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November 23, 2021

IECRM 2022-23 Board of Directors

Lindsey Cox, 1st Electric Contractors, Inc.

Secretary/Treasurer at 1st Electric Contractors, Inc. As a third generation professional in the energy industry, I have over 14 years of industry experience and have worn a number of hats at 1st Electric over the years, including Service Department Coordinator, Human Resources Manager, and Office Manager. I was first appointed to a corporate officer position in 2012, beginning as Vice President of Human Resources and Finance before transitioning to the role of Secretary/Treasurer in 2020.

I am both a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) and a SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP), two of the highest professional credentials in Human Resources. I am also a candidate for CFMA’s Certified Construction Industry Financial Professional (CCIFP) certification exam. 

I am an individual that seeks to understand an issue from all perspectives and consider the potential impacts on all parties involved. I thrive in situations that require complex problem solving and teamwork. I can recognize when it is prudent to not “reinvent the wheel” and when I should challenge the status quo. My primary professional skills are rooted in human resources and finance, which I hope to utilize to help the Board make legally and fiscally sound decisions on behalf of the association. I believe that my nine years of experience as a corporate officer, in addition to my previous service on IECRM’s Board of Directors, provide the tools necessary to be a productive and effective member of your Board of Directors.

My involvement with IECRM began as a member of the Membership & Events Committee in 2010–a committee I served on until 2017 and chaired from 2014-2016. I had the honor of serving on IECRM’s Board of Directors from 2015-2018, serving as the Board Vice President in 2017 and Board President in 2018. From 2016-2018, I also served on the Board of Trustees. In 2015 and 2016, I had the privilege of serving on IEC National’s Mountain West Regional Nomination Committee and was a panelist at the 2015 IEC National Convention. Over the years, I have also participated in numerous HR panel discussions. More recently, I have served on IECRM’s Government Relations committee. 

Leighland Gutierrez, Courtesy Electric Co.

Head of Operations for Courtesy Electric Company in Denver, Colorado. I am responsible for overall Operations, Process Documentation Management, People Operations, Residential Sales Management, Marketing, Public Relations and Vendor Partner Management. I graduated from the University of Colorado at Boulder in 2005, where I completed a bachelors in Arts & Sciences.

Following graduation, I started as an Account Executive for Key Government Finance, a subsidiary of Key Equipment Finance Inc. from 2006 to 2008. In 2008 I joined Level 3 Communications as a Network Surveillance Technician at their Broomfield, CO campus. I was promoted to Major Accounts Service Manager in 2009, Manager of Customer Technical Operations in 2010 and Senior Manager of Professional & Managed Services in 2013. I joined Zayo Group in early 2014, prior to IPO, as the Director of Client Service Management for the carrier partner organization. Prior to joining Courtesy Electric Company in 2016, I served as Director of Community Engagement, responsible for strategic relationships regarding education, community partnerships and talent acceleration for Zayo Group.

I have served on various boards & councils, supporting the technology community as well as local education institutions. I Have been a mentor for first generation college students at the University of Colorado and am an avid Colorado Buffs fan. I am a current member of the IECRM Board of Directors, the current Chair of the Diversity & Inclusion Committee for IECRM, 2019 Rising Star, 2019 Emerging Leader and 2021 IEC National Member of the Year. 

As an IECRM Member Contractor we strive to help forward the skilled electrical trades in the Colorado. I plan to help with D&I efforts and continue to be an advocate for IEC-Rocky Mountain Chapter for another 2 year term.  

Justin Martin, Bret’s Electric

I have been in the electrical industry for over 24 years, starting off in the industry with my father. I am currently the Chief Operating Officer at Bret’s Electric and have held positions as Estimator/Project Manager for large and small commercial projects. I have the capability to wear a lot of hats and am always willing to help where needed. The determination and perseverance I put forth daily shows in my energy and drive, whether it is mentoring apprentices, assisting clients with electrical design or a service call. In 2003, I received my Bachelors of Science in Construction Management from Colorado State University. In 2007, I obtained my Master’s Electrical License from the State of Colorado. I am a repeat recipient of the Project Manager of the Year award from IECRM. Justin understands the importance of IEC at both the Chapter and National levels and plans to continue Bret’s Electric’s dedication to the IEC organization through support of the electrical apprenticeship and leadership development programs. I currently serve on the IECRM Board of Directors, co-chair the IEC National Emerging Leaders Committee, and have helped in the development of the program since it started in 2018. My wife can attest to my dedication to our industry as I train my two sons for the dynamic electrical industry.

