It’s a classic “out with the old, and in with the new” project for TSquared Electrical in Struthers. The former Sandy’s Auto Body on Youngstown-Poland Road was recently sold and will reopen as Caliber Collision.
TSquared has been rewiring and upgrading the service at the building. It’s currently being reconstructed for operation by the new company.
Ready, set, replace
TSquared started working in June 2024 and expects to be on the job for the remainder of the summer.
“Outside, we took down the old service panel and mast and put in a new 800-amp panel, mast and disconnect,” said Jeff Mendenhal, project manager, TSquared Electrical.
Mendenhal said electricians Jerry Kagy and Marcus Durig tackled that portion of the work together. Now, it’s ready for the next step.
“Ohio Edison will come and tie in the lines to the pole for service. Then, we can use the disconnect to turn off the electricity when we need to,” Kagy said.
Stripped down to rebuild
Before the building could be redesigned, the inside had to be gutted. Durig helped disconnect and take down electrical lines and equipment.
“There were other crews helping to rip out the walls, HVAC and other systems. It took a little under two weeks to get done,” he said.
Now, there are steel beams in place marking the start of a waiting room and front offices. Electricians are making progress on the distribution panels and running all the wiring.
“We have conduit lines along the ceiling. When the painters come, they will paint the conduit the same color as the ceiling since it will be open,” Mendenhal said.
Wired for change
So far, the renovation is going as planned. Mendenhal added the process has been smooth because his crew was basically handed a blank slate.
“It’s typical work for us. A lot of times it’s easier for a building to be new, but this was fairly simple.”
Durig recalled one thing that’s been somewhat of a challenge during the project.
“The hardest part is working around the existing panels because those are already set for the building. We had to adapt and change – based on what’s already there. Everything else in the building we can control where it goes or gets placed,” he said.
Caliber Collision has more than 1,700 locations across the country. Mendenhal was unsure when the Struthers shop would open.
TSquared equals more growth
This is just one of many jobs TSquared is juggling right now. The company launched just a few years ago, but its deep, generational history in electrical work catapulted owner Rich Tice to success.
“We’ve grown to 20 employees and have more trucks. The better our reputation gets, the more people keep calling,” Tice said.
Some of the work means hitting the road, too. He has projects planned in South Carolina and outside of Chicago.
“My crew does a great job. I’ve always tried to keep everyone growing with me – from their apprenticeship on up. They’re young and good at what they do.”
Although the jobs keep coming, Tice is beginning to look at when he’ll start slowing down and letting others move forward.
“I’m trying to get my son to take over eventually, so I’ll have more freedom. I like to travel.”
He estimates it will be a few more years before completely hanging up his toolbelt. However, he hopes to have a lasting business philosophy.
“The only way to grow is to bring people up with you. Prepare everyone else.”
TSquared Electrical 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.