Electrical Connection v3i1

NEAL ELECTRICAL CONNECTION 3

Opening RemarksWelcome to the fifth edition of the Neal Electrical

Connection. We are pleased to continue providing articlesof depth and significance concerning the challengingconstruction market. As Neal Electric celebrates its 26th

anniversary we are once again reinventing ourselves inresponse to a rapidly changing construction climate. Thediversity of the markets we serve has always allowed us

to thrive when individual sectors may be struggling. In this fifth issue, we discuss “shifting focus” and how Neal Electric is

responding to the changed market conditions brought on by theeconomic downturn. We are also positioning ourselves for the economicupswing, which is coming, by investing in the latest technology andsustainable construction practices. Neal Electric is transforming from anelectrical contractor to an energy solutions provider.

We have included an article about “green building” in which NealElectric has become a willing participant. Our latest photovoltaic projectencompasses the design and installation of both ground mount and roofmount PV panels at Kaiser facilities throughout California.

Part of Neal’s success has always been the belief that we need to giveback to local communities where we do business. Neal employees joinedwith others in the construction community by donating their time andskill to construct a new home with Habitat for Humanity. We also featurethem in this issue.

Our employees are the key to our success. In this issue, we willcontinue to showcase our “Employees of the Quarter.” These outstandingNeal team members are selected by their peers each quarter andrepresent the three R’s of our core values: Responsive, Respected, Results.

I look forward to our continued success as we collaborate with ourvalued customers, vendors and partners.

Best Regards,

Clark ThompsonPresident / COO

A publication fromNeal Electric Corporation13250 Kirkham WayPoway, CA 92064(858) 513-2525(858) 513-9488 Faxwww.nealelectric.com

Clark ThompsonPresident / COO

Cas WesolowskiSenior Vice President of Field Operations

Harry SchirerChief Financial Officer

Garry KitchellVice President of Production

Casi LozanoPreplanning Manager

Karen RogersHuman Resources Manager

Val Lies-KaercherAccounting Manager

Dennis RamseyChief Estimator

John LuftBusiness Development Manager

Dave BarreraEstimating Manager, L.A.

Jeremy RoosS.D. Project Operations Manager

Chris TorquatoPurchasing Manager

Rick KellerTool & Equipment Manager

Scott SchemmelIndustrial Manager

Neal Electrical Connection is a resource for commercial end users, property managers, buildingowners and operators, facilities managers, general contractors, architects and consultingengineers in the San Diego area. Designed to feature topics affecting the electrical andconstruction industries, Neal Electrical Connection also highlights the achievements, capabilities,and high-profile projects of Neal Electric Corporation.

Shifting Focus While Staying StrongDoing business in a changing world. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

The Green Gold Rush A renewable energy option. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Neal Electric Joins Habitat for Humanity’s 2009 Builder Blitz100th home and first green build . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Neal Electric 101 Basic electrical class . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Employee Profiles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

In this issue

Neal Electrical Connection is published byOser-Bentley Custom Publishers, LLC, a division ofOser Communications Group, Inc., 1877 N. Kolb Road,Tucson, AZ 85715. Phone (520) 721-1300, fax (520)721-6300, www.oser.com. Oser-Bentley CustomPublishers, LLC specializes in creating and publishingcustom magazines. Inquiries: Editorial comments:Karrie Welborn, [email protected]. Please call orfax for a new subscription, change of address, orsingle copy. Single copies: $5.95. This publicationmay not be reproduced in part or in whole without theexpress written permission of Oser-Bentley CustomPublishers, LLC. To advertise in an upcoming issue ofthis publication, please contact us at (520) 721-1300or visit us on the Web at www.oser-bentley.com.July 2010

NEAL ELECTRICAL CONNECTION4

Change, adjustment, development, metamorphosis.America is in the midst of several transitions that influ-ence how we communicate, how we live, how we work,and even how we play. Intertwined and intricate, tech-nological and cultural, these changes cannot help butaffect all of us.

ChallengesThe digital “revolution” has not only changed commu-

nication processes, it has influenced advertising, officeprotocols and skill sets in a number of industries. Thesechanges have in turn influenced how many industries, inparticular the construction industry, interact with own-ers, architects and vendors. With e-mail as a necessity,laptop computers on jobsites and Building InformationModeling (BIM) becoming the pre-construction norm,

the construction industry is working through changesthat have altered some of the basics within the industry.

