We recently spoke with Dakota Gardner, an experienced Electrical Foreman from our Grand Rapids team, about his career journey, his role at Feyen Zylstra (FZ), and what keeps him inspired in the electrical industry. Read on to learn more about his path, starting from an electrical apprenticeship program to becoming a leader in the field.
What was your career path? What brought you to FZ?
Around six years ago, I was working at a factory and looking for something better. My cousin was an electrician at FZ, so I had heard about it and had a few friends entering the electrical industry. I decided to give it a shot and enrolled in the electrical apprenticeship program. The rest is history, I enjoyed it and started working my way into the field. I was really blessed to have strong leaders throughout my career, people who pushed me to develop not only my electrical craft skills but also my leadership skills. I've always liked to lead people and thought that I had potential; FZ helped develop that and give me an opportunity to grow in that way.
Around a year ago, I was given the chance to step into a project and help lead as Foreman. When that ended, I started leading my current project as the Electrical Foreman.
What area of electrical contracting do you work in? Why do you like it?
The majority of my career has been in the construction side of the business. I did do a short six month stint with service which was interesting, but I prefer construction.
Construction is more structured. I love that you have time to develop strong relationships with those around you; the FZ team, the general contractor, and even other trades. You become a family all working towards one central goal.
What are you working towards now?
I plan on keep learning and growing. The cool thing about the trades is that there is always something new to learn, always a new challenge to overcome or skills to master. Same with leading people, it's always something you can improve upon.
Outside of that, I do intend on getting my Master Electrician's license.
What is it about FZ that keeps you here?
The collaboration and effort from the top of the company, down to the bottom. Not one person can do everything we do, it takes the whole team. You can see and feel that we're all working towards the same goal from field ops, leadership, purchasing, the field, and even the office - we're all in it together.
What has been your biggest challenge in the industry or at FZ?
Honestly, I think about it all the time. The amount of time it takes to learn, prepare, and plan…I'm always thinking about electrical. I'll be out to eat with friends and will find myself thinking about why they put an outlet there or how I would have done things differently. It drives my friends and family crazy.
What would you say to someone considering FZ?
You're going to be a part of a growing, supportive team. There's an awesome culture at FZ with plenty of resources, great money, and solid benefits. Besides that, I just love FZ blue….it looks great on everybody.
Dakota Gardner’s story is a testament to the growth opportunities available in the electrical trades. Starting in an electrical apprenticeship program, he advanced to becoming an Electrical Foreman at Feyen Zylstra, leading projects and making an impact. If you’re considering a career in the electrical industry, FZ offers the tools, resources, and culture to help you thrive—whether you’re just starting out or looking to advance in your role.
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