Archive for June, 2017

One Trade – Building a Family Tradition

Thursday, June 29th, 2017

The saying “like father like son” holds true for the Hedtke family with four generations in the sheet metal trade, three of whom have worked for Egan Company.

“My father was already in the business, so I decided to give it a try too,” said Dale Hedtke, Egan Company Sheet Metal Field Leader. “It’s what you did back then… 33 years later and I’m still loving it.”

In 1984, Dale followed in his father’s footsteps and joined the union (Sheet Metal Workers Local 10). Thirty years before that, Dale’s father, Donald Hedtke, followed in his father’s footsteps and joined the local sheet metal union. And now, Hunter Hedtke, Egan Company Sheet Metal Apprentice, has followed in his father’s, grandfathers, and great-grandfather’s footsteps by joining the union and continuing to make the sheet metal trade a family tradition.

Donald worked as the Egan Company Sheet Metal Shop Foreman and on various Egan projects throughout his career, and Dale and Hunter are currently on a jobsite together for a Mystic Lake Casino project.

Egan has been a great place to work. I like working with the people and knowing I’m part of something good. It’s one of the reasons I’m still here, knowing the good Egan does.

– Dale Hedtke, Egan Company Sheet Metal Field Leader

Top Workplace Recognition

Friday, June 23rd, 2017

At Egan, our company is shaped by who we are, not just what we do. We are honored to be named one of the Top Workplaces by the Star Tribune, and are thankful for each of our employees who believe in Egan and all that we do for our customers and community.

Our employees are the foundation of Egan. Along with our commitment to safety, we encourage a culture of collaboration and development, offering each employee growth opportunities to reach their full potential.

– Jim Malecha, Egan Company President & CEO

Top Workplaces recognizes the most progressive companies in Minnesota based on employee opinions measuring engagement, organizational health, and satisfaction. Over 69,000 employees at 2,000 Minnesota public, private, and nonprofit organizations provided feedback.

View the entire list of companies

Keep Cool With Routine HVAC Maintenance

Thursday, June 22nd, 2017

This summer, avoid costly downtimes and protect your HVAC system from excessive buildup of cottonwood pollen. Egan Company’s summer coil cleaning team can keep your equipment running in top condition.

From roof-top-units to cooling towers to chillers, our trained coil cleaning team can service your system to:

  • Lower compressor amperage
  • Increase energy savings
  • Improve efficiency and capacity of system
  • Prevent avoidable service calls
  • Extend equipment and internal components life

In addition to a yearly power wash, it is recommended that all buildings also install hail and cottonwood screens to further protect your equipment from the elements.

Learn more about Egan’s Service capabilities

We Are Egan – Kevin Kestner

Wednesday, June 21st, 2017

“I absolutely cherish the wonderful people I’ve come to know at Egan. There are still plenty I have yet to meet, but I can honestly say that I’ve yet to meet a single Egan employee who I haven’t liked.”

Meet Kevin Kestner, General Manager for Kestner Electric in Austin, Minn. who has been with Egan/Kestner for 34 years.

Kevin is an accomplished traveler – he’s fished for piranhas from a canoe in the Amazon River, he’s ridden horseback to remote villages in the jungles of East Central Mexico, and he’s even given a ride to a 117-year-old man in Central Mexico.

When he’s not exploring the world, Kevin enjoys spending time with his wife and seven kids – six of whom he delivered himself at home!

Our company is shaped by who we are, not just what we do. Together, we are Egan.

A Decade of Safety Recognition

Tuesday, June 20th, 2017

For the tenth consecutive year, Egan was awarded multiple Governor’s Safety Awards by the Minnesota Safety Council for its commitment to workplace safety and health.

Egan received two Meritorious Achievement Awards recognizing incident rates that are better than the industry average for at least three years, and a score between 50 and 74 on a 100-point safety program evaluation program scale.

In addition, Egan was one out of 108 winners of the Outstanding Achievement Award, which recognizes exceptional efforts in implementing a comprehensive safety program and the excellent safety record we have achieved as a result.

“Recognition is always great, but that isn’t why we have a strong safety culture at Egan,” said Larry Hanson, Egan Company Safety Director. “Dedication to our safety culture starts at the top, and we are very fortunate to have leaders that are committed to providing a safe workplace for every Egan employee.”

Egan was one of approximately 250 Minnesota companies recognized at the Governor’s Safety Awards luncheon this year. To read more about the evaluation scorecard and award categories visit Minnesota Safety Council’s website.

Give a little, Lift a lot

Friday, June 9th, 2017

“Convenient, more comfortable, and so cool,” –words Patti Franz, Stable Pathways Director, uses to describe the new scissor lift donated by the Fridley Lions Club and Egan Company. Stable Pathways is a nonprofit program providing horse-assisted activities for people living with physical and cognitive challenges.

Operating out of Oak Haven Farm in Oak Grove, Minn., Stable Pathways is home to six therapeutic equines – including three horses and three big ponies, and a small staff made up of mostly volunteers. Since opening its doors in 2009, Stable Pathways has grown from three clients to now roughly 40-60 clients.

Due to this growth and varying needs of its clientele, it became evident that a more systematic way to mount and dismount from the horses was necessary to help limited-mobility riders. Prior to this lift, volunteers were manually lifting these riders on and off the horses – a process Franz says was “awkward and taxing” for all parties involved.

In order to help raise money to purchase a custom-made, push-button controlled lift, Stable Pathways began the “Lift Us Up” campaign. To help their efforts, the Fridley Lions Club gave a partial donation to the nonprofit in 2016; then in March 2017, the fundraising efforts came to full fruition when the Lions Club completed their sizable donation allowing Stable Pathways to move ahead with their purchase.

To help construct this 4×7 square-foot platform, Egan donated the required materials and permit to install it at Oak Haven Farm. Don Fehringer, Egan Company Electrical Journeyman and dedicated volunteer for six years at Stable Pathways, provided the labor to do the disconnect and power feed for the lift. All of the construction finished in early May and was ready for riders and volunteers (and horses!), to begin instructional training by the end of spring 2017.

“Egan’s and Don’s sponsorship of the permit and materials has been tremendous for us,” said Patti. “We wouldn’t have this [lift] otherwise. It is great for our staff, the horses, and every client that rides at Stable Pathways.”

We Are Egan – Anthony Sailer

Thursday, June 8th, 2017

“I take each job day-by-day and stay positive. Egan has been an amazing company to work for as they always provide any tools or equipment needed to get the job done.”

Meet Anthony Sailer, Electrical Field Leader who has been with Egan Company for six years.

His favorite hobby outside of work is going on motorcycle rides with his fiancé.

Our company is shaped by who we are, not just what we do. Together, we are Egan.

In The News: Egan Featured in ECM

Friday, June 2nd, 2017

The Mayo Clinic’s Richard O. Jacobson Building is home to the country’s only Proton Beam Facility that allows a beam to be manipulated into different patterns depending on a cancer size and type. The work Egan’s Rochester team completed on this innovative facility was featured in Electrical Contractors Magazine.

Read more: Electrical Contractor Magazine