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Project Manager Named Top Women in Construction Finalist

Friday, May 13th, 2022

Shannon Kangas was recently named a finalist of the Finance & Commerce 2022 Top Women in Construction awards. Kangas is a Project Manager working within Egan Company’s Industrial Controls team and was nominated for the “Outstanding Project Management/Estimating” category, based on her high performance and going above and beyond for the industry and community. 

Kangas began her career in the AEC industry as a part of Local Union 292 in 2000. During this time, her interest piqued and she knew she wanted to stay in the industry, attending Minnesota State University – Mankato where she studied Electronic Engineering Technology. She has served in various roles in the industry including Electronic/HVAC Technician and Application/Controls Engineer before landing in the role she holds today, as a Project Manager for Egan’s electrical control panel manufacturing business unit. She continues to exceed the standards in this role by managing customer accounts and major vendors as well as up to seven panel shop technicians that produced 3,134 electrical control panels last year alone. Not only a star in her field, Shannon is an assistant coach for the Andover High School Girls Hockey team, who recently competed in its fifth consecutive state tournament. 

This is the third annual Top Women in Construction awards that Finance & Commerce has presented, recognizing the impact women make daily on the construction industry across the state of Minnesota. The Top Woman in Construction was awarded on May 12. Congratulations to Shannon and all of the other local women who were nominated! 

For more information and to see all winners, visit Finance & Commerce.

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Local Impact Through Water’s Off

Monday, March 28th, 2022

In Minnesota, March 26th marked the 28th annual “Water’s Off” event where local union plumbers donated their time to provide proper plumbing maintenance and repair to those in need while raising awareness of water conservation. In 1994, the local unions were looking for ways to spread awareness of the importance of preserving water. They quickly found that often those who had the highest water bills were those who couldn’t afford their bills, nor the necessary maintenance and repair of the residential plumbing systems. To fill this need, “Water’s Off” was formed, partnering with trades personnel and contractors to access necessary resources. Now, one Saturday every spring, local union plumbers donate their time to help those in need.

Dave Lillback, one of Egan Company’s Plumbers was able to donate his time and use his Egan truck to participate in the event alongside many other union plumbers. Lillback has been involved in the event since 2005. “It’s a really cool opportunity to give back to the community while breaking the stigma of the union trades.” says Lilliback. “We’re able to help people who really are deserving.”

According to the Minnesota Pipe Trades website, on average 130 volunteers participate. While the event started locally in Minnesota, it has since spread to other locations as well. In the fall, local pipefitters volunteer in a similar event called “Heat’s On” that provides those in need with furnace repairs. 

For more information on the event, visit Minnesota Pipe Trades.

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20 Questions with our CEO James Ford

Thursday, March 3rd, 2022

This spring, we welcomed James Ford into the role of President & Chief Executive Officer, following recently retired Duane Hendricks’ leadership succession. Previously, James served as both President and Chief Financial Officer. He also joined the Board of Directors in 2017. We sat down with James for a little “20 Questions” to get to know him better.

In one statement, what do you do at Egan? 

“Create teams with a focus on long-term success”

What’s your favorite part about working at Egan? 

“Hands down…..it’s our amazing people.”

What unique skills or strengths do you bring to your role? 

“I have a natural tendency to be focused on the future, which leads me to be curious and ask a lot of questions about what we should do next, how we can accomplish it, and who can help us.”

When you aren’t at work, what do you enjoy spending your free time doing? 

“I love to play golf and spend time on the water with my family.”

What advice would you have for future leaders in the industry? 

“You will likely master the technical skills you need fairly early in your career; then invest your time in learning how to communicate effectively, ask great questions, build relationships, create consensus, and how to see things from someone else’s point of view.”

What is the most memorable moment you had with a client or customer in the last 20 years? 

“I enjoy meeting with customers when we don’t have an active project with them because then the conversations are less about the current situation and are more focused on how we can build a better long-term relationship with them.”

What’s your educational background look like? 

“Bachelor of Science in Accounting from North Dakota State University in Fargo, North Dakota.”

What’s one word you would use to describe the Egan team? 

“Resilient”

If your life was a movie, what genre would it be? 

“Action with some comedy.”

What’s your favorite Minnesota season? 

“Summer”

What’s your favorite way to stay active? 

“Walking 18 holes”

How many years of industry experience do you have? 

“If you count my early years helping my dad install flooring, it would be 30 years of experience. Professionally I have been working with contractors for 22 years.”

Where is your hometown?

“Moorhead, Minnesota”

Best vacation you’ve ever been on? 

“Maui”

What was your first job? 

“I worked the meat counter at a grocery store”

What’s the best part of your work day? 

“Connecting with individual team members”

Who do you look to for inspiration/mentorship? 

“Simon Sinek”

What’s your favorite board game? 

“Monopoly”

Something that you’re extremely competitive about? 

“Ping-pong”

What game show do you think you’d have the best chance at winning? 

“Price is Right”

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Marching for a Mission

Friday, December 10th, 2021

Meet Kirk Marthaler, Vice President of IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers) Veterans Committee for Local Union 292 and Egan Company electrician. As a Veteran, Marthaler has taken the time to share resources with his peers and others at Egan. He’s passionate about supporting Veterans in need. 

Last month on Veterans Day, Marthaler participated in a 22-mile march to raise money for three different 501(c)3 Veteran organizations (Veterans in the Outdoors (VITO), Soldier’s 6, and Invisible Wounds). Marthaler completed his 22 mile march around 9PM on Veterans Day.

“These three veteran organizations  have been advocates for Veterans in our community. Thank you for your support during this fundraiser,” shared Marthaler, “The money raised—not if but when—will save someone’s life.”

In support of Kirk Marthaler acting as a resource and advocate for Veterans at Egan and beyond, Egan made donations to these deserving organizations:

  • Veterans in the Outdoors (VTO) is a 501(c)3 non-profit, veteran operated organization that provides service members the opportunity to experience a hassle free hunting/fishing adventure.
  • Soldier’s 6 is also a Minnesota based 501(c)3 non-profit organization that provides honorably discharged veterans, police officers, and fire fighters with specially trained K-9’s. Soldier’s 6 is named this because the service dog has it’s buddy’s “6” (or back).
  • Invisible Wounds Project is a nonprofit that seeks to raise awareness and provide services to Minnesota’s military, first responders, front-line medical staff, corrections, dispatch, and their family as it related to mental health, PTSD and suicide.

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Steve Grubish Appointed to NECA St. Paul Chapter Board

Wednesday, January 1st, 2020

Steve Grubish, Egan Company Director of Support Operations, has been appointed to the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) St. Paul Chapter Board of Directors.

NECA strives to work towards a national goal of “empowering lives and communities.” In total, there are nine members on the NECA St. Paul Board.

Beginning in the field as an apprentice and working his way to superintendent on several large commercial projects in different areas of the United States. In his current role at Egan, Grubish oversees our Support Operations team. He’s able to share the wealth of experience and knowledge he’s built after nearly 30 years in the industry to the NECA St. Paul Board.

My goal in serving on the board is to help strengthen the relationship NECA has with our IBEW trades people to meet the challenges we’ll face in the future, specifically in attracting new people to the trades. The experience I’ve personally had in the trade helps me see the challenges we face from both sides of the table.

Steve Grubish, Director of Support Operations.

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