As a contractor member with much of our work being in the Northern Colorado market, I contribute by being able to represent different needs or conditions for our members outside of the greater Denver area.  My involvement in the National IEC leadership helps keep a pulse on topics that are happening within our organization and the potential affect to our local chapter.  I am currently on the Membership and Events committee where I have assisted in the Summit Award and Golf Tournament task forces.  I also am currently working on the Northern Colorado training center task force.

The Independent Electrical Contractors association has been an important part of my career and my life for well over a decade.  As a contractor member, this organization has provided the essential training to our apprentices and well as continued education classes for our seasoned employees to keep us on top of industry trends and changes.  I have been actively involved in the IEC organization for more than 10 years.  In this time, I have been a member of the IECRM Safety Committee as well as the Membership and Events Committee.  For the past four years I have served on the IECRM Board of Directors as well and wish to continue this commitment with this election.  

In addition to the IEC Rocky Mountain chapter, I currently serve as the co-chair of the Emerging Leaders committee at the IEC National level.  Three years ago, my fellow co-chair and I were tasked with creating a new committee; to develop a program and curriculum geared to strengthen future leadership in our industry while exemplifying the IEC.  At the IEC Convention this past month, our first cohort with seven participants presented an Industry Impact project focused to introduce the electrical trade as a career option.  This was a huge success as these delivery methods are to be utilized in chapters in the future.

David Scott, Encore Electric, Inc.

As the Director of Human Resources at Encore Electric since 2003, I reshaped the HR Department to fit the company’s expanding needs. I emphasize on cultivating a culture that focuses on teamwork, collaboration and ethics, and one that rewards success, Encore Electric has placed among the top electrical contracting firms in Colorado. I have created and maintained extensive leadership and apprenticeship training programs to support the company’s long-term growth goals. I incorporate knowledge gained over 26 years in a wide variety of industries and disciplines within Human Resources.  

I am a graduate of the University of Colorado in Economics and Psychology, with an MA in Industrial/Organizational Psychology, and an MBA in Finance. In recent years, I have served as President on the IECRM Board of Directors and currently serve on the Board of Directors.

I have two grown children and live with my wife in Englewood, Colorado.

Government relations is more important than ever before.  We must continue to partner with legislators on both sides of the aisle when it comes to issues we can all agree upon like workforce development and the importance of trades in our society.  We must always advocate for the merit shop philosophy.  I will continue to advocate for both areas.

I have been the co-chair of the Government Relations Committee for as long as I can remember.  I have served in various roles on the board and I have been a vocal advocate for Colorado, education and the merit shop philosophy.

Robert Watkins, Ludvik Electric

I am President at Ludvik Electric Co. and a third generation master electrician licensed in six states. I grew up doing service changes on the weekends and answering my grandfather’s code quizzes. Over my career I have been involved in nearly every aspect of our industry. I started out as an apprentice in the field working my way to a superintendent position, then moving into the office as a Project Manager and eventually into a position of managing a large electrical contractor. I was also blessed with a 5 year opportunity formally instructing apprentices at CITC and IECRM. Some highlights along my journey have been obtaining my masters licenses, NICET 4 certification in Fire Alarm Systems, Project Management Professional certificate from the Project Management Institute, 2011 IECRM Project Manager of the Year, and serving on the IECRM Board of Directors currently as the President of the Board. I possess a complete and full understanding of the electrical contracting business and the importance a body like IECRM has on the overall success of our industry.

My desire to return to the board is twofold. First, I believe in giving back to an industry that has served me well over my career. The future of our industry is being taught within the walls of IECRM’s schools and through our contractor members. I would like the opportunity to use my skill set and experience to promote, educate and support open-market contractors in our industry. Second, I believe in the merit shop philosophy. Having worked for an IBEW signatory contractor (I did resign from IBEW Local 68 in 2001), I am well aware of the advantages of being in a merit shop. I believe my unique experiences and perspective will help guide the industry into the future and create a strong business environment for electrical contractors.

It has been an honor to serve on the IECRM Board of Directors for the last six years, with the last two serving as the President.  I have seen this organization grow, move buildings, push the use of technology to benefit the industry, pivot quickly in uncertain times, and set the pace nationally.  There is no greater chapter or staff within the IEC.  I would be honored to continue serving our industry and chapter at large for another term.

Pete Aden, Wipfli

I’m Pete Aden, with Wipfli LLP since 2002. I earned my bachelor’s degree in public accounting from Mesa State College in Grand Junction, Colorado in 1999. I am a Certified Public Accountant as well as a Construction Industry Financial Professional. My expertise includes auditing, tax and consulting in the areas of construction, and real estate. Today, I am an active member of the Colorado Society of Certified Public Accountants, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Construction Financial Management Association. I became a partner of Wipfli LLP in May 2013, and have since been a key player in helping to lead and develop the firm’s future.

