Spark’n Conversations

Spark’n Conversations

Industry experts sit with Master Electrician, and Electrical Association Director of Education, Mike Miller about trends and challenges facing contractors, talking shop, and everything needed to keep electricians in-the-know.

Episodes

April 28, 2025 44 mins

On this podcast, host Mike Miller is joined by Sergeant Jacob Letourneau of the Minnesota State Patrol for an in-depth look at the regulations that support roadway safety. They examine statutes concerning insurance coverage, licensing requirements, logbook protocols, mandatory medical physicals, proper load securement, and additional key safety considerations.

Mark as Played

To help us understand where the economy is headed, Regional Outreach Director Ron Wirtz sits down with Mike to share the latest updates. 

 

For more information you can go to Ron's website: 

https://www.minneapolisfed.org/people/ron-wirtz 

Mark as Played

Have you ever thought about buying or selling a business but felt unsure about where to start? Understanding the process can be complex, but we’ve got you covered. In our latest episode, Richard sits down with Mike to break down the steps, share valuable insights, and answer the most common questions about navigating a business sale or purchase.

 

After listening to the podcast you can go directly to the Sunbelt Business Solutions ...

Mark as Played

The Chair of the Electrical Association's Membership Committee, who is set to become the Chair of the Board of Directors, and owner of Lewis Electrical Contracting and Consulting Services Inc. , Jay Lewis, joins Mike to discuss his journey and lessons learned from his years in the electrical trade. 

 

You can find Jay's contact information on his company website: 

https://lewiselectricalmn.com/about-us/ 

 

Don’t miss your chance to...

Mark as Played

Workforce Program Manager, Sarah Northrup, joins Mike to talk about the workforce training program CEE implements. 

 

To learn more  you can go directly to CEE's website: 

https://www.mncee.org

 

Don’t miss your chance to advance your skills—visit our website now to register for one of our upcoming code classes and secure your spot today: 

https://www.electricalassociation.com/Online/Online/Education/Continuing_Education_Landing_Pa...

Mark as Played

Attorney Martin Kappenman at Peters & Kappenman sits down with Mike to give him an update on the Earned Sick and Safe Time mandates that went into effect earlier this year. 

 

To get in touch with Martin you can go to his website: 

https://www.pklaborlaw.com/

 

Don’t miss your chance to advance your skills—visit our website now to register for one of our upcoming code classes and secure your spot today: 

https://www.electricala...

Mark as Played

Our very own Michelle Dreier, Director of Member Engagement & Government Affairs, sits down with Mike to talk about all the amazing benefits that the Electrical Association has to offer to our members. 

 

You can learn more about the Electrical Association's membership benefits on our website: 

https://www.electricalassociation.com/Online/Online/Membership/Member_Benefits_Tab.aspx?hkey=60938c16-be05-4d10-872f-7796edac71b4 

Mark as Played

On this episode, Mike Miller talks with Cody Larsen, Program Manager for Employee Benefits at North Risk Partners, about the Association Healthcare Plan, Health Spark, and the 2025 changes to the plan.

 

You can find more information about Health Spark on our website: https://www.electricalassociation.com/Online/Membership/Health_Plan.aspx

 

If you are interested in receiving a quote from North Risk, please contact Eveline Meidt at...

Mark as Played

Tune in to our latest podcast episode featuring Dean Hunter and Mike Miller as they discuss the significant changes coming to the 2026 NEC and how you can still influence its outcome. Do not miss this timely and informative presentation!

 

August 28th, 2024 is the final day the NEC will accept public comment on the proposals to change the NEC for the 2026 Cycle.

 

Click the link to submit your input: 

https://www.nfpa.org/en/For-Pr...

Mark as Played

Clean Energy Resource Teams is an organization that is helping individuals, businesses, and communities all over the state of Minnesota with their clean energy projects.    Nik joins Mike on this episode to discuss clean energy, what CERT can do to assist in projects, and so much more! 

 

After listening to the podcast you can go directly to the Clean Energy Resource Teams website to learn more:  https://www.cleanenergyresourceteam...

Mark as Played

With increasing awareness of environmental issues, solar energy is gaining prominence as a vital part of the energy conversation. The Minnesota Solar Energy Industries Association (MnSEIA) is committed to advocating and supporting the growth of solar and energy sectors in Minnesota.    Logan appears on the podcast with Mike to highlight the crucial role of solar energy and MnSEIA's initiatives in providing Minnesotans with a safe, ...

Mark as Played

unCommon Construction is a nonprofit organization that provides students with opportunities to build houses together, enhancing their technical, professional, and personal skill sets. In this episode, Minneapolis Site Director Spence Grant joins Mike to discuss the program’s purpose, eligibility requirements, and additional details

 

After listening to the podcast you can go directly to the unCommon Construction website to learn mo...

Mark as Played

Dean Hunter, the Chief Electrical Inspector with the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry, is making a return appearance on our podcast to tackle questions about the 2023 electrical code.

Mark as Played

The Electrical Association and Federated Insurance have been partnering for over 60 years. In our latest podcast, Mike sits down with Regional Marketing Manager, Jordy Christian, to discuss everything you need to know about insurance.  

 

After listening to the podcast you can go directly to the Federated Insurance website: 

https://www.federatedinsurance.com/

Mark as Played

Join Mike and Chris in this episode as they unpack the 2023 electrical code amendments, with a spotlight on alterations to medium voltage regulations. Get insights into the extended rules and a comprehensive discussion on how these changes will shape the landscape of the electrical industry.

 

After listening to the podcast you can go directly to ElectroTech's website: 

https://www.electrotech-inc.com/

Mark as Played

Have you considered buying or selling a business? Do you need help in figuring out how the process works? Richard sits down with Mike in our latest episode to help answer your questions when it comes to buying or selling a business. 

 

After listening to the podcast you can go directly to the Sunbelt Business Solutions website for more information: 

https://www.sunbeltmidwest.com/

 

Mark as Played

The Electrical Association has collaborated with Lake Street Works well before the creation of their workforce development program. Jess and Mike sit down for a discussion, delving into what the program is, the students, and so much more! 

 

After listening to the podcast you can go directly to the Lake Street Works website to learn more: 

https://www.lakestreetworks.org/

Mark as Played

Goodwill-Easter Seals is a workforce partner of the Electrical Association. Mike sits down with Kristen to learn about the organization, the YouthBuild program, and more! 

 

After listening to the podcast you can go directly to the Goodwill-Easter Seals YouthBuild website to learn more: 

https://www.goodwilleasterseals.org/services/youthyoung-adult-services/youthbuild 

Mark as Played

Summit Academy OIC is one of the Electrical Association's workforce partners. Mike sits down with Amanda to learn about the school, the participants, and much more. Take a listen! 

 

After listening to the podcast you can go directly to Summit Academy's website to learn more: 

https://saoic.org/ 

Mark as Played

Electrical vehicle charging stations are popping up all over Minnesota and there is a need for more electricians to be certified to work on them. Beth Kallestad, Principal Sustainability Planner at the Office of Sustainability and Public Health for the Minnesota Department of Transportation, discusses with Mike the requirements for EV charging station certification, Minnesota's EV Infrastructure Plan and more!  

 

To learn more abo...

Mark