Session: Keep the Lights On: Succession Planning That Protects Your Legacy | Learning Lab

About this Session: Stepping away from your business is one of the most important decisions you'll ever make—and planning for it shouldn't be overwhelming. In this session, Federated Insurance® will help you take control of your future with practical succession planning strategies tailored for independent electrical contractors. Whether you're planning to retire soon or just starting to think about the future, this session will give you the tools and confidence to make informed decisions—so you can keep the lights on for generations to come. (This session will include a Q&A with an Estate & Business Succession Planning Attorney)

Learning Objectives:

• Explore succession options that fit your business and personal goals 
• Minimize stress, taxes, and legal risks during your transition 
• Access a trusted network of independent succession and estate planning attorneys 
• Create a clear roadmap for a smooth and successful business exit 
• Protect your legacy and ensure your business continues to thrive 

Speaker: Dustin Davis | Founding Partner & Attorney | Evans & Davis

About Dustin: Dustin Davis is a founding partner of Evans & Davis, a premier law firm that has been advising clients for over two decades. Witha career spanning more than 20 years, he has developed a reputation for providing legal counsel in estate planning, business planning and generational wealth transfer. His deep understanding of financial structures, tax strategies, and asset protection has made him a trusted advisor to high-net-worth individuals, families, and business owners seeking to secure their legacies and preserve their wealth for future generations. Davis’s legal acumen is enhanced by his strong business and financial background. Before entering the legal profession, he worked in corporate banking while earning his Master of Business Administration, a combination that allows him to offer strategic, financially sound solutions tailored to the unique needs of his clients. His ability to bridge the gap between business and law has positioned him as a key resource for entrepreneurs, executives, and professionals navigating business operations and succession planning. Beyond his legal practice, Davis is deeply committed to community leadership and philanthropy. He has served on several boards of directors for nonprofit organizations, including his alma mater’s Board of Development, the Susan G. Komen Foundation, and the Alzheimer’s Association. Through these roles, he has played a vital part in shaping initiatives that support education, healthcare, and charitable giving, further reinforcing his dedication to making a meaningful impact beyond the legal realm. Davis earned his law degree following an international study program at the historic Brasenose College at Oxford University, where he gained valuable insights into global legal principles. His passion for learning and professional development continues to drive his approach to advising clients in an ever-evolving legal and economic landscape. A frequent speaker and thought leader, Davis has contributed to seminars, industry conferences, and continuing education programs, sharing his expertise on estate planning, business succession, and wealth preservation strategies. His guidance is sought by both clients and peers for his ability to simplify legal concepts while delivering practical, results-driven solutions. Outside of his professional endeavors, Davis enjoys traveling with family and friends, experiencing diverse cultures, and attending sporting events. His appreciation for teamwork, discipline, and strategy—both in business and in sports—mirrors his approach to law, where he is dedicated to helping clients navigate challenges with confidence and foresight.

Session: Growing your company OR your Chapter through a special association 401k program | Panel Discussion

About this Session: Greetings!  I would pass out a "Roadmap to Starting and Running a 401k program for your Membership". Our firm has successfully built these programs for 5 construction associations (two of them are IEC Chapters) and we have the footprint to help other Chapters in all corners of the United States.  This unique association 401k program also includes a Davis Bacon feature that saves Member firms big dollars when bidding on govt projects.  I could partner with a Certified Payroll Professional who can discuss the basics of how to branch out into certified payroll.  And, could pull in a member lawyer who can advise on "what to do/not do when your certified payroll is being audited". 

Learning Objectives:

• How to start and run a mulitiple employer plan (MEP) for your Association  (appeals to all ED's of Chapters) 
• How Association 401k plans can make your government bid more competitive   (appeals to member CFOs who attend to learn a competitive edge)
• Tips and tricks on certified payroll - new rules and current events with reporting certified payroll (takeaways that Members can implement when they get home)
• Staying compliant in certified payroll and 401k 

Speaker: Linda Smith | Advisor | BenSource Employee Benefits

Session: Rock the Recession: How Successful Leaders Prepare For, Survive During, and Create Wealth After Downturns | Learning Lab

About this Session: When the next downturn hits, will your business be ready—or at risk? Be honest, if your company prepared for the next recession? Since co-authoring the bestselling book Rock the Recession, Jonathan Slain has guided nearly 1,000 business leaders through a proven framework for preparing, thriving, and even accelerating during downturns. Drawing on new research from almost 500 executives, this session combines data-driven insights with practical case studies to provide a roadmap for recession readiness. 