I was a member of IECRM for many years before joining the Finance Committee, which strengthened my involvement with the organization. I was elected to the Board of Directors and began my term in January of 2010, and have served as Treasurer since January of 2012. Wipfli has a significant contractor base in Colorado and it is great to work for a firm that allows us as individuals to give back to the industry that has made us what we are. I am committed to the continued success of IECRM.

In 2017, I was named an Everyday Hero by the Colorado Society of Certified Public Accountants for “the difference he’s made in others’ lives and the contributions he’s made to developing the next generation of CPA’s.”

I believe my skills as an accountant can help the organization achieve financial success that will allow the organization to provide training to the next generation of electricians.

I am currently the longest tenured Board member. 

Jason Ghent, Graybar Electric

My career path started in the Army with a tour in Desert Storm. After the Army, I got a job in the Electrical Industry as a driver for Royal Whole Electric in Stockton, CA. I worked various jobs at Royal from driver, warehouse, counter and inside sales. I was always curious and enjoyed learning about all facets of the electrical industry, power distribution, lighting, stock material and realized I wanted a career in Sales Leadership.  

I started my career with Graybar in 1999 as an Outside Sales Rep covering the Central Valley market. In 2013, I was promoted to Branch Manager in Fresno and made my first company transfer.  At one point, I was responsible for leading teams in Fresno, Modesto, Visalia and a portion of the UC Merced JV site.  I recently achieved 22 years of service with Graybar Electric in August of this year.  I moved to Colorado in August of 2021 to lead the Electrical Construction team in the Denver Market.

I have over 25 years of experience in the Electrical Construction market. I have worked with all types of electrical contractors over the years from large commercial contractors in California to small service residential customers. Although I have not worked in the field, I have worked hand in hand with electricians on job site challenges and solutions over the years.

I served 8 years on the Board of Directors for the Central California Builders Exchange and was the Board President in 2020.  During my time on the board I served on several committees including finance, membership and events. 

I am new to the Denver Market.  An opportunity to serve on the IECRM board will broaden my exposure and provide an opportunity to use my experience to assist in the IECRM community 

Matt Matheny, CED

I am the Project Quotations Manger for CED Denver. I have been with CED for 14 years, completed a management training program in 2009, and am a 2007 CSU graduate.

I hope to bring my expertise in the estimating and preconstruction process from a distribution perspective. Lighting estimating can be difficult for various reason. Since lighting is my expertise, I would love to help teach and explain the process from bid to install.

CED is heavily involved in IEC events as a Sponsor. Prior to Covid, we hosted several Wire-Off events. We are also working on some cross education with CED trainees and IECRM instructors so as distributors our trainee’s understand what the IECRM process requires. 

IECRM Self-Pay Tuition Policy

 

Self-pay students who are employed with a member company must register and pay through the member company using the IECRM Flashpoint Enrollment Portal/Process in order to qualify for member rates.

Self-pay students that are employed with a member company but that do not register and pay through the member will be charged the non-member rate for tuition, books and applicable fees.


Self-pay students who are employed with a member company and require a payment plan will not qualify for the member rate and will be charged the non-member rate for tuition, books and applicable fees.


Self-pay students who do not work for a member company will continue to be charged the non-member rate for tuition, books and applicable fees.


To maximize association/membership benefits, ALL member companies are encouraged to register and pay for all enrolled apprentices utilizing internal payment arrangements and processes between employer and employee.


We value our IECRM members and apprentice community. We encourage all apprentices to be enrolled in the four-year apprenticeship program, earning, and learning their way toward Journeyworker licensure. We encourage all members to utilize the member discount for tuition, books and applicable fees to ensure the long-term support and success of the next-generation electrician.


(Payment Plans are available, please reference the Self Pay Payment Plan Policy.)


Self-Pay Payment Plan Policy


We offer the following arrangements for students that are unable to pay in full at the time of registration.


● Self-pay students will be charged the non-member rate.
● A 50% down payment of total semester tuition, books and applicable fees are due at registration.
● Remaining balance can be divided up to 3 additional monthly payments ($10.00 processing fee applies on each installment)
● All payments that are declined will incur a $20.00 NSF fee.

 

We encourage all students who are employed with a member company to work with their employer to register and pay through the IECRM Flashpoint Enrollment Portal/Process. This will ensure the student is paying the lowest possible rate for tuition, books and applicable fees.