Industry
10/30/2024 by: Olivia Bradt

Careers In Construction Month

October is Careers in Construction Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the vital roles within the construction industry. As a leading commercial and industrial electrical contractor in the Capital Region, we pride ourselves on our skilled workforce, composed of dedicated professionals committed to excellence.

This month we chose a few of our employees to tell you about the different roles that they play in construction:

Senior Estimator - Pat Galgay

The journey of any project begins with our Estimator. This role is crucial for assessing project costs, materials, and labor needs. By analyzing drawings and specifications, our estimators provide detailed proposals that guide our projects from the very beginning. Their expertise not only ensures competitive pricing but also helps our clients understand the value and scope of our services.

Pat, Senior Estimator at Martin Electric, went into more detail about our design-assist capabilities and the proven successes of those projects (Plug Power). This is a key differentiator that Pat excels in, allowing us to create a more collaborative experience for the customer.

Project Manager - Kyle Delair

Once a project is underway, the Project Manager steps in to oversee operations. This role involves coordinating between clients, subcontractors, and our internal teams to ensure that projects are completed on time and within budget.

Kyle, Project Manager at Martin Electric, talked about the hybrid environment that a Project Manager can have in their role. Kyle has the unique ability to see projects on paper and in person. He, and our other Project Managers, are the conduit for communication between the office, warehouse, and field, becoming a key role for a well-run project, especially the high-profile pharmaceutical manufacturing projects that Kyle is most familiar with here at Martin Electric.

Purchasing Manager - Dave Pistritto

Behind every successful project is a well-organized supply chain. Our Purchasing Manager plays a vital role in sourcing high-quality materials and equipment. By maintaining strong relationships with suppliers and negotiating favorable terms, they ensure that our team has everything they need to deliver top-notch electrical solutions. Their strategic thinking and logistical expertise help us maintain efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Dave, Purchasing Manager at Martin Electric, highlighted two key themes to his success: Organization & Relationships. Dave chatted about his warehousing systems that generate top of the line efficiency and cost-effectiveness. He also went into detail about his close vendor relationships which allowed Martin Electric to shorten long lead times during the pandemic and still during periods of supply chain shortages.

Material Delivery & Warehousing - Angel Otero

Material Delivery and Warehousing is crucial to keeping projects on schedule. This role ensures that all materials are stored, managed, and delivered to job sites on time. By keeping track of inventory and managing deliveries, they play a key role in minimizing downtime and ensuring that our electricians have the tools they need to succeed.

Angel walked us through his day to day as he made a few pickups from vendors and deliveries to the field. He went into more detail about the road to get here and how this position is a great place to get started in a career in construction. As a 20-year-old with just one year at Martin Electric, he has been able to significantly increase his knowledge of the industry and learn lifelong trades that he can use in his everyday life.

General Foreman - Tim Gerrish

On the job site, our General Foreman leads the charge. Responsible for supervising electricians and ensuring that work is performed safely and efficiently. They are the team leaders who ensure that projects meet quality standards. With extensive hands-on experience and leadership skills, our foremen foster a collaborative environment, mentoring apprentices and ensuring that every member of the team is set up for success. Foremen are expected to foster team comradery, creating a more efficient working environment as a result of the crew’s familiarity with each other.

Tim, General Foreman at Martin Electric, has a cool story about his journey to his current role. Tim started as a warehouse employee when he was fresh out of high school. The experience he got from this role led to a change in his career path from the normal four-year college route to applying for the IBEW’s electrical apprenticeship program. As a Union Electrician, Tim had the unique experience of working for Martin Electric for the entirety of his career, sharing his gratitude for Martin Electric’s ability to help him grow his knowledge and investing their time in him.

Electrical Apprentice - Josh Lionarons

Finally, our Electrical Apprentices represent the future of the industry. These aspiring electricians work alongside experienced professionals to gain hands-on experience and learn the trade. Through a combination of classroom education and on-the-job training, they develop the skills necessary to excel in their careers. We are proud to invest in the next generation of electricians, ensuring that our industry continues to thrive.

Josh, a Third-Year Apprentice at Martin Electric, took a later approach to his career in construction, starting out as a college graduate leading to his first career in law enforcement. Josh is now a Third-Year Apprentice with a well-compensating job that includes all the proper schooling provided by the IBEW and continual training from Martin Electric.

Our people are the conduit to our success. This Careers in Construction Month, we celebrate each team member who makes our projects possible. Learn more about these six employees by watching their videos on our LinkedIn @martin-electric and Instagram @martinelectric_1939.