“The electrical industry is a place where hard work, curiosity, and collaboration can lead to incredible outcomes for individuals and the industry as a whole,” says Scott Wagner, director of industry transformation at the National Association of Electrical Distributors (NAED).
Scott leads NAED’s Digital Center of Excellence, focusing on driving impactful change across the electrical distribution industry. He works closely with cross-functional teams and industry stakeholders to promote collaboration, foster innovation, promote learning, and ensure the successful adoption of digital tools and solutions.
“To put it simply, my role is to help NAED members understand opportunities to apply technology / digital solutions in their business,” Scott explains. “For example, I am actively exploring how artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the way we work and helping electrical distributors understand how AI can improve their operations, enhance decision-making, and drive efficiency in their businesses.”
Scott’s career path to this role has been interesting, varied, and always based on continual learning and exploration. Scott says his true growth as a professional started with an effective IEC Apprenticeship Program, IEC Chesapeake to be exact. But even before that, the pieces seemed to point to this field for Scott.
“As a kid, I was always curious about how things worked,” he says. “I loved taking things apart to figure them out, and I was especially fascinated watching my mechanic grandfather work on his car or the TV repairman when he came to our house. That memory definitely makes me feel old now! Over time, that core curiosity about how things function grew into a passion for working with my hands, fixing things, and solving problems — a natural fit for the electrical industry. For me also, there’s a real satisfaction that comes from building or fixing something and then ‘flipping the switch’ to turn power on and see it work. That instant gratification is amazing!”
It All Began with IEC Apprenticeship
Scott received his training in the early 1990s through the IEC Chesapeake Apprenticeship Program, while working with IEC member Welbourne Electrical Contractors.
“Every role I’ve taken on has built upon the solid foundation I gained during my apprenticeship,” Scott says. “Working as a journeyman electrician taught me the importance of precision, problem-solving, and adaptability, all of which became cornerstones of my career. As I transitioned into leadership roles — whether managing regional operations, implementing business systems, or now leading digital transformation initiatives for NAED — I’ve carried forward the hands-on understanding of how things work in the field and combined it with strategic vision. Each step has deepened my appreciation for the industry and shown me how innovation, technology, and collaboration can create new opportunities to improve processes and drive efficiency.
“I give credit to some amazing individuals who shaped my journey,” he continues. “My classmates, Rodney Golden and Vince Raymond, were instrumental as peer voices of support and collaboration. Journeymen electricians Paul Arcand and Jeff Lawrence not only trained me but also kept me safe in the field. Pete Bowers, an incredible IEC instructor and a true mentor, inspired me through his guidance and encouragement — his words of praise meant the world to me. I’m also deeply grateful to Jeff Welbourne and Carole Young, second-generation owners of Welbourne Electrical Contractors, for giving me the opportunity to join this industry. They taught me how to be a professional, instilled core values for running a successful business, and emphasized the importance of keeping promises, especially to customers — values they inherited from their parents.”
Scott talks about the incredible opportunities available in this industry — and in the skilled trades in general. Following his apprenticeship and progression to journeyman electrician, Scott morphed into roles in industry, distribution, and now associations.
Following Welbourne, he worked at Schneider Electric, first as a senior customer service representative and then district operations manager, while remaining in the D.C. area. He then moved locations to Schneider’s Nashville, TN, location, serving as project specialist in the areas of commercial project price management, commercial marketing, and marketing communications. His next role was as sales operations manager Florida and Puerto Rico, based out of Schneider’s Tampa / St. Petersburg, FL, location.
Scott’s next career moves brought him to the distribution side of the industry and to new areas of the country. First, he served as corporate training manager for Mayer Electric Supply Co., Birmingham, AL, then went to Rexel in Orlando, FL, as division training manager and marketing & communications manager for the southeast region. His next stop was back to Mayer, this time in Charlotte, NC, as mid-Atlantic region operations manager and then moved to Birmingham as Mayer director of business intelligence strategy. Scott had a quick stint as warehouse management system program manager at Border States before joining NAED in his current role in April 2024.
Solve Problems; Share Knowledge
Those initial interests and skills in problem solving have been a constant across all these electrical roles. Another is a strong drive to contribute and learn.
“I am proud to say I’ve found an industry that values me, and that’s been evident in the twists and turns of my career path,” Scott emphasizes. “This journey has taken me across the country, allowing me to live in some great places, build meaningful friendships, and grow both personally and professionally. While I’ve had to accept that the instant gratification I loved during my time in the field is no longer a daily part of my work, I’ve discovered something even more rewarding: the joy of investing in others and watching them grow. Seeing the people I’ve mentored and encouraged achieve their goals, overcome challenges, and find their own success is honestly the thing that makes me the proudest. It’s incredibly fulfilling to know that I’ve played even a small role in their journeys.
