FZer Spotlight: Greg Klein – Field Operations Manager

How did you find the trades?

Growing up, my dad was an Electrician so I always knew it was a career option. After I did a short stint at college, I was looking for a new opportunity and pretty much fell right into it. I did my Electrical Apprenticeship Program through Grand Rapids Community College and then went to work for a small electrical company. For the next eight years, I worked on a variety of smaller commercial, industrial, and residential projects before joining Tradesman International. With Tradesman, I started working on a large construction project in Greenville.

When the second phase of the project was awarded to FZ, I decided to stay on and work on the FZ team to complete the project. In all, I actually spent over 40 months on that one project site.

After the Greenville project wrapped, I got my Electrical Journeyperson's license and started traveling with FZ to their larger construction projects across Michigan, Tennessee, and South Carolina. I started leading projects in the role as a Foreperson and then later as a Superintendent.

Within the last year, I officially became a Field Operations Manager. It’s been a challenging, yet rewarding change. I get to interact with both the field and office every day, getting to see both sides of each. There's such a wide variety of things I get to work on and touch now, it's really fulfilling.

What have you liked about the trades?

Being able to work with different trades and contractors on a large project. It's really amazing that we start with an open space and within a tight timeline we walk away and leave behind a fully functional facility. There's such a strong sense of accomplishment.

It's also really rewarding to see team growth. The electrical trades are rooted in on-the-job, hands-on learning. At any project site, you can see young, green apprentices learning side-by-side with seasoned Master Electricians. To watch others succeed is exciting, especially when you're able to play a role, however small, in that success.

What have you disliked?

You work with a lot of different customers who operate very differently from one another. There are always challenges and frustrations associated with that.

Also, when I was a part of the Travel group it was challenging to be away from friends and family. There's a cost/benefit there but sometimes it can be really hard to miss out.

What do you like about FZ?

Oh, the people. The connection and teamwork here are great. Since you spend more time with the people you work with than your own family, you better enjoy who you work with!

There's a wealth of knowledge to pull from. I often say, "I may not have all of the answers to this specific problem but there's a pretty good chance someone at FZ does."

What is the best piece of advice you could give to future electrical apprentices?

Be on time. It's my number one rule. If you can be on time to a project site, you can be successful and learn. It's a non-negotiable.

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At FZ, we empower individuals to grow within the electrical trades, offering opportunities from apprenticeships to leadership roles like Field Operations Manager. Join a team that values collaboration, expertise, and innovation. Ready to start your journey? Learn more about our career opportunities today!