FZer Spotlight: Chris Weaver

We interviewed Chris Weaver, Electrical Site Superintendent and ABC Craft Professional of the Year Finalist, to better understand his career. Check out what he had to say!

How did you find the trades? What was your career progression?
I knew from a young age that college wasn't for me and that a career in the trades was what I wanted. I started an electrical apprenticeship with a local electrical contractor right out of high school. I was hungry to learn and honestly just work as many hours as I could - I worked every weekend and picked up every late shift that was given. Soon, my efforts were noticed and I was given the chance to run my first project.

It was on that first small project that I realized the importance of mutual trust and respect when working with customers. I could see that if you bring them into the conversation and put them first, more work would follow. So that's just what I did. After that project, I continued to run projects as a Foreman and then was transferred to a service team where I ran multiple projects at once. Looking for a change, I joined FZ and became a Site Superintendent in their construction group.

As Site Superintendent, what would you say your role is?
My primary purpose is simple. To remove any roadblocks that could keep my team from performing their work successfully and effectively. It might be through providing tools, information, and equipment or through problem-solving or opportunities for teaching. If I do my job right, my team is able to move forward without interruption or issues.

You're known for pouring into the next generation of tradespeople. What's one practical thing you do to mentor the apprentices on your team?
I've developed weekly training sessions on my projects for the apprentices. Depending on what we're installing or what's coming down the pipeline, I choose a specific skill that they may not have a ton of experience with. It might be bending conduit or installing outlets, or something like that. I set aside a few hours on a Friday morning to train them in person on that skill, answering questions and allowing them to practice it. It's like a workshop. Sometimes we make it into a competition or I set a goal and they go off and use that skill. It's a fun, simple, and low-stress way of learning. I've heard good feedback on it.

What would you say to someone who is entering the trades?
It is not your company’s responsibility to teach you how to become an electrician. It is up to you to decide that. It’s your decision, your work, and your effort. It's the early mornings, the late nights, and the double shifts….they are all an investment in your future. You get out what you put in.

What is one piece of advice you'd give someone who wants to be in field leadership?
Become an advocate for your team, but also for your customer. If you're able to foster a trusting relationship with them and establish open lines of communication, you'll set your team up for success. Challenges always arise, even on the best-planned jobs. If you spend time establishing a strong relationship with your team and the customer, if issues should arise we are able to work the problem out together to avoid further frustration. I'm also always on the lookout for my customers, figuring out ways to improve the project and save them money.