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: Don't Be Me, How Complacency Nearly Killed Me  

Session Description: This one-hour presentation covers the critical details that led up to the accident that nearly killed Jason. He focuses on the actual case study and root cause resulting in the complacency that ultimately caused this accident. This course is designed for linemen, electricians, maintenance personnel, and engineers that may be exposed to electrocution, arc flash hazards, or electric shock from tools, machines, or appliances. This testimonial is a great refresher for safety professionals as well as field technicians.  

Speaker: Jason Brozen  |  Company: Dallas Lead Safety & Technical Trainer | Master Electrician | Arc Flash Survivor  |  Title: Tyndale Enterprises, Inc.  

Bio: Jason Brozen is a professional safety instructor, expert witness, consultant, and arc-flash survivor. Jason has made it his mission to share his experience, as an arc flash survivor, to help others stay safe on the job. He is currently the Lead Corporate Safety and Technical Trainer for Tyndale Enterprises, Inc. and an NFPA Certified Electrical Safety Compliance Professional (CESCP). Jason has been an NFPA 70E instructor for several years and has been a certified Master Electrician for over 28 years. His nationally recognized presentations include his own personal arc flash survival and recovery story. 

Session: Electrifying Mental Health: Integrating Suicide Prevention into Workplace Safety  

Session Description: In high-stress industries like electrical contracting, mental health can often be overlooked despite its significant impact on productivity and safety. This session by Frank King will explore the intersection of mental health and workplace safety, providing attendees with actionable strategies to create an open, supportive work culture. By sharing his personal journey and utilizing real-world examples, Frank will guide participants in recognizing mental health indicators, reducing stigma, and implementing comprehensive support systems. The session will further delve into establishing mental health policies, training staff, and ensuring a responsive environment that actively prioritizes employee well-being. 

Speaker: Frank King |  Company: Suicide Prevention Speaker and Comedian | Arc Flash Survivor  |  Title: The Mental Health Comedian, LLC 

Bio: Frank King, Suicide Prevention Speaker, was a writer for The Tonight Show for 20 years and has been a speaker and comedian for 38. His speaking on Suicide Prevention is informed by his lifetime battle with Depression and Suicidality, and he has turned that long dark journey of the soul into 13 TEDx Talks, sharing his lifesaving insights with colleges, corporations, and associations.  

He's shared the stage with comedians, Jeff Foxworthy, Adam Sandler, Jerry Seinfeld, Dr. Ken Jung, Ellen DeGeneres, Dennis Miller, and Bill Hicks, as well as entertainers, Lou Rawls, The Beach Boys, Randy Travis, and Nancy Wilson.  

On top of all of that, he has survived 2 aortic valve replacements, a double bypass, a heart attack, and losing to a puppet on the original Star Search and has lived to joke about it all. 

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: Jason Todd |  Company: Independent Electrical Contractors |  Title: Vice President, Government Affairs 

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

About Jason: Jason Todd is the vice president of government affairs for the Alexandria, VA-based Independent Electrical Contractors, Inc. In this role, Todd handles a wide range of issues as they pertain to Congress and the Executive Branch, to include labor, workforce development, tax and immigration policy. He also handles political fundraising efforts for IEC PAC, IEC’s political action committee, and the IEC Freedom Fund Todd joined IEC in January of 2015.   

Prior to joining IEC, he spent nine years with the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) International as the director for federal affairs, leading efforts on tax and labor matters as well as issues pertaining to emergency preparedness.  

In addition, Todd spent over four years as the director of government affairs for the Retail Industry Leaders Association where he directed the state government affairs program. His government affairs experience also includes stints work for the American Teleservices Association as well as the National Milk Producers Federation.   

Todd is a graduate of James Madison University with a BA in political science.  

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: 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: 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: Physical & Digital Services Impact on Contractor Productivity

Session Description: Contractors can improve back office, job site, and prefab shop by employing a thoughtful process that includes both physical and digital services from the distributors. We will discuss common services, and the process to identify what will drive impact to the contractor.

Speaker: Lily Reasoner |  Company: Graybar |  Title: Marketing Manager

Bio: Lily Reasoner works for Graybar in St. Louis, MO. With three years of experience at the company she currently manages Graybar's relationship with key construction trade organizations-an essential role that supports the company's engagement with industry partners and ensures alignment with evolving trends in the electrical industry. 

Session: 2026 NEC Changes

Session Description: This course gives an overview of some of the more significant changes in the 2026 edition of the National Electrical Code.

Speaker: Ryan Jackson |  Company: Steel Tube Institute |  Title: Technical Consultant

Bio: Ryan Jackson is a National Electrical Code instructor and textbook author in the Salt Lake City, Utah, area, and is a technical consultant for the Steel Tube Institute. He is a member of Code-Making Panels 3 and 17 for the NEC and serves on technical committees 6, 67, 467, 489, and 943 for UL Solutions.  

He began his career as an electrician when he was 18 years old. At the age of 23, Ryan landed his first job as an electrical inspector, and subsequently became certified in electrical, building, plumbing, and mechanical inspection; as well as building and electrical plan review. Two years after becoming an inspector he began teaching the NEC and is now a highly sought seminar instructor.  

In 2005, Ryan began working with Mike Holt Enterprises while still teaching and inspecting full time. Over the next dozen years, he served as an expert panelist on several of Mike’s NEC videos, edited all his textbooks, and was the author of Mike’s Code changes textbooks. Since 2017, Ryan has been writing textbooks for Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC). His three volume Comprehensive Guide to the NEC is nearly 2,000 pages and is used in their apprenticeship curriculum, which includes over 15,000 apprentices. As of 2024, Ryan has authored 15 textbooks and edited dozens more. 

When Ryan isn’t working, he can often be found turning wood on his lathe, throwing darts, camping, or reading a book. Ryan married his high school sweetheart, Sharie, in 1999 and together they have two wonderful children, Kaitlynn and Aaron. 

Session: From 6 Hours to 30 Minutes: Letting AI Count Light Fixtures So You Don’t Have To 

Session Description: See how AI is transforming the way we tackle takeoffs and estimates. During this session, Stephen will demonstrate the time and effort needed for a real-world project using traditional software versus AI-powered tools—and the results might surprise you. Experience a live, interactive demo that walks through the process with an actual project and join in with questions along the way. Bonus: A contractor or customer may join to share how AI shaved hours off their workflow in a real-world scenario.

Speaker: Stephen Dodds |  Company: Co- Founder |  Title: Platometer, Inc

Bio: Tech entrepreneur and electronics engineer from Nebraska. From mass manufacturing toy laser tag robots, to building AI takeoff and estimation tools, Stephen loves building the bleeding edge of technology. For the last two years Stephen has been training an AI to understand pdf blueprints and to perform parts of the electrical takeoff and estimation process. 

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.