Nickle News - June 2023

Nickle News

Providing

ABC Delaware to bring back Craft Championship Competition

As 2023 Chairman for the Associated Builders and Contractors Delaware Chapter, Nickle's Vice President of Operations Jeromy Newton wanted to bring the Craft Championship Competition back to Delaware.

"The amount of young talent coming into the construction industry is very positive," Newton said. "So I felt that bringing the Craft Championship back was the best way to showcase those talents for all their hard work here in Delaware."

The National Craft Championships was established in 1987 to celebrate and recognize the country's most talented craft professionals and highlight the important role that craft skills training plays in the construction industry. On the national level, there are 15 trades that compete annually in the championship, including electrical, pipefitting, welding, carpentry, HVAC, plumbing, and more

In 2000, Nickle President/CEO Steve Dignan created the first ever Craft Championships Competition in Delaware while serving as First Vice Chair on the ABC Delaware Board That year, Nickle Apprentice Mike Frieze (who is now a Foreman) went on to represent Delaware on the national stage in the electrical trades

When Newton decided to bring the Craft Championship back to Delaware, a committee was formed to not only ensure the success of the 2023 event, but make sure the competition continues for years to come Though this year's Delaware competition includes only electrical and plumbing trades, the ultimate goal would be to have representation in each of the 15 trades that participate in the National Craft (cont. on next page)

(Feature cont.)

Championship by including additional occupations to the Delaware competition each year

This year's Delaware competition is seeking second, third, and fourth year apprentices in the electrical and plumbing trades to participate in a two-day event this fall that will include a computer-based test and a full-day practical performance test Non-ABC member construction professionals will judge the competition and winners from each trade will go on to compete in the national competition in Florida next year

Vice President's Corner

Jeromy Newton Vice President of Operations

Here we are - summer season equals busy season No matter the industry, business tends to pick up pace And in construction, there are a number of reasons why summer tends to be more busy than any other

Summer weather is more stable and provides more daylight hours The ground isn't frozen, there's not as much rain and zero snow to account for muddy conditions Overall, it's a more favorable environment for working outdoors, which is a necessary part of construction

It's also a time when seasonal workers are in abundance, and for Nickle specifically, that means hiring a significant number of co-ops Boosting productivity, giving them hands-on training, and offering the opportunity for seasoned workers to mentor new employees.

And consider the increase in travel over the summer - family vacations, summer camps, etc. resulting in a slight economic boost in many areas.

So as construction accelerates, it's important to remember to slow down. Pay attention; not just to enjoy the season, but to stay safe and vigilant during such a busy time. Take your PTO, enjoy your holidays, and rest up.

When we become busy, we tend to feel like we have to work faster. And working faster can result in unsafe practices and burn out By recognizing the toll that a busy season can take on your body and mind, we can better prepare ourselves to navigate the stress

So I challenge you all to work smarter, not harder Don't skip your breaks Use up all your PTO A busy season shouldn't be a risky season

"It's not the load that breaks you down. It's the way you carry it."

- Lena Horne

Setup for the 2022 National Craft Championship in San Antonio, TX

Electrical students from across the country competing in the 2022 National Craft Championship in San Antonio, TX

Community Outreach

Serving Ronald McDonald House Dinner

Once again, Nickle employees cooked and served dinner at Ronald McDonald House of Delaware. This has become one of our volunteers' favorite ways to give back to our community Thank you to Jerry Casey, John DeMatteis, Madison Lynam, Ted Smith, Jr , Jennifer Thompson, and Paul Woodland for donating your time to this great cause

Nemours Easter Baskets

Just before the holiday, representatives from Nickle's Sunshine Committee dropped off Easter Baskets to patients at Nemours Children's Health Thank you to United Electric Supply and Yale Electric Supply for your basket and toy donations

Window Washing at Easter Seals

In May, Nickle employees volunteered at Easter Seals in Georgetown, DE to wash 60 first-floor windows and power wash the patio area This organization is a non-profit that provides services, education, outreach, and advocacy so people living with autism and other disabilities can live, learn, work, and play in our communities Thank you to Mark Benson, Taylor Burden, Brandon Cale, John Deming, Mike Frieze, Chris Huhn, Tyler Mitchell, Chris Opdenaker, Russ Panetta, Sherry Perry, Jamie Russell, Jeff Stillwell, JT Tharp, Owen Withrow, Paul Woodland, and Jason Wright for dedicating your time to this cause.