You’ll discover: 

The Data: Fresh analysis of 483 leaders showing what separates high-performing (Green) companies from vulnerable (Red) ones. For example, firms with a written vision and strong cash reserves consistently scored higher in resilience. 

The Case Studies: How companies like Camelot Homes used a recession scorecard (H.O.M.E. Score™) to triple revenue, 5X EBITDA, and plan generational succession despite market turbulence. 

The Framework: The 4 Gears of Recession Readiness—Assess, Tune, Race, Accelerate—plus when to pull the “Emergency Brake” during crisis situations. 

This session is highly engaging by design. We’ll begin with a fresh definition of what a “recession” means—not just economic downturns, but also internal crises like losing key employees or falling victim to cybersecurity fraud. Attendees will then participate in a live Recession Assessment, instantly discovering whether they score Red, Yellow, or Green. Finally, Jonathan will teach the 4 Gears of Recession Readiness—Assess, Tune, Race, Accelerate—plus when to pull the Emergency Brake. 

There are many companies driving around aimlessly with no plan for achieving breakout growth during the next recession. The combination of data, diagnostics, case studies, and an actionable framework in this keynote ensures that participants will leave with a roadmap to build a better company, better life, and better bottom line! 

Learning Objectives:

• Benchmark their company’s resilience by taking a live Recession Assessment and understanding their readiness score.
• Apply the 4 Gears of Recession Readiness to strengthen financial, leadership, and strategic foundations.
• Identify how to turn downturns and disruptions into opportunities for growth, profitability, and long-term stability.

Speaker: Brandon Pipkin | Autobahn Consultants

About Brandon: Brandon Pipkin tried out to be the Colorado Avalanche mascot in 1996. He didn’t make it. Thus, his career in business and helping people and businesses grow was launched. The Avs have done just fine without him, and he’s done almost as well. He’s trained people from and consulted with over 400 global organizations. Big names, sure. Small to medium sized businesses – yep. He’s written a book and a half (21 Questions for 21 Millionaires – published; 21 Questions for 21 Olympians – in process), as well as multiple sales, leadership, and personal development workshops. His MBA in Healthcare Management comes in handy when the kids have a headache. He can design an ibuprofen delivery path that maximizes patient outcomes while increasing profitability and margins. His BS in Organizational Leadership with a specialization in Organizational Development and HR is just a long title to say he knows how to keep your team happy and productive. He’s got certifications with Blanchard, Tracom, FranklinCovey, Trusted Advisor Associates, RAIN, Caliper, and a few others. When he’s not working with great people and cool businesses, he’s doing what he loves most – hanging with his kids or walking the dog. He does volunteer work, like you’d expect someone to say on a bio like this. Sometimes he’s at the lake, lifting weights, or participating in two-wheel therapy (cautiously riding his motorcycle).

Session: Powering Profit: How EV Charging Is Accelerating Growth for Electrical Contractors | Panel Discussion

About this Session: EV charging is not a niche add-on anymore for electrical contractors. It can be used as a strategic business lever that rewrites how contractors win, price, and scale work. In this 60-minute unscripted panel, we’ll combine market-driven insight with real contractor case studies to show how to convert customer demand, policy incentives, and sustainability programs into repeatable profit. We’ll cover where the biggest, near-term opportunities live, how to claim the “local expert” position instead of ceding work to large subs, emerging technology and practical fixes for the most common blockers (upfront cost, site connectivity, and project scoping). Expect an energetic discussion, audience-driven Q&A, and tangible takeaways.   

