The conference room hums with quiet conversation as foremen from job sites across Northern California file in, hard hats in hand. What begins with stories from the field soon turns into something more: a tradition of training that’s shaping the next century of leadership at Con J. Franke Electric.
Wiring the Next Generation of Leaders
“Great foremen are the difference makers in our field,” says Director of Construction Erik Niewald. “They take ownership and accountability for a project’s success — and that makes a world of difference in every job we take on.”
That mindset has carried Con J. Franke Electric since 1925, when the company first committed to dependable craftsmanship and community trust. Today, foreman training ensures that the same values powering schools, water systems, and public works for a century are carried forward by the leaders of tomorrow.
Learning Beyond the Toolbox
Every quarter, foremen gather for immersive training that blends decades of field wisdom with forward-looking skills:
- Safety first — From forklift operations to elevated platforms, training reinforces protection for crews and communities alike.
- Company processes & technology — Updates that keep teams aligned, efficient, and ready for complex projects.
- Lessons learned — Sharing challenges and solutions from recent jobs so mistakes become stepping stones.
General Superintendent Nick Elliott has seen the transformation over 25 years. “When I started, there was little formal training for foremen,” he says. “Now we have quarterly meetings, specialized NECA classes, and on-site coaching. It’s come a long way — and it’s only getting better.”
A Path Forged from Within
Leadership at Con J. Franke isn’t imported — it’s cultivated. Most foremen begin as shop hands, apprentices, or journeymen, growing into leaders who know the Con J. Franke Way because they’ve lived it. Some step into the role permanently; others take the lead for a project before returning to the tools. Every path deepens the leadership bench.
This homegrown approach naturally fosters mentorship — a cornerstone of the company’s culture. “The reward is seeing a young foreman grow and succeed,” Nick says. “That work ethic gets noticed — and it sets the tone for the whole crew.”
Projects That Build Leaders
Training extends far beyond the classroom. On active job sites like the CCCSD Solids Handling Project, rising leaders such as Marcos Paez step up to plan phases, coordinate crews, problem-solve in real time, and deliver with safety and quality at the forefront. With guidance from seasoned foremen, they learn what it takes to lead under pressure.
The Foreman’s Formula for Success
The best foremen bring together craft, clarity, and composure. They:
- Master their trade — Carrying forward a century of technical expertise.
- Lead under pressure — Keeping crews focused when challenges arise.
- Organize with precision — Ensuring every tool, material, and task is accounted for.
- Communicate with purpose — Building trust with crews, managers, and clients alike.
- Keep learning — Adapting to every lesson and passing it on.
Carrying the Legacy Forward
As Con J. Franke Electric celebrates its centennial, one truth stands out: craftsmanship and leadership don’t happen by accident — they are the result of deliberate training, mentorship, and shared values. Each quarterly session reinforces the standards of safety, quality, and teamwork that define the company.
“Today’s training ensures tomorrow’s success,” Erik says. “The lessons we pass down now will carry Con J. Franke Electric into the next hundred years.”
Ready to Lead the Future?
Whether you’re a seasoned foreman or an electrician ready for the next step, Con J. Franke offers the training, mentorship, and support to help you lead with confidence — and carry forward a legacy built on people, projects, and purpose.
