. She and her husband of twenty-four years enjoy traveling the world when not at home attending Jaguars football games and cultural events.