Learning Objectives:

• Prioritize Revenue - Identify and prioritize three EVSE-driven revenue streams in your local market and apply a simple framework to estimate project margins and lifecycle value.
• Elevate Go-To-Market Plan - Brainstorm various GTM strategies to position your company as the go-to local EVSE expert without sacrificing profitability. Introduction to be made to emerging technology such as V2G innovation.
• Remove Common Barriers - Implement a standardized site-assessment & connectivity protocol that reduces installation friction, improves close rates, and converts one-off installs into recurring service and maintenance contracts.

Speaker: Kayla Rozo | Director, Business Development & Sales, EVSE | Legrand

About Kayla: Kayla is a former U.S. Air Force Officer and accomplished business development leader recognized for building strategic partnerships and driving measurable growth. She holds dual B.S. degrees in Business Management and Economics from the U.S. Air Force Academy and served as an Air Force Contracting Officer (64P), where she led high-value negotiations and managed strategic contracts. After transitioning from military service, Kayla founded her own company and later led national programs at Tesla, where she negotiated the most charging sites in the U.S. for the Level 2 Own & Operate Program. She now serves as Director of Business Development & Sales for Legrand’s EV product division. Kayla also holds an MBA in Business Analytics and professional certifications including PMP, Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, and Executive & Performance Leadership from Cornell University. Outside of work, Kayla is a proud Air Force wife, devoted aunt, and loving dog mom.

Additional Speakers:

Steve Killius

About Steve: Steve Killius is VP, Contractor Industry Affairs and Programs for Legrand North and Central Americas Electrical Wiring Systems Division manages outreach to the electrical contractor community, providing support to and through industry associations, foundations and electrical apprenticeship programs in the US. Steves mission is to demonstrate that Legrand is a true friend and partner to the electrical contractor, the electrical professional, and the student/apprentice. With over 30 years of sales and demand creation experience primarily with the contractor community, he brings expertise in needs assessment, problem solving, solutions selection, process improvement, and productivity.

Heather Scott

About Heather: Heather is a results-driven professional with over 10 years of experience in the construction industry, currently serving as Director of Deployment at EVPassport. She specializes in electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, managing large-scale projects that deliver reliable, sustainable charging solutions across commercial, residential, and public spaces. Prior to EVPassport, Heather spent three years with Tesla’s Charging Organization, gaining deep expertise in the unique challenges of the EV sector. There, she set a record for the fastest construction timeline, just four days, using Tesla’s Prefabricated Supercharger Unit (PSU), helped define national processes for the Level 2 Own & Operate program, and organized Tesla’s first in-person summit for Certified Wall Connector Installers. Known for her strategic project leadership and commitment to innovation, Heather continues to advance the growth of EV infrastructure and sustainable transportation nationwide. Heather’s Previous Panels - Wireless West Conference on April 23rd, 2025 in Anaheim, CA with Matt Selkirk, P.E. (Kimley-Horn), Kevin Graham (Ontivity), and Yvonne Robinson (EVGo).

Gain a clear, data-driven look at the forces shaping the electrical and construction industries in the year ahead. Economist Anirban Basu will break down market trends, economic indicators, and what contractors should expect in the shifting business landscape.

Speaker: Anirban Basu, MPP, MA, JD, Ph.D. | Chairman & Chief Executive Officer | Sage Policy Group, Inc.

About Dr. Basu: Anirban Basu is the Chairman and CEO of Sage Policy Group, an economic and policy consulting firm headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland with an office in Orlando, Florida.

In 2014, Maryland Governor Larry Hogan appointed him Chair of the Maryland Economic Development Commission (2014-2021). He serves as Chairman of the Baltimore County Economic Advisory Committee. He also serves the chief economist function for Associated Builders and Contractors, the Construction Financial Management Association, the Modular Building Institute, the Maryland Bankers Association, the International Food Distributors Association, and several others.

In 2007, 2016, and 2022, the Daily Record newspaper selected Dr. Basu as one of Maryland’s 50 most influential people. The Baltimore Business Journal named him one of the region’s 20 most powerful business leaders in 2010.

Dr. Basu is currently on the boards of the University of Maryland School of Law, St. Mary’s College, the University of Maryland Medical Center, the University System of Maryland Foundation, the Lyric Opera House, the B&O Railroad Museum, and the Center Club. He is also on Truist Bank’s advisory board.