“At my core, I believe in the power of investing in others,” Scott continues. “Whether it’s sharing knowledge, offering guidance, or simply being an encouraging voice, I strive to inspire the people around me to reach their full potential. This industry has given me so much, and I feel a deep responsibility to pay it forward by helping others see the amazing opportunities it offers. I truly love this industry — not just for what it’s given me but for the people and potential it continues to nurture.”
Scott encourages individuals with ambition, desire, a solid work ethic, and a willingness to follow the guidance of mentors, teachers, and journeymen to consider pursuing a career in the electrical trade. He says these are keys to success. He also points to the massive need for skilled professionals in the electrical industry today.
“Once you take that first step, the sky is truly the limit,” Scott says. “There are rewarding careers available here — careers that don’t require starting with a four-year degree or the debt that often comes with it. Instead, you can earn while you learn, gaining both skills and knowledge through the perfect combination of hands-on practical experience and classroom theory. It’s a path that’s not only financially smart but also deeply satisfying and fun. The demand for electricity, and of course electricians, has never been in more of a boom phase than today. Just think about how the amount of power needed to make hyper sites like data centers operational (the boom of AI), the push to move toward clean electrical power or electrification, and the growing popularity of e-vehicles. Politics aside, the opportunity / demand is growing much faster than the workforce we need to make it all happen. That translates to enormous opportunity — there’s never been a better time to be an electrician!”
Scott is excited to help spread the work about these opportunities and, of course, the exceptional IEC training he received. He encourages current apprentices to collaborate with their fellow students and work together to learn.
“There will be times when you grasp a concept more quickly than your peers and when that happens, take the time to help them connect the dots,” he advises. “Likewise, don’t hesitate to ask for help when you’re struggling. Listening to different perspectives and sharing your own not only reinforces learning but also helps solidify the concepts in your mind.”
Just as in his career, he reminds apprentices to understand that their instructors are incredible resources and not just for classroom lessons. He says as electricians themselves, they have practical insights to share on the topics being taught in the classroom.
“Similarly, the journeymen you work with in the field are invaluable,” he adds. “They can help bridge the gap between the theoretical knowledge from the classroom and its practical application on the job site. Making those connections is crucial — it allows you to understand how to apply what you’ve learned when it matters most. At the heart of all of this is the cornerstone of apprenticeship: sharing knowledge. I owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to the incredible people named earlier and also to the many others I’ve encountered throughout my career who guided and supported me along the way.”
What’s Ahead?
Scott is not done learning either! He has seen so many positive changes within the electrical industry already and knows more are on the way. Scott says he has enjoyed witnessing the evolution of products and technology in the electrical industry — innovations like connected lighting, which goes beyond providing illumination to integrate smart capabilities. He also points to the growth of Internet of Things devices and calls them ‘remarkable.’
“These advancements — such as smart products that sense conditions and enable predictive maintenance — are transforming the way we work,” he says. “I’m also excited about the industrialization of construction through technologies like prefabrication, digital twins, drones, and robotics. These tools not only enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of our workforce but also play a critical role in improving workplace safety. It’s inspiring to see how these advancements are shaping the future of our industry while making it safer and more productive for everyone involved.”
A key project he’s currently working on at NAED is Where’s My Stuff, a collaborative electrical industry supply-chain visibility effort.
“The Where’s My Stuff? project is designed to address the challenges of customers tracking their orders similar to how consumers know where their pizza or Uber is every step of the way,” Scott explains. “Where’s My Stuff is a huge undertaking and it addresses the biggest problem we’ve never been able to solve. So far, that is. We want to replace manual, brute-force efforts with an event-driven, real-time, seamless flow of information across the supply chain. This will empower companies to optimize their operations, enhance customer satisfaction, and strengthen the industry’s competitive position. We kicked off the project in December 2024 with a packed room that was basically a who’s who of the electrical industry. We are working to solve the problem together.”
Scott is committed to solving problems, sharing information, and working together to everyone’s benefit. He practices this in his professional and in his personal life.
“I have a niece who is working in a bakery, and I talk with her at least once a week about what she’s learning and how to be a good employee, learn a craft, and apply knowledge,” he says. “If I’m at a restaurant, I’ll compliment a worker on what they’re doing or maybe even offer a couple tips if I see someone that’s in a difficult situation. Basically, if I can find someone to hold still long enough, I’m always wanting to coach. I can’t stop honestly. Just like in my IEC Apprenticeship Program, I learned from those who shared with me, who provided opportunities for me. We need to all work together to be successful.”