Neal Electric, with more than 25 years in business, isno stranger to changes and growth. From its first loca-tion working from the back of a house on GreenfieldDrive in El Cajon, Calif. to their newest office in Norwalk,Calif., the company has always utilized available technol-ogy and been willing to move with the tools of the time.Although computers, computer drawings and construc-tion software have been around for some time, it wasn’tuntil the middle of the first decade of this century thatdigital processes came to the forefront of the construc-tion industry through BIM. Digital modeling has changedhow the trades interact with one another, how a subcon-tractor interacts with the Construction Manager (CM)and how owners, architects and contractors prepare in

Doing business in a changing world

Shifting Focus While Staying Strong

By Karrie Welborn


conjunction with one another during pre-construction aswell as during the actual build.

Today, the role of the electrical contractor is changingeven more than the rest of the construction industry, asmany of the LEED regulations impact the electrical por-tion of construction. The renewable energy movement, asteady if slow presence over the last three or four decades,has become a passionate and powerful industry that im-pacts the construction industry in all phases. From wind,solar and geothermal energy, to sustainable building andLEED accreditation, “going green” is here to stay.

The most challenging change, however, is the eco-nomic downturn the country has been experiencing. TheNational Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) statesthat America has officially been in a recession sinceDecember 20071—a recession that is now the longestand most difficult downturn since just after World WarII. As of April 12, 2010, the NBER stated, “Althoughmost indicators have turned up, the committee decidedthat the determination of the trough date on the basis ofcurrent data would be premature.”2 Through the stressof a downturn it is important to remember that theeconomy is cyclical; therefore, although when the reces-sion will be over may still be a question, the fact that theeconomy will ultimately recover, is not. For a businessto stay strong in the midst of a recession it must be ableto adjust and review both internal practices and interac-tions with customers and vendors.

For example, American Assets, a privately held real es-tate business focused on office and retail apartments,changed the type of projects they offered to Neal. JerryGammieri, Vice President of Construction and Develop-ment for American Assets, noted that in situations likethe recession it is important to “anticipate what is hap-pening and be able to strategically plan ahead.” He addedthat it is necessary to go where the work is, adapting tothe situation at hand. Gammieri said his industry (realestate) has had to be creative about the types of incen-tives offered to promote rentals, and more importantly,that re-evaluation has been successful. “Neal is a valuedvendor,” stated Gammieri, adding, “American Assetsinitially used Neal when building new projects, but nowwe call on them for projects that involve upgrading andmaintenance of buildings already in place. The key,” heexplained, “is to be creative and focus on alternativemethods for making your business work, somethingboth American Assets and Neal Electric are doing.”

Shifting the Focus Just as American Assets adjusted how they looked at

projects, Neal also found re-evaluation a great tool duringa difficult time. It is important, during periods of transi-tion and transformation, to be flexible in how projectsare sourced. The estimates and bidding process may bethe same, but the industry or type of project will be dif-ferent. When financing in commercial venues is scarce, itbecomes vital to review project options in other venues.

Neal has long worked in many industries, but for yearsthe place to be was in the commercial and corporate sec-tors. Today, the funding is elsewhere, and thus, so too arethe projects. Neal Electric shifted focus to sectors such asmilitary, academic, healthcare, hospitality and renewableenergy. This has been instrumental in allowing the com-pany to remain strong in spite of the weak economy.

The good news, as the focus shifts, is that the world ofelectrical contracting will continue to expand as the re-newable energy industry and sustainable building move-ment supersede traditional processes. The AmericanClean Energy and Security Act of 2009 has been a trig-ger for much of the recent expansion. The projections forelectricians who are certified to work on solar photo-voltaic and wind power projects indicate that the demandfor these skills will only increase. In November of 2009 astudy conducted by Booz Allen Hamilton for the USGBCsuggests that 7.9 million jobs will be created between2009 and 2013—and this is only the beginning. Areaswithin this renewable energy electrical work include suchthings as updating antiquated lighting systems; seriousmanufacture of electric vehicles, parking lot outlets forthose vehicles; wind turbine and solar cell manufactur-ing, installation and maintenance. (See story on page 6for Neal’s photovoltaic division.) Training in photo-voltaic, wind turbine structure and LEED electrical rulesand regulations will become standard requirements. Theelectrical contractor will be one of the foundations of sus-tainable building, and Neal will be at the forefront of thatnew paradigm.