Dr. Basu earned his B.S. in Foreign Service at Georgetown University. He earned his Master’s in Public Policy from Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government, and his Master’s in Economics from the University of Maryland, College Park. He acquired his Juris Doctor at the University of Maryland School of Law. He completed his doctoral work at UMBC with a concentration in health economics.

He has lectured at several universities, including Johns Hopkins University and Goucher College.

Session: Pathways to Energy Independence- Empowering Building Owners | Panel Discussion

Learning Objectives:

• Highlight the role of electrical contractors in designing and implementing energy independent solutions.
• Showcase technologies that enhance resilience and reduce reliance on utilities.
• Provide actionable insights for contractors to bring value-added services to their clients.

Speaker: Jon Fischer

Session: From Guesswork to Clarity: Data-Driven Planning for EC Pipeline & Backlog Success| Learning Lab

About this Session: While ECs financials depend on project wins and losses, the strategy to maximize wins depends on how far out you can see and plan the work. How far out does your pipeline & backlog projection go? Do you have enough work (or too much) for certain PMs, field leads, and more? Do you have too many eggs in one (customer) basket? How can you use AI to improve your odds of winning the work you want and are best at? This session will include a discussion of these questions, and demonstration of how they can be answered with a data-driven approach to making your Pipeline & Backlog visible.

Learning Objectives:

• Hear and compare how different business and facets of EC see and deal with the information available to them in Pre-Construction phases.
• Evaluate your Pipeline & Backlog, and how to make decisions months and years in advance to your business’s advantage.
• Explain why using a database-driven approach to Pipeline & Backlog visibility will save time and lead to better project outcomes.

Speaker: Heather Moore | President | WEM LLC

About Dr. Heather: Dr. Heather Moore is President of Work Environment Management, LLC, which aims for Making Productivity Visible to Everyone®, through software and services that help companies Plan, Measure, and Manage their work. Dr. Heather has worked with contractors across the country to implement and apply the research from MCA, Inc. She has also taught numerous classes and conducted research for trade associations, contractors and distributors. She holds a Ph.D. in Construction Management, Michigan State University, where her thesis studied and modeled information loss from construction jobsites. Additionally, she holds an MBA, University of Michigan-Flint, and a B.S.E. in Industrial and Operations Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. Dr. Heather has also contributed to standards including ASTM E2691: Standard Practice for Job Productivity Measurement as well as the NECA 5-2022 Standard for Prefabrication.

Additional Speakers:

Jennifer Daneshgari

Session: Communicating Through Age Gaps | Learning Lab

About this Session: The session discusses the gaps in the ages of new talent coming into the industry and the experienced workers soon leaving. I identify trends in the industry within the labor pool specifically looking at ages of workers leaving and coming into the industry. There is a dramatic gap. We have a huge drop in talent on the horizon as many workers in the industry are in the twilight of their career with nobody ready to fill their shoes when they are gone. Understating the problem is one thing, how we address it within our businesses is another. We look at ways to close the generational communication gaps and foster mentorship.

Learning Objectives:

• Identifying the age gap and loss of leadership that will soon be upon us. 
• The differences in types of communication hurdles 
• How to overcome them 
• How to encourage mentorship 
• Finding ways to keep the "Family Recipes" 

Speaker: Jason Jones | Owner | Legacy Electrical Partners LLC

About Jason: Principal of Legacy Electrical Partners. 3rd Generation in the electrical industry. IEC Rocky Mountain Board Member. Former National and Rocky Mountain Emerging Leader. 2021 IEC National Rising Star. Graduated from Arizona State University with a B.A. in Communication.

Session: How to Build Stability and Fuel Growth for Electrical Contractors | Panel Discussion

About this Session: Electrical contractors are feeling the pressure of the electrician shortage - but you don’t have to face it alone. Our experts will dive into practical strategies to close workforce gaps and tackle today’s toughest industry challenges. Topics covered will include: 

• The Case for Workforce Agility 
• Common Challenges & Hidden Costs 
• Agile Workforce Strategy in Action 
• Real World Applications 
• And more!

