Posts Tagged ‘community’

National Safety Month: A Closer Look at Egan’s Safety-Driven Culture

Thursday, June 26th, 2025

Creating a safe work environment takes more than a checklist. It takes people—engaged, committed, and looking out for one another. At Egan Company, safety is a leading core value, and during National Safety Month, it becomes the spotlight. This annual observance is a reminder to pause and refocus, not only on policies and protocols, but on the people they’re designed to protect.

Egan’s approach to safety extends beyond compliance. It’s built into the company culture and reinforced through daily decisions. Whether it’s a daily safety planning exercise or training, the focus remains the same: prevent injuries, protect each other, and ensure everyone gets home safely at the end of the day.

Building a Culture of Safety—Together
A strong safety culture is driven by shared responsibility. At Egan, that means encouraging every team member to speak up, ask questions, and offer solutions. In honor of National Safety Month’s “employee engagement” theme, Egan invited team members’ families to contribute their perspectives—with kids submitting safety-themed artwork that reminded everyone why we do this work in the first place. The message was clear: safety doesn’t stop at the jobsite. It impacts families, friends, and communities.

Keeping Our Guard up Outdoors
Outdoor Electrical projects present their own challenges—from moving equipment and changing weather conditions to limited visibility near roadways. That’s why Egan places special emphasis on outdoor safety, particularly when crews are working near traffic. Staying visible, alert, and protected with proper PPE isn’t just protocol—it’s essential.

Wellbeing Is Part of the Plan
Physical safety is only one part of the equation. Mental and emotional wellbeing are equally important. Recognizing this, Egan promotes resources that support the whole person—from hydration and rest to stress management and mental health tools. A well-supported team is a safer team.

In May, Egan observed Mental Health Awareness Month by sharing practical tools, resources, and reminders to prioritize mental wellness. That message carries directly into National Safety Month, reinforcing the idea that safety isn’t just about avoiding injuries—it’s about protecting the people behind the helmets and high-vis vests, in every sense of the word.

As one of America’s Safest Companies, Egan continues to uphold its reputation by cultivating a culture that places safety and wellbeing at the forefront. This recognition reflects not just past achievements, but a continued commitment to improvement, accountability, and the belief that every person deserves to work in a safe and supportive environment. National Safety Month may happen once a year, but at Egan, the commitment to safety is constant. The goal is always the same: continuous improvement, zero injuries, and a workplace where safety isn’t just expected—it’s embraced. By listening, engaging, and supporting one another, Egan continues to build a culture that protects people, supports wellbeing, and raises the bar for what it means to work safely. Want to see what safety looks like in action? Check out how the Egan team celebrated Safety Month across the company by following us on Facebook and LinkedIn.

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Investing in the Future: Egan Welcomes Reily, New Electrical Intern and LSW Graduate

Tuesday, June 24th, 2025

From a spark of curiosity in high school to a full-time internship and a fully sponsored college education—Reily Islas Vasquez’s journey into the industry is just getting started, and Egan is proud to be part of it.

Islas Vasquez’s interest in electrical construction was first ignited in high school, where he participated in a project building a shed. “It was when we did the electrical that I got into it,” Islas Vasquez recalled. “We connected electricity to this one light bulb. But it just fascinated me. I don’t know why.” That one light bulb became the moment that lit the path toward his future in the industry.

Seeking to explore this passion further, Islas Vasquez applied for an opportunity with Lake Street Works (LSW), a workforce readiness program that equips youth with technical and life skills to pursue careers in construction. Throughout the program, Egan supported LSW through a multi-year partnership that included mock interviews, internship prep workshops, facility tours, and mentorship opportunities—efforts that are all part of a larger goal to invest in the next generation of skilled trades professionals.

Islas Vasquez stood out in his cohort. His hard work and promise earned him LSW’s Golden Hammer Award, a recognition given to standout students who show exceptional commitment to their craft.

After graduating from LSW this past spring, Islas Vasquez started as a full-time electrical intern at Egan Company. “I was really excited—really happy. I felt blessed,” he shared. “There were a couple other companies that wanted to interview me, but I feel like I had the most connection with Egan since we came here.”

But that’s not where his story ends. With the support of Wallin Education Partners, Islas Vasquez is enrolling at North Hennepin Community College in the Construction Management & Supervision associates degree program, —a two-year path that combines classroom learning with real-world experience. Through the collaboration between Egan, LSW, and Wallin, Islas Vasquez’s education will be fully funded.

This opportunity is the result of thoughtful collaboration and shared commitment. “We are excited to see the culmination of our partnership with Lake Street Works at work with Islas Vasquez as he closes the chapter on his high school education and LSW experience and begins a new chapter at North Hennepin Community College,” said Brian Harren, Vice President of Electrical Solutions and Prefabrication. “During his internship, we look forward to providing hands-on work experiences that parallel and amplify Islas Vasquez’s studies, in order to ensure his future success in the industry as well as growing a talented employee.”

Egan’s partnership with LSW is more than just community outreach—it’s about shaping strong, sustainable career pathways and creating real opportunities for young people like Islas Vasquez. This isn’t just a win for one student. It’s a glimpse of what’s possible when companies, schools, and nonprofits work together to build a better future—for individuals, for the trades, and for our communities.

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Advancing Hands-On Trade Experience with Lake Street Works

Thursday, January 5th, 2023

Prior to this year, an after-school program that furthers career skills for high school students in South Minneapolis was unheard of. Seeing this gap, Jess Coykendall alongside others formed what would soon be known as Lake Street Works (LSW).

LSW serves the South Minneapolis community by providing seniors in high school with the opportunity to learn more about construction trades as well as general life skills. Many of the students in this urban area would otherwise not have access to these resources within their school or home life.

QUICK FACTS:

  • Students meet twice a week after school and are paid to attend (much like having an after school job)
  • At the end of the program, graduates of LSW will be equipped to either enter full-time employment, apply for an apprenticeship/specialty trade certification, or enroll in a post-secondary technical training program. 
  • The inaugural class of Lake Street Works will graduate in June 2023. 

Several Egan leaders, Kurt Johnson, ATS Director of Sales, Jason Rosati, Vice President of Electrical Special Projects, and Mike Tengwall, Senior Vice President of Electrical, were guest speakers to the class and shared about their experiences in the trades as well as answered any questions the students had.

Egan also donated work shirts and PPE for all of the students who are part of the LSW program. In the coming year, Egan’s Mechanical team will be working with Ryan Companies to assist in designing and building their new training center. 

For more information visit the Lake Street Works website.

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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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