A key ingredient in the recipe for an Insomnia Cookies coming to YSU campus is University Electric. The bakery plans to open sometime in fall 2024 at the corner of North Hazel Street and Lincoln Avenue.
After spending just over a month on the project, electricians wrapped up their work in early October.
Starting from scratch
Insomnia Cookies specializes in delivering warm, freshly baked treats and ice cream. It’s known for being open as late as 3 a.m. on weekends.
“Before we got here, this was all one room. We took out everything electrical except for some conduit that was reusable,” said Mike Engle, project manager, University Electric. “The whole layout changed from what it was before. We got the blueprints and went to town.”
The early stages of work consisted mostly of pulling wire throughout the bakery and making upgrades.
“The existing electrical panel didn’t have enough space for what was needed, so we had to install another one,” Engle said.
Heaping in LEDs
He noted the lighting package is provided by Insomnia Cookies, and all locations have the same look.
“There will be track lighting in the front, canned lights in the register area and land lighting in the back of the bakery. There will also be battery backup lighting for emergencies.”
Overall, Engle said it was a smooth, “cookie-cutter job” with very few issues.
“Some changes in the plans were made. If I’d see something that wasn’t right, I’d ask the general contractor. Then, he’d make the revision, and we’d get it corrected.”
The finishing touches for electricians included installing outlets and lighting fixtures, and hooking up the cooler, oven, cash register and the pass-through window with the cookie warmer.
A learning experience
This is the third project that Engle has led as a journeyman. He was also busy training Ivan Lindberg, who was on his first-ever job.
“It’s been great for learning about safety, first of all. The only power we have is the main outlet next to the existing panel and two lights. Everything else is on extension cord or not connected,” Engle said.
Lindberg is a Boardman graduate and is currently working as a Construction Wireman/Construction Electrician (CW/CE). He’s already taken steps to get into the apprenticeship with IBEW Local 64.
“I applied and made it through the interview process. Since I’m on the top end of the ranking list, they offered me the CW/CE position,” he said. “It’s very selective, and for them to reach out to me, it was really nice.”
The CW/CE is designed to help people gain experience while waiting to enter the apprenticeship.
Passing down knowledge
Lindberg learned about the electrical trade through his uncle, who is now retired. He loves the work and being hands-on, so he’s following the same career path.
“I knew what I was getting into going into this trade. It’s been good so far. There’s a lot I don’t know yet but being here and doing it helps.”
Engle stressed applying to be a CW/CE is another way to gain experience as an electrician. Teaching is one of his favorite parts of being a journeyman.
“You get to pass down your knowledge. And I let them know exactly what’s expected every time.”
University 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.