Speaker: Jordan Meloff | Director of Strategic Accounts | PeopleReady Skilled Trades

Additional Speakers:

Drew Fuhrmann

Session: Lead Differently: Why Real Change Starts at the Bottom | Learning Lab

About this Session: Many leaders focus on leading from the top—managing, giving direction, and relying on authority. While this approach can work, the most meaningful and lasting impact comes from leading from the ground up. Strong leadership starts with building trust, creating a solid foundation, and supporting your team so they can thrive. In this talk, I’ll share the key pillars of bottom-up leadership and how they can help you build stronger teams and better results.

Learning Objectives:

• Lead by Listening – Show leaders how truly listening to their teams builds trust, sparks new ideas, and creates stronger connections.  
• Bring Out the Best with Empathy and Enthusiasm – Explore how meeting people where they are, paired with positive energy, helps teams perform at their highest level.  
• Create a Culture with Clarity and Focus – Share practical ways to set clear direction so teams feel supported, motivated, and aligned toward common goals.

Speaker: Andre Notice | Entrepreneur | Coach Andre

About Andre: Coach Andre’s story is one of resilience, faith, and transformation. His journey hasn’t been easy—or traditional. At one point in his life, he experienced homelessness and even slept in his car. Yet instead of letting those challenges break him, he used them as fuel to build something greater. Over time, he created a 20-year career in real estate, launched his own business, and has been a full-time entrepreneur for more than 12 years. 

Those experiences shaped his perspective and gave him a passion for helping others create change in their own lives. He knows firsthand that obstacles don’t have to be the end of the story—they can be the beginning of something powerful. That’s why his mission as a leadership, corporate, and personal development trainer is to help people tap into their inner strength, grow with intention, and unlock their potential. 

When Coach Andre speaks, it’s more than just motivation—it’s connection. He combines real-life stories with practical tools that people can use right away in their careers and lives. His message is simple but powerful: you grow the business by growing the people in the business. Whether he’s talking about leadership, resilience, sales, or team culture, he brings a fresh perspective that reminds audiences that success starts from within. 

From international stages in Dubai to conferences and workshops across the U.S., Coach Andre has inspired audiences of all backgrounds. His talks are known for being engaging, energetic, and, above all, real. He doesn’t shy away from sharing the tough parts of his journey because he knows that’s what helps people see what’s possible for them too. 

At the heart of it all, Coach Andre believes that growth happens when we face challenges with courage, lead with empathy, and stay focused on what really matters. His goal is not just to inspire people for a moment, but to give them the tools and clarity they need to create lasting change in their personal and professional lives. 

Coach Andre invites you to see challenges in a new light—to turn obstacles into opportunities, lead with purpose, and build a life and business you’re proud of. 

Session: Women in Power Presents: The Connector Effect: Leading Through Influence, Not Authority | Learning Lab

About this Session: Some of the most meaningful leadership moments in my career didn’t come from having direct authority, they came from building trust. I’ve led large organizations with defined teams, and I’ve also led national initiatives where success depended entirely on influence, collaboration, and connection. In both cases, one thing proved true: people don’t follow titles, they follow purpose. In this session, I’ll share lessons from across the electrical industry about how relationships drive results, how empathy builds credibility, and how authentic connection can turn alignment into action. Whether you manage a team, a chapter, or a vision, we’ll explore how to strengthen your impact through the quiet power of influence. 

Speaker: Tara Canfield | Schneider Electric

Session: The Financial PM: Transforming Project Managers into Cash Flow Champions | Learning Lab

About this Session: In today’s construction environment, the jobsite and the balance sheet need to be more connected than ever. For many electrical subcontractors, the missing link is project managers (PMs) who are empowered to influence cash flow.

PMs sit at the intersection of job progress, customer relationships, and billing—giving them unique insight into the factors that speed up or stall payment. This session will explore how forward-thinking electrical contractors are elevating financial awareness as a core part of the PM role, with clear protocols, smarter workflows, and stronger alignment between the field and the back office.

Led by Claire Wilson, a former project manager turned COO, this session unpacks practical strategies that help PMs contribute to financial health without losing focus on delivery. She’ll cover how to cut down on back-and-forth between the field and accounting, build consistent billing workflows, tighten change order visibility, and reduce margin erosion caused by underbilling or documentation delays. Attendees will leave knowing how to turn PMs into cash flow champions.

