EC&M On Air Electrical Industry Insights with EC&M 2025 Top 50 Electrical Contractor Executives
Oct 30, 2025
Jeff Thiede, the President and CEO of Everus Construction Group, and Greg Padalecki, the President and CEO of Alterman, discuss hot topics in electrical contracting. They explore how firms are tackling a skilled labor shortage and adapting to current economic challenges. The conversation dives into the booming demand for data centers, addressing recruitment strategies for younger workers, and the innovative use of AI in operations. Both executives emphasize the importance of disciplined project selection and the need for strong supplier relationships in a fluctuating market.
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Scale And Agility Drive Growth
- Top contractors grew 15% as large, diverse firms captured abundant big projects.
- Being anticipatory and selective lets firms convert market challenges into growth.
Decline Projects That Hurt Capacity
- Say no to projects that stretch your resources and reduce profitability.
- Focus on disciplined project selection to protect execution and future opportunities.
Data Centers Still Lead Demand
- Data centers remain the hottest market, with manufacturing and healthcare also strong.
- Hot and cold markets require contractors to balance chasing big wins with preserving bread-and-butter work.