Encore Electric professionals like Jude Wiedel aim to deliver high-quality work on complex projects with a ‘do whatever it takes to get the job done right the first time’ attitude that ensures we take care of our customers. On National Skilled Trades Day – and throughout the year – Encore Electric celebrates the men and women who bring their technical expertise and capabilities to construction projects all of sizes.
Wiedel is a project manager in Montana, where he oversees electrical projects for various commercial and high-end residential customers. Jude shares how Encore Electric supports his career growth and well-being with a positive workplace culture and opportunities to do impactful work with a great team in a state he loves.
Why did you decide to join Encore Electric?
While attending Montana State University (MSU) in Bozeman, I spent summers working for Encore Electric in Big Sky, MT. In 2020, I graduated with a Mechanical Engineering degree and began working in that industry. But after a year, I really missed the culture at Encore Electric. I returned in 2021 as a project engineer. While I had an engineering degree, I came into the electrical industry seeking to build my technical knowledge of the field. I applied my problem-solving skills and ability to learn new things and work as a team. Thanks to the training and trust from my coworkers, I’m now a project manager.
What do you enjoy most about your job at Encore Electric?
I enjoy the team I work with and the culture. I am a very family-oriented person, and Encore Electric is a second family to me. We succeed, learn and grow as one cohesive unit. That’s extremely powerful. Our Encore Electric Montana electricians and office staff are among the smartest and hardest working people I have ever met. I am very grateful that I found Encore Electric. Other people in my life, outside of work, often say they are jealous that I work for a company that adheres to solid core values.
Any specific experience at Encore Electric that has been most meaningful to you?
I will never forget the support from my coworkers during a difficult project. I was newer to the company, and I had so many coworkers offering their time and expertise to help me. That’s when I realized this is more than an organization. It is a family that is there to support each other and make sacrifices for the greater good.
There’s a skilled trade workforce shortage. What would you say to encourage others to consider a job as an electrician or in the electrical industry?
The electrical industry is a great career option. You get to be a part of building incredible projects from the ground up. There is no feeling like knowing you were on a team that completed extremely difficult and meaningful projects. There’s never a day when you don’t learn something new.
What skills and attitude are most needed to succeed as an electrician?
The three most important skills and attitudes needed in this industry are a good work ethic, a positive mindset and an eagerness to learn. With these, you are bound for success in this industry.
How does Encore Electric support its employees?
It is often said that people start at Encore Electric for a job and stay for a career, once they realize how special and profound the culture is. We are one cohesive team that supports and cares for each other. I have made some of my best friends at Encore.
Encore Electric invests in its employees, offering a variety of professional development classes. I have been fortunate to be enrolled in several leadership classes that have completely changed my approach in the workplace and at home. Encore Electric is committed to giving me knowledge to support my professional skills and to help me become the best man I can be outside of work, too.
The benefits are also outstanding, including compensation and insurance. There are mental health resources to help anyone struggling in this area, further showing how employee well-being is foundational to Encore Electric.
What enjoy most about living in Bozeman?
I live in Bozeman and commute to a job site in Big Sky. The commute lets me reflect and unwind. Outside of work, I’m an avid hunter and fisherman, and Bozeman has plenty of that to go around. I would strongly suggest anyone looking for a career with a company that has a family-like culture to look no farther than Encore Electric. It will be the best career decision you ever make.
Interested in exploring Montana electrical jobs and joining Jude Wiedel and the Encore Electric team in Montana? Contact Gabbie Caputo at Gabbie.Caputo@EncoreElectric.com.