Learning Objectives:

• How to elevate PMs as active players in cash flow and margin protection.
• Tools and workflows that align billing cycles with job progress and documentation.
• Strategies for creating tighter collaboration between operations and finance.

Speaker: Katia Prikodko | Siteline

About Katia: Katia Prikhodko oversees new customer onboarding at Siteline, where she works directly with subcontractors to get them up and running with Siteline’s billing software. She spent several years of her career as a project manager in the fire sprinkler installation industry before transitioning into customer service roles within the tech space. She resides in Philadelphia, where she previously volunteered as a docent at the spectacular City Hall.

Session: DC Insider: How Congress and the Trump White House Are Shaping Your Bottom Line

About this Session: Ben Brubeck, IEC’s federal lobbyist, will provide insights and updates to help you prepare your business for policies pushed by the Trump administration and Congress related to workforce development, labor and employment, taxes, tariffs, permitting, and energy that will affect your bottom line. Learn about the 2026 mid-term elections and why IEC members need to increase their political giving, grassroots and engagement to advance the merit shop message during these uncertain times.

Speaker: Ben Brubeck | IEC Federal Lobbyist

About Ben: Ben Brubeck is the Principal and CEO of Government Affairs Solutions, LLC, a multi-client lobbying firm providing association and corporate clients with tailored federal and state government affairs and consulting services. 

Prior to joining GAS, Brubeck spent more than 21 years in a variety of leadership roles at the national headquarters of Associated Builders and Contractors, a 23,000-member construction industry trade association in Washington, D.C. Serving most recently as ABC’s vice-president of regulatory, labor and state affairs, Brubeck represented ABC before federal, state, and local lawmakers, regulators, the media, construction industry executives, and industry stakeholders.  

Brubeck educates internal and external stakeholders and shapes policy on local, state, and federal issues important to the construction industry, with expertise across a portfolio of issues related to labor and employment, infrastructure, public-private partnerships, procurement, federal contractor regulations, small business, clean energy tax credits, CHIPS Act funding, safety, immigration, project labor agreements, prevailing wage, apprenticeship, and workforce development. 

Before joining ABC’s executive leadership team, Brubeck mobilized the association’s labor and federal procurement, state affairs, business and labor relations, and grassroots efforts and programs in a variety of positions, while serving as a key contact for 67 ABC chapters on the policy issues of greatest importance to the organization. 

Prior to joining ABC in 2003, Brubeck was the James A. Finnegan Foundation Fellow at the Pennsylvania House Appropriations Committee. Brubeck holds a B.A. in political science from Gettysburg College.  

A resident of Virginia and native of Connecticut, Brubeck is a board member of Brubeck Living Legacy, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting young jazz musicians and promoting awareness, interest, and the understanding of jazz and its role in American and international culture in honor of Ben’s grandfather, legendary pianist, composer, and statesman Dave Brubeck. 

Session: Is My Electrical Company a Target for Acquisition, and What Do I Need to Know?  | Learning Lab

About this Session: Many owners receive weekly calls from Brokers, Private Equity (PE), and Consolidators showing interest in buying their electrical contracting company. Our advice is to wait and not sign any agreements or provide financial information only to find yourself negotiating with only one limited opportunity.   

Our immediate advice is to take a deep breath and strategically consider your personal, business, and financial goals. Remember, cashing out will be the largest financial transaction of your lifetime, and you only have one chance to get it right.   

If your goals align with selling externally, this presentation provides an overview of the external marketplace and the attributes of an ideal target company, valuation, EBITDA, multiples, tax considerations, and the M&A process.   

The objective is to help owners understand the opportunities, challenges, and obstacles and what to do to make their company salable and build value.   

Speaker:  Joe Bazzano | COO, CO-Owner | Beacon Exit Planning

About Joe: Mr. Bazzano is the Co-Owner and COO of Beacon Exit Planning, a certified public accountant, a certified valuation analyst, and a certified business exit consultant with over 20 years of experience in public accounting, valuation, and exit strategy services for companies ranging from $5 to over $400 million. He is a national speaker on exit planning, valuation, taxes, and asset protection. He has shown business owners how to increase the value of their businesses by millions of dollars with exponential savings on tax dollars.   

