It requires a high level of strategy to defeat an opponent in chess. And that’s exactly what retired journeyman electrician Brian Luoma loves about the game. “To me, it’s like a lot of miniature little puzzles,” Luoma said. “In chess, I like to see and figure out what you’re doing and answer to it. It’s…
As green energy continues to evolve, NECA-IBEW Electricians member contractors are preparing for renewable energy sources to be used more in construction projects. “Green energy has its niche market,” said Steve Fife, journeyman electrician at “Joe” Dickey Electric and fifth-year apprentice instructor. “There’s a lot of people interested in it. Not only does it help…
After practicing law for 24 years, Tom Lipka has ventured into a new role leading the charge as executive director of the Mahoning Valley NECA chapter. “My first few months have been extremely hectic,” he said. “It’s on-the-job training and there’s so much to this industry. Since I’m coming in from outside, there’s a lot…
For Justin Davner, an interest in the electrical trade started thanks to his stepfather, Paul, who was a union carpenter. “I started working with him around the house,” he said. “Then he started pushing me towards the electrical field.” While in high school, Davner focused in on his career choice by taking classes at the…
After serving in the Vietnam War, Bob Ponzani returned to Youngstown looking for a career. He found it following in the footsteps of his father and uncle. “They taught me the [electrical] trade when I came out of the service to earn extra money while working at U.S. Steel,” he said. “And I just stayed…
The Move Our Mission campaign is that much closer to breaking ground due in part to a $5,000 donation from NECA-IBEW Electricians. Representatives from the Mahoning Valley NECA contractors and IBEW Local 64 electricians visited the Rescue Mission of the Mahoning Valley this week to present their check. The electrical room in the new mission…
As work continues on a silo project for City Concrete, Jason Rubin, president of CR Electric, couldn’t be happier with how everything is coming together. “We actually put our design together on paper with the controls, control cabinets, control centers and service,” Rubin said. “Now, we’re at the point six months later, we’re building the…
Starting down a path to a successful career, three first-year electrician apprentices through the Youngstown Area Electrical JATC were eager to share their stories and experiences. “I really love it,” said Pete Barone, commercial electrician apprentice. “Honestly, ever since I walked in the door, I could tell I’m part of something a lot different than…
Along with making an impact locally as an electrician and teacher, Dave McGoogan looks to help those in need around the world. In February, McGoogan, a journeyman electrician with “Joe” Dickey Electric, traveled to El Salvador with his son, Dale, as part of a mission trip with Victory Christian Center. “This was my sixth time…
From conceptualizing to precise measurement taking, bending conduit is a crucial skill needed to succeed as a journeyman electrician. “Conduit bending is a technique used to provide a path for our circuit conductors to get from point A to point B,” said Bob Mass, journeyman inside electrician, Grunau Company. “Unfortunately, there’s never a straight path…