To this effect, the International Brotherhood of Elec-trical Workers (IBEW) is already working on the impactthat this shift will have in regards to how electricians areviewed and what training and/or certification will be re-quired as the new focus becomes the new norm. A factsheet posted on the the official IBEW website states:“More than 70 training centers across the country offerphotovoltaic training and last year [2009], the IBEWlaunched a 40-hour wind turbine ‘boot camp’ in fivestates, with the program expected to branch out to otherlocations soon.”3

Resolution and Forward ThinkingAs the economy continues to challenge the majority of

industries, the foundation of survival is to seek out al-ternatives, shift the focus for today and plan dynamicallyfor tomorrow. In this particular cycle the downturn isconcurrent with the maturation of the green industry.The solution, while waiting for the cycle to change, is tobe discerning, stay calm, think creatively and train forthe future. As the world emerges from this economicstruggle it may well find that the electrical contractor hasbecome the energy contractor. ■

1http://money.cnn.com/2008/12/01/news/economy/recession/index.htm2www.nber.org/cycles/april2010.html3www.ibew.org/WorkingGreen/factsheet.htm


Humanity has always enjoyed the sun—for warmth,for the nurturing of plants, for light—all while wantingand postulating about potential harvesting of the sun’senergy. In 1839 Alexandre-Edmond Becquere, a Frenchphysicist who was fascinated by phosphorescence andluminescence—chemical reactions caused when certainsubstances are exposed to light, most specifically thelight of the sun—discovered that these chemical reac-tions created electricity. The connection between theenergy of chemicals and the energy of light broughtinto existence the photovoltaic (PV) cell. PV is the con-version of sunlight to electricity. As technologyevolved, the sun as a source of electricity became moreand more viable, and ultimately, more practical.

As defined and explained at solarexpert.com, PVtechnology produces electricity directly from electronsfreed by the interaction of sunlight with a solar panelmade of semiconductor material. The power providedis direct current (DC) electricity. The basic buildingblock is known as a cell. Many cells put together areknown as a module, and many modules assembled to-gether form an array. A PV system will consist of anarray of modules generating DC electricity, an inverter

to transform the DC electricity to AC electricity thatis commonly used and we are more familiar with, andsometimes battery storage for remote locations whenutility power is not available for back up.

Neal Electric has been working on solar projectssince 2001. The work began with supporting localsolar contractors with the “conduit and wire”processes that are basic to Neal’s résumé. From therethey began attending seminars and actively sought toincrease their knowledge and skills in the electricalsolar industry. This in turn increased the scope ofwork in which Neal was able to participate. Conduitand wire projects quickly progressed to more directsolar electrical work. By 2008, Neal had established astrong presence in the local solar industry.

Solar work does not yet require certification, but theindustry is definitely heading in that direction. TheNorth American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners(NABCEP) has in place the NABCEP™ Solar PV InstallerCertification, which is a positive step toward futurestandardization and certification policies and proce-dures for electricians in the solar energy industry.

From PV cells, to modules, to panels, to arrays, PV

A renewable energy option

The Green Gold RushBy Karrie Welborn


is now a major player in the struggle to reduce the useof fossil fuels and instead utilize renewable, cleanenergy in our electricity needs.

Thomas Edison, as passionate about renewableenergy as he was about electricity and all its applica-tions, said in 1931, “I’d put my money on the sun andsolar energy. What a source of power! I hope we don’thave to wait until oil and coal run out before we tacklethat.” Attempts at cost-effective solar energy utiliza-tion have been ongoing since the 1950s, but Edisonwas right to be concerned. As the world moves pastthe first decade of the 21st century, fossil fuels are di-minishing and the need for renewable, clean energyoptions is not a choice but an imperative.

The world is in a period of transition between theuse of fossil fuels and the establishment of positiverenewable energy options, accessible and affordablefor all. Neal’s core capabilities and over 25 years ofelectrical contracting in southern California make

them an excellent choice during this period of transi-tion. The intrinsic “can do” attitude that drives NealElectric attracts customers even as Neal’s quality ofwork and priority on safety are instrumental increating long-term, life-cycle relationships. Neal’sphotovoltaic team has state-of-the-art knowledge aswell as experience in the latest technologicaladvancements. As an added bonus, Neal brings to thetable their prefabrication shop, which makes off-siteassembly possible and provides shipping and installa-tion that is not only time-effective, but saves spaceon site as well. Neal also offers design and productionservices for integration between existing systems andnew solar systems.