Joe is a recognized voice and thought leader in the construction industry on exit planning. He has presented at over sixty national and regional contracting trade associations and peer groups.   

Mr. Bazzano is the co-author of the Amazon #1 Best Seller “The Contractor's 60 Minute Exit Plan” and the American Business Awards 2019 Gold Stevie Winner for the Best Business Book of the Year with “An Owner’s Guide to Exit & Succession Planning” www.BeaconExitPlanning.com  

Session: Running Your Business with Confidence | Learning Lab

About this Session: Join seasoned business advisor Tom Pugh for an interactive session designed to help small business owners tackle real-world challenges with clarity and confidence. Drawing on more than 25 years of experience guiding businesses toward sustainable growth, Tom will share practical strategies for staying entrepreneurial while making smart decisions that move your business forward. 

In this session, you’ll explore: 

• How to evaluate whether a new idea—or a new hire—is the right fit for your business 

• Frameworks that keep you focused and aligned with your goals 

Tom will introduce proven principles from the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) and share actionable best practices you can apply immediately. You’ll leave with insights to lead your business with purpose and confidence. This discussion will also draw inspiration from Traction by Gino Wickman—a highly recommended resource for attendees who want to dive deeper into building a strong, scalable business. 

Speaker:  Tom Pugh | President | aspectLED 

Session: Powering Profit: The Full Lifecycle of EV & Solar Projects | Panel Discussion

About this Session: As demand for clean energy accelerates, contractors are being asked to deliver more than installations—they’re expected to guide clients through planning, permitting, and long-term profitability. This panel brings together experts in EV charging, solar integration, finance, and development to unpack the full lifecycle of energy projects. From site viability and interconnection to cashflow modeling and maintenance contracts, attendees will gain practical insights to diversify revenue, avoid costly missteps, and build resilient energy offerings across commercial, industrial, and residential markets.

Speaker: Jason Samuelian| Senior Vice President- Sales and Marketing | Espen Technology

About Jason: Jason Samuelian is a strategic force in the electrical industry, driving innovation and operational excellence in lighting retrofits and wholesale distribution. As a senior leader at Espen Technology, he leads initiatives that bridge technical precision with scalable execution—empowering teams to deliver compliant, future-ready solutions across commercial and industrial sectors.

With deep expertise in multi-state regulatory analysis, retrofit program design, and legislative advocacy, Jason equips partners with actionable frameworks that reduce risk and unlock opportunity. His work ensures that lighting upgrades not only meet code but also maximize energy savings, rebate eligibility, and long-term value.

Known for his ability to synthesize complex requirements into clear, impactful guidance, Jason is a collaborative communicator and a relentless advocate for clarity, integrity, and industry leadership. He brings a pragmatic lens to policy interpretation and a creative spark to branding and engagement—making him a trusted voice in the evolving landscape of electrical infrastructure.

At IEC Business Summit 2026, Jason offers insights on retrofit strategy, compliance mapping, and the role of wholesale partnerships in accelerating sustainable transformation.

Session: Leveraging Coaching and Mentoring to Build Thriving Teams | Learning Lab

About this Session: In today’s competitive landscape, retaining top talent, preparing future leaders, and attracting skilled employees are more crucial than ever. This session will discuss proven strategies to build impactful development programs that drive organizational success through real-world examples. Attendees will leave with actionable insights, best practices, and a renewed perspective on how to start strong and create thriving teams.

Speaker: Kristy Philips | North American Trade Association Manager | Southwire 

About Kristy: Kristy Phillips is a dynamic relationship architect and industry catalyst, known for elevating teams, empowering leaders, and driving meaningful connections across the electrical industry. As Southwire’s North American Trade Association Manager, she builds strategic partnerships, leads high-impact events, and champions mentoring and workforce development initiatives that strengthen the industry’s future. With a passion for storytelling, innovation, and lifting others, Kristy brings energy, authenticity, and purpose to every stage she steps on.