Apprentices are the future of the construction industry and are valued employees at Egan Company. Every year, the South Central MN Electrical Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee (JATC) program selects two apprentices to receive the “Apprentice of the Year” award.  Honored recipients are selected based on program attendance, participation, work ethic, grades, and instructor recommendations. The award winners receive a trip to the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) Annual Convention to further their industry knowledge and network with contractors and others.  

Among the 39 upper-level apprentices in the program, Egan’s own Matt Auringer was selected to receive this top honor and will proudly represent our Company and the South Central MN JATC at the NECA Convention in October in Nashville, TN. 

“Matt always has a super positive attitude and is a joy to have in class. I’ve witnessed his strong work ethic in the labs and his excellent test scores. He’s definitely a perfect candidate for Apprentice of the Year.”

-Apprenticeship Instructor Daniel Goodew with the South Central MN JATC

When asked what the recognition meant to him, Auringer said, “Being chosen as a top apprentice is an honor and is proof that hard work does pay off in one way or another.  I was a little late to this career choice, but I’m very proud to be a part of both Egan and Local Union 343. I very much look forward to the future and continuing to provide my very best for Egan and my union.”

Congratulations to one of our own on his great accomplishment and for representing apprentices in construction! 

Auringer works with our crews in Rochester, Minn. and has been with Egan for just over 10 years.

Duane Hendricks to retire as President & CEO; James Ford promoted to President; Chris Keller joins as Chief Financial Officer

MINNEAPOLIS, MN – Specialty trades contractor Egan Company announced several leadership transitions as part of its planned executive leadership succession. On February 2, 2022, current President & CEO Duane Hendricks will step down from his current role; he will remain with Egan in the role of Chairman of Egan’s Board of Directors.

The Board appointed James Ford, Egan’s current Chief Financial Officer (CFO), to succeed Hendricks as President & CEO effective February 3, 2022. He will step into the role of President on June 16, 2021. Since joining Egan as CFO in 2017—bringing over 15 years of experience—Ford has been an integral part of the senior leadership team, Board of Directors, and strategic business partner to all business operating groups. Prior to Egan, he worked in public accounting as a Business Partner with Eide Bailly LLP providing accounting, audit, tax, and consulting services to clients in various industries.

“With James’ past construction experience and partnership since coming to Egan, he will continue to be a great asset and an innovative leader,” said Hendricks. “Having a strong understanding of our business, James connects well with each of our great leaders and customers. We are looking forward to his leadership and ideas to continue keeping our company viable, sustainable, and successful for the future!”

In addition to Ford’s promotion, Chris Keller assumes the role of Chief Financial Officer (CFO) as a new hire of the Company. His background includes over 20 years of experience in construction and finance and accounting leadership positions at Coborn’s, Minnesota Limited, and Sportech. Keller received a bachelor’s degree in accounting from St. Cloud State University and Master of Business Administration from Metropolitan State University. He is a Certified Public Accountant and an active member of the Minnesota Society of CPAs (MNCPA) and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA).

“Egan Company has built a tremendous history over the last seventy-five years and I look forward to working with the entire team to help shape our future,” said Ford. “I am excited about how many tremendously talented people we have at Egan and our number one priority will continue to be our people. We will double down on our commitment to building a culture that attracts, retains, and invests in the development of a great team. Secondly, we will continue our focus on doing the right work where Egan can truly add value to our customers and the communities in which we work.”

About Egan Company

Egan Company is a privately-owned, specialty contractor providing building trades to general contractors, engineers, building owners, property managers, and facility engineers. Specialties include: electrical, mechanical, curtainwall/glazing/metal panels (InterClad), millwrights, building technology, controls and system integration, and 24/7 service. Egan serves every stage of a building and provides in-house expertise in planning, design and engineering, construction, and maintenance. For more information about Egan Company, visit www.eganco.com.

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Exceptional customer service requires working the extra hour, making the extra calls, taking care of the details, or visiting a building after hours. Upholding our promises at the highest level is always our goal. And, if we’re achieving that goal, each and every Egan customer should experience exceptional service.

Many times throughout the year, stories are sent to us from customers. Long narratives or short commendation, each story is shared with our Board of Directors who recognize the team or the employee with a gift for keeping their promises.

At the close of each year, two of these special stories are also chosen for a Promises Kept Award. This “best of” award recognizes those who have truly gone above and beyond in service to our customers. The winners are announced, presented, and celebrated at our annual Employee Christmas Party in December. Look for this year’s recipients in a few weeks!

To share an experience with us or to submit a story for Promises Kept recognition, visit: www.eganco.com/customer-feedback