The world has more and more options to move intothe renewable energy age. From Power PurchaseAgreements (PPA) and the California EnergyCommission’s (CEC) Emerging Renewables Program(ERP) which offers financial incentives for making the

change to solar power, to the possibilityof solar farms in the desert, solar poweris the energy force for the future. NealElectric, long a leader in the traditionalworld of electrical contracting, is now aleader in the transition from fossil fuelelectricity builds to those utilizing theenergy that originates with the sun. ■

Pictured left: Warner Brothers, Burbank, Calif., ‘The Mill’; Pictured below: University Research Park, Irvine, Calif., ‘The Irvine Company’


In 2009, Neal Electric was invited to participate inthe San Diego Chapter of Habitat for Humanity’s AugustHome Builders Blitz which took place in August. This wasNeal’s first experience in the Blitz. Invited to participateby Swinerton Builders, the Neal team found the experiencepowerful. With the help of a multitude of in-kind dona-tions from contractors and subcontractors, the Blitz buildsfive homes in four days. Particularly special in 2009 wasthe completion of the 100th home built during a San DiegoBlitz. This home, in Oceanside, Calif., was the home Nealpartnered in building. It was also the first San DiegoHabitat for Humanity green home. Utilizing sustainableoptions in the build, which will allow for lower water andutility bills, was an important component of this build. Thehouse, awarded to the single parent of two and her youngersister, has a tankless water heater, a drip irrigation system,rated Energy Star® appliances, dual pane windows and low

E windows to block UVrays. The three bed-room, two bath house isapproximately 1,550square feet, is com-pletely landscaped andhas a single-car garage.

One of the miscon-ceptions about Habitatfor Humanity recipi-ents is that the fami-lies are simply given anew home. In reality,each family awardeda home must firstprovide 500 hours of

“sweat equity” in the program. Homes have zeropercent mortgages, and payments are calculated at nomore than one-third of the family’s income.1

Dennis Ramsey, Neal’s Chief Estimator, PreCon-struction Services, who coordinated Neal’s participa-tion, said Neal was not only pleased to be invited, butconsidered it important to “step up and do whatever

it took.” Ramsey complimented Swinerton’s ChrisJensen, Project Engineer–Estimating, who led theOceanside build. “He’s great!” exclaimed Ramsey. “Likea general. Believe me, getting all the trades together atone time is no easy task. Everyone worked so fast.” Headded, “It was amazing!”

Construction of the house in Oceanside began on Mon-day, August 10. Neal Electric, along with vendor Graybar,donated supplies for the electrical portion of the build.Pete Dudang of Graybar said, “Graybar donated some ofthe electrical products used in the Habitat for Humanitybuild simply because it felt right and was a good cause.”Also participating in the Oceanside build were IBEWLocal Union 569’s Assistant Business Manager, JohnnySimpson and business agent, Danny Machain.

By Tuesday, August 11, Neal Electric had finishedthe electrical work, and it had been inspected and ap-proved. The entire build, except for a minimal punchlist, was complete by Thursday afternoon. Accordingto Habitat for Humanity, the Oceanside build was themost complete home turned over to them during aBuilders Blitz.

Each house built by Habitat for Humanity has a HouseBlessing and Giving of the Keys ceremony at the conclu-sion of the build process. “I was unable to attend theceremony,” said Ramsey, “and that was disappointingfor me. Seeing the family receive the keys after all ourcombined work would have been wonderful.”

Neal employees donating time and labor were JoseZermeno, Rebecca Hamilton, Larry Osmus, Brett Osmus,Rjae Free, Bryan McKim, Jeff Loh, Gene Beauchamin andAshley Wilson. Joe Engle, Neal Electric Superintendent,explained, “Larry Osmus coordinated the materialswith Chris Torquato and Jeff Loh coordinated the work.The rest of us were just worker bees, and it was agreat experience.”

Neal Electric was honored to be included in the projectand wishes the family much happiness in their new home. ■1San Diego Business Journal: 8/17/2009A conversation with Bradford W.Bates, executive director, San Diego Habitat for Humanity.

100th home and first green build

Neal Electric Joins Habitat for Humanity’s2009 Builder Blitz


This basic electrical education class is a great chance forus to better know our friends in the industry. It’s also achance for our customers to learn what our trade is allabout and, at the same time, learn some of Neal Electric’scapabilities and how we can benefit them.

This eight-hour course will give an overview of the elec-trical construction trade. Students will gain an under-standing of the industry’s typical means and methods, aswell as some of the potential dangers associated withelectricity. This information will assist participants in be-coming more effective in the management and coordina-tion of their projects and allow them to better interfacewith electrical subcontractors.

Basic electrical classNeal Electric 101

7:00 a.m. Breakfast (Provided)

7:30 a.m. Class

11:45 a.m. Lunch (Provided)

4:30 p.m. Conclusion

Typical Class Schedule

Students in the Neal Electric basic electrical class review examples of electrical materials and where they are used.


• Quick review of basic electrical theory.• Understanding the purpose of the code and how

it applies to installations.• Examples of basic electrical materials and

where they are used.• Overview of a set of typical electrical drawings.• Sequential pictures of typical

electrical installations.• The planning process and its importance.• Practical information to help better

understand the electrical installation process.• Provides supplemental information for

future reference.

What the course covers:

During the class, we will review more than 1,000images that will effectively illustrate different typesof electrical installations on typical projects, fromunderground to the finishes.

With a clearer understanding of how and why we dowhat we do, this class will serve to further improvethe relationships between our firms and our mutualcustomers and give them both the best electricalinstallation possible—on time and on budget. Welook forward to seeing you!

For further information on our next scheduled class,contact John Luft ([email protected]) or GarryKitchell ([email protected]). ■


Employee ProfilesWade Lupo is currently working in the Preplanning Department as a

Production Coordinator in the preconstruction process.Wade was awarded the “Exceptional Employee” award for his ded-

ication and expertise. Wade has continually proven himself to be adedicated team player for Neal Electric. He, like many others, doeswhatever it takes to get the job done! Over the past few years Wadehas developed his 3-D MEP coordination skills, skills that have al-

lowed Neal’s team to be selected on cutting edge projects such as the University ofCalifornia San Diego Telemedicine Project.

Wade recently put an even greater effort into making sure the projects he has been co-ordinating, detailing and planning have made their difficult deadlines. He has accomplishedthis by arriving at 3:00 in the morning and leaving at 5:30 at night. This is more thanshould be expected from anyone, but sometimes there are times when you are the rightperson to get something done and you just have to roll up your sleeves and get it done!

All our employees play a key part in our success, which comes from a Neal devel-oped culture that says, “We work hard. We work smart. We have the best tools. We usecutting edge technology in the field and in the office. We have the best employees. Wework together as a team as we serve our customers and grow together.” In thisculture, “we do whatever it takes.”

Wade, we thank you for helping us develop this winning culture and for being a modelof success. ■

Ken McCarty is one of those key Gen-eral Foremen who have helped to estab-lish the backbone of our field operationsat Neal Electric. He has spent his 31-yearcareer as an electrician with only threecompanies and worked the past 11 yearsat Neal Electric. Ken graduated from ap-

prenticeship in 1983 and has worked as a general fore-man for 23 years. With his experience, you can see thatKen is a person who can take on any project, from indus-trial, to schools, to military, where he is currently com-pleting our “Wounded Warrior Barracks (BEQ)” at CampPendleton. Ken is being recognized not only for the finejob he has done on this important project, but for the pro-fessional manner in which he does his job. He thinksahead, plans out his work and is always well-prepared.The quality of work, and the timely manner in which it iscompleted, shows in the final product for our customer.Ken has done his part in contributing to the success ofNeal Electric. Thank you Ken, for being an outstandingemployee and an outstanding person! ■


Bay City Electric Works ........................................................ 12

Beacon Electric Supply ......................................................... 13

Consolidated Electrical Distributors ..................................... 11

Crescent Electric Supply Company........................................ 12

Enterprise Fleet Services....................................................... 13

Graybar Electric Company.................................................... 11

Ground Service Technology Inc............................................. 15

IBEW Local 569 ...................................................... Back Cover

Lightolier ............................................................................. 14

MPE Consulting Inc. .............................................................. 2

Network Cabling Inc. ........................................................... 14

OCS Lighting & Control Inc. ................................................. 12

Ramtek Mission Critical Solutions ........................................ 11

Siemens Energy & Automation Inc........................................ 12

SoCo Group Inc.145 Vernon WayEl Cajon, CA 92020(619) 401-1820(619) 401-1828 Faxwww.socogroup.com

Valley Power Systems Inc. .................................................... 13

Thanks to the following advertisers, without whom this publicationwould not have been possible.

Advertiser Directory

Neal Electric Corporation13250 Kirkham WayPoway, CA 92064(858)513-2525(858)513-9488 Faxwww.nealelectric.com

Electrical Connection v3i1

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