Eric Carlson, president and owner of “Joe” Dickey Electric, has been inducted as a Fellow into the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) Academy of Electrical Contracting.
He was recognized on September 13 at the annual NECA conference in Chicago.
Carlson now joins a distinguished list of Mahoning Valley NECA members who have earned a place in the Academy, a reflection of the chapter’s influence on the national stage.
His induction follows that of VEC’s Jeff Barber in 2024. It’s the second year in a row for a local leader to be named to the Academy.
“I am truly honored and humbled,” he said. “It’s a very prestigious organization filled with the nation’s top industry leaders, and I’m at a loss for words to be included among them.”
Carlson was nominated by the Board of Directors of the Mahoning Valley NECA Chapter, with recommendations from other Academy members including Dave Dickey, Rex Ferry, Jeff Barber and Phillip Rose.
Investing in people and the electrical industry
Carlson has spent his entire career at Dickey Electric, starting as a material handler and rising through the ranks. He became president in 2017 and owner in 2024.
“Dickey Electric is the only place I’ve ever worked,” he said. “To go from a kid whose Eagle Scout project was sponsored by Joe and Dave to now leading the company they built is incredibly special.”
He credits both men, Academy inductees themselves, for shaping his values and leadership.
“I owe everything to Joe and Dave. They treated me like family and always supported my growth in this industry,” Carlson said. “Hopefully, I can do the same for the future leadership of our company.”
Carlson reflected on Joe Dickey Jr., who passed away in June 2024.
“I know he’s looking down and smiling. He’d be so proud. He loved this industry and would be thrilled to see me joining him and Dave in the Academy.”
Carlson serves as vice president of the Mahoning Valley NECA Chapter and sits on the Board of Directors. He’s played key roles on labor-management committees with IBEW Locals 64 and 573, helping resolve issues and negotiate agreements.
“He is the kind of leader who doesn’t just serve, he strengthens,” said Chris Sammarone, executive director of Mahoning Valley NECA. “Eric helped guide me when I stepped into this role, and he’s continued to be a mentor. His commitment to our contractors, union partners and shared success is unmatched.”
Shaping the future of the trade
Carlson has dedicated more than a decade to the Youngstown Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee. He helped secure funding and oversaw construction of the new IBEW Local 64 training center.
Nationally, he served on NECA’s Business Development Task Force from 2018 to 2024 and remains an active member of the ELECTRI Council, which advances research and innovation in the trade.
“Joe Jr. and Dave instilled in me that we have to take care of our business, but also take care of the industry,” Carlson said. “We can’t sacrifice the long term for short-term success.”
He’s also a strong advocate in government affairs. Carlson has attended NECA’s National Legislative Conference for over a decade and supports NECAPAC on both state and federal levels.
“Eric doesn’t just talk about giving back to the industry. He lives it,” Sammarone said. “His example encourages others to get involved and shape the future of our workforce.”
Building communities and company culture
Carlson’s leadership extends into the community. He and his wife, Bethany, co-chaired the 2023 United Way of Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley campaign, which set a fundraising record.
He played a key role in establishing the organization’s new Volunteer Resource Center.
Carlson remains on United Way’s executive committee and serves on the boards of the South Range Schools Foundation and the Great Trail Council of the Boy Scouts of America. In 2023, he was honored with the National Eagle Scout Association’s Outstanding Eagle Scout Award.
That spirit of leadership carries over to his role in the industry, where he continues to represent the Mahoning Valley NECA Chapter nationally.
“Our chapter may be small, but our impact on the national level is significant,” Carlson said. “I’m proud to continue that legacy and be part of a group that has shaped this industry for the better.”
Looking ahead, he remains focused on progress, but what matters most to him is the people.
“We truly are a family working toward common goals,” he said. “Our team continues to embrace new technology and process improvements. The future is bright, and we’re growing together.”
Dickey Electric is a member contractor of NECA-IBEW Electricians, an association consisting of IBEW Local 64 in Youngstown, IBEW Local 573 in Warren and signatory electrical contractors throughout the Mahoning Valley.