Providing Food Through the New Nickle Garden

With so many families in need of food and the organizations that support those families constantly looking for donations, Nickle decided to put extra land at our new headquarters to good use and build a garden. Our pre-fab department made four custom-raised garden beds to hold our veggies. Last month, employees planted tomatoes, cucumbers, eggplant, bell peppers, jalapenos, squash, and zucchini. We can't wait to watch them grow over the next few seasons and provide yummy, fresh veggies to our community. If you know a family or organization in need, please reach out to lmassimini@nickle.email.

Kudos

Foreman Rob Basara was recognized by a Whiting-Turner employee for his work at ACTS Country House: "He did a phenomenal job stepping in and helping us pull together everything at the end of the project. Rob attended the huddles every day and all of the different meetings we had with all of the different trades throughout the project was extremely helpful with all of the coordination. The guy never complained and was very respected by all of the different teams associated with the project I know sometimes the 'in the trenches' work goes unnoticed on the office side, so I just wanted to reach out "

Amazon gave kudos to Service Foreman Scott Hadaway and his team during a shutdown: "For us here in the facility and our regional team, we really appreciate the level of workmanship and the attention to detail that was exhibited during this repair Thank you to Nickle for the outstanding support "

Service Foreman Rich Heasley was complimented by a residential customer in April: "The tech who came out to help with these issues was excellent. Great service and I highly recommend."

Featured Project

Wor-Wic Community College Technology Building

Owner: Wor-Wic Community College

Architect: Becker Morgan Group

Engineer: Gipe Associates

CM/GC: Whiting-Turner

Project Manager: Brian Stump

Project Management Asst: Lisa Houston

Foreman: Guido Lauer

This new technology building totals 40,000 square feet and supports programs within the college's occupational education division The building includes flex laboratory spaces for industrial/HVAC, welding, and makerspace There are also truck driver and welding simulation rooms, classrooms, study spaces, conference rooms, and administrative offices

Featured Project

Food Bank of Delaware

Owner: Food Bank of Delaware

Architect: Becker Morgan Group

Engineer: DEDC

CM/GC: Whiting-Turner

Project Manager: Brandon Cale

Project Management Asst: Maria Trujillo-Hernandez

Foreman: Guido Lauer

The new Food Bank location will total approximately 67,000 square feet and consist of refrigerated storage, dry goods storage, kitchen, community market, volunteer rooms, and office area for staff The site will also contain a packing barn, and greenhouses for growing local produce This facility will be an upgrade from the Food Bank’s current facility in Milford and will allow them to better serve the local community Nickle is providing a new electrical service, with a generator to back-up critical items, as well as lighting and fire alarm for the building The open floor plan with many exposed and metal mesh ceilings present a challenge to ensure branch circuiting and systems are kept concealed During the project, Nickle employees volunteer a portion of their time to the Food Bank to assist with packaging food for children and families

Safety Report

Paul Woodland Director of Safety

We've just begun the unofficial start of the summer season as we enjoyed the Memorial Day holiday This holiday calls us to reflect on the importance of our freedom and how we need to ensure we protect it It's also the time of year when OSHA recognizes Workers Memorial Day when they remember individuals who were lost in the line of duty in the construction industry. These workers set out to earn a living and provide for their families but never returned home. A tragic, unexpected loss for all involved. Every worker is more than a number. As a company, we recently gathered together to discuss the importance of mental health awareness and its effect on the job site. Knowing when to intervene and how we can all look out for each other is critical. We provided everyone with contact information to use in time of need or to assist someone they know. We discussed the ripple effect across the organization, family, friends, etc. We all have the ability to make a difference in the lives of those we share the workplace with. You never know the burden that others may be carrying. But if we give them the courage and strength to ask for help when needed, we can break the stigma that mental health illness currently carries in our industry. Here's to a safe and healthy summer season!

Nickle Anniversaries

Red names indicate Nickle Elite status Employees who have been with the organization for 5+ years

Employee Congratulations

Brandon Lately and Mike Schaeffer completed the State Apprenticeship Program and now have their Journeyman's Licenses

The following folks have completed their OSHA 10-hour training: Co-Op John Deming, Pre-Fab Employee James Haburcak, and Service Apprentice Jacob McNelia

Service Mechanic Cory Howitt recently completed his OSHA 30-hour training

Senior Estimator Matt Healy celebrated 15 years with Nickle on March 3.

Layout Foreman Luis Rivera and Leadman Rodney Tate celebrated 10 years with Nickle in April.

Service Foreman Wes Smack celebrated 5 years with Nickle on April 9, officially entering the Nickle Elite.

Isabella Newton, daughter of VP of Operations Jeromy Newton & Accounts Receivable Clerk Erika Newton, is graduating from Dover High School this month. She is currently apprenticing and pursuing a career in cosmetology as an esthetician.

Driver Jamie Russell and his wife Candice celebrated their ten-year wedding anniversary in May.

Service Director Ken Emmons' grandson, Kenny "Tripp" Emmons III, was born on March 10

Foreman Tom Glanding welcomed baby girl Lily Grace to the world on May 8

Project Management Assistant Maria Trujillo Hernandez's son Adriel celebrated his first birthday and Baptism on May 14

Project Manager Kevin Woodland was awarded the Top Dog trophy this quarter; recognized by his colleagues for outstanding work over the past few months

There are 10 co-ops graduating this spring who will be joining Nickle as Apprentices Congratulations to David Augustus, Joshua Freeman, Ryan Givens, Dylan Jolley, and Gavin Taylor from St George's Technical High School; Jaxon Lankford and Kevin Torres from Hodgson Vo-Tech High School; Adolfo Ascencio-Lagunas and Jacob Luciano from Sussex Technical High School; and Gavin Dutton from Polytech High School.

Co-Ops Adolfo Ascencio-Lagunas and Dylan Jolley were also recognized by ABC Delaware for outstanding academic achievement at their schools while completing a co-op program with an ABC member.

Tripp Emmons III

Brandon Lately (right) & Jonathan Harrison Bella Newton

Lily Grace

Luis Rivera (left) & Jeromy Newton

Rodney Tate (middle), Kevin Woodland & Jeromy Newton

Wes Smack (middle), Dan Peralta, & Ken Emmons Matt Healy (right) & Mark Benson

Kevin Woodland (middle), Jeromy Newton, & Neal Donaldson

Mike Schaeffer (left) & Ken Emmons Adriel

Adolfo Ascencio-Lagunas (left) & Jeromy Newton

Dylan Jolley (left) & Jeromy Newton

Nickle At Work

info@nickle.email

www.nickleelectrical.com

Facebook.com/NickleElectrical

Instagram: @NickleElectrical

Twitter: @NickleElectric

Vo-Tech Apprenticeship Instructors Needed

The New Castle County Vo-Tech School District is in need of aprenticeship instructors for the following trades: ASE Diesel Technician, Construction Laborer, Electric, Heavy Equipment Operator, HVAC, Instrumentation, Machining, Pipefitting, Plumbing, and Welding.

The programs are scheduled to run two nights per week from 6:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. from October through early May. The current pay rate is $32 per hour.

If interested, please contact one of the following people:

Mark Wilson, New Castle County mark wilson1@nccvt k12 de us

Mike Hague, Sussex mike hague@sussexvt k12 de us

Jeremy McEntire, Polytech jeremy mcentire@polytech k12 de us

Want to join the Nickle team? We have a few open positions and are always accepting applications. Scan the QR code to visit our Careers Page and apply today

Kevin Murphy at Wor-Wic Community College Technology Building Justin McHugh at The Flats Service Department Meeting

Carlos Arbolay-Pagan at The Flats Cory Firmani at First State Crossing