Posts Tagged ‘leadership succession’

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”

Built on Hard Work And Doing The Right Thing

Tuesday, November 30th, 2021

Impact of CEO Duane Hendricks

Always going the extra mile: a true testament to the hard work, perseverance, and dedication showcased by Egan Company CEO Duane Hendricks. Now, after 19 years with Egan (four of which were spent as President & CEO) and four decades in the industry, Hendricks will retire from his role in February 2022. 

HARD WORK FROM START TO FINISH

As you can imagine, the construction industry that awaited Hendricks 40 years ago looked worlds different than it does today. Changes loomed at every corner and Hendricks had a front row seat for it all, from the betterment of work environments to new technologies like the revolutionary introduction of the battery drill. While providing a very firm foundation for his career, this was only the beginning. 

Hendricks grew up in Motley, Minn. and started working at an early age, quickly developing a strong interest in working with his hands. Upon graduating high school, he jumped into the trades as an electrical apprentice with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, quickly working toward master electrician.

During these early years in the field, Hendricks established a key strength: an unmatched work ethic. He shares, “I developed a strong work ethic at a young age because I was surrounded by high energy people and I always enjoyed what I did, so the work came easy for me.” 

With his drive and determination in one hand and his passion for the electrical industry in the other, it comes as no surprise that Hendricks was prominently positioned for leadership opportunities in the field. He was known to have upheld extremely high standards for those he managed, but that was in turn consistently reflected in their work.

Hendricks adds, “I was fortunate to have success through many opportunities. I’ve had great mentors, a supportive wife, family, and the grace of God as I pushed myself outside of my comfort zone with the drive to succeed . . . and I’ve done the same for others.” 

His success on jobsites was reflected in advancements in the office as a project manager. He describes this transition as the first pivotal moment in his career. But, it didn’t come with ease. At the time, Hendricks was working for Comm-Tech Electrical, formerly located in Plymouth, Minn. Hendricks lists the first year transitioning from the field to the office as one of the most difficult changes. He was extremely passionate about working with his hands and had to learn how to pour this passion into his new role. From there, he became a co-owner of Comm-Tech, which was later acquired by Egan Company. 

“My professional career has gone way beyond what I had ever planned or expected,” shares Hendricks. “Every day, I’m honored to work with—and to have worked with—all the great people at Egan Company.”

From overseeing the industrial/process controls business to all of Egan’s electrical groups as Executive Vice President to later leading as COO and then CEO – the rest is history. 

DOING THE RIGHT THING

With 40 years of construction industry experience under his belt, he has led Egan through difficult circumstances. Hendricks’ biggest piece of advice?: “To work hard, always do the right thing, treat everyone with respect, stay focused, and never stop learning. Treat others the way you want to be treated and be a good listener.” His legacy is rooted in his deep investment in the trades, the industry, and ensuring that the right decisions are made to meet the needs of employees and customers.

Throughout his pronounced career, Hendricks always made a point to build up and develop individuals in the workforce. He believes in creating opportunities for individuals to step into new roles while providing them with the guidance, resources, training, and support to succeed. This bleeds into the importance he places on mentorship and opening doors for others.

“Life is full of opportunities, it’s all about how you respond to them. It’s critical that you look for smart, humble, hungry candidates with related training and/or experience . . . people that are intellectually smart, work well with others, and are willing and eager to learn. Those are the kinds of people who are able to build your company.”

His innate desire to do the right thing goes far beyond Egan itself, spending time in a number of different leadership roles throughout his career including serving as National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) Minneapolis President and Governor, a member of the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) board, Minnesota State Board of Electricity Chair, and as a member of the Construction Codes Advisory Council. 

With hard work and perseverance, Hendricks lists his biggest accomplishments as 40 years of marriage with his wife Linda (who has also spent the last 19 years as an Egan employee), two children, and three grandchildren. As he enters into this next season of his life, Hendricks is looking forward to a variety of different things, with the top priority being spending time with his grandsons. He also looks forward to building a new workshop, his river home, traveling with Linda, and many outdoor activities throughout the year.

VISION FOR EGAN LEADERSHIP

Hendricks’ role in implementing and improving the current operational processes within Egan will further his legacy for years to come. He’ll remain with Egan as Chairman of the Board, sharing his support and guidance toward long-term success of the company as well as the promise of a great place to work.

At the forefront of this leadership succession, current President James Ford will step into the role of President & CEO in February. Since joining Egan in 2017 as Chief Financial Officer, Ford has worked alongside Hendricks in pursuit of providing the highest level of customer care across the board. 

“I am confident that Egan will continue to flourish with Ford at the reins,” states Hendricks. “Egan Company is in a great position for this transition.”

The leadership provided by Duane Hendricks will impact Egan Company for years to come – we’re immensely grateful for the years he poured into not only the business, but every Egan employee for the past 19 years.

Retirement of Vice President Brad Drews

Friday, May 28th, 2021

After nearly 40 years in the industry—32 of those at Egan Company—Vice President Brad Drews is retiring.

Drews at an Egan Company Golf Outing in 2006.

In 1983, Drews began his electrical career as an apprentice at “the Egan’s shop” (then, a significantly smaller company) then returned in 1989 as a journeyman. He attributed Egan as the “first and last place I’ll work” and has experienced Egan from many levels. Joining the workforce as an apprentice, he moved into roles as a foreman, general foreman, manager, and group leader. He’s wrapping up his tenure as Vice President for the Outside Electrical business.

When reflecting on his career, Drews gives much credit to the team: “If I could pass along one thing I’ve learned in my career to others, it’s to treat people with respect and the way you want to be treated – they will be loyal, hardworking employees,” said Drews. “These are the core people that make your business successful.”

Drews singing karaoke at an Egan Company event.

After retiring, Drews plans to spend his time with his wife, children, parents, and grandchildren, with frequent trips to Mille Lacs Lake. He hopes to spend the winter months in Florida where he can golf and bike all season.

Drews leaves the Outside Electrical business in qualified hands, with Paul Liveringhouse as Operations Manager. Liveringhouse has been with Egan Company since 2011 following the merger of Collins Electrical System (ColliSys). As part of a planned succession, he’s held his management role since October 2020.

Thanks to Brad Drews for his years of service and dedication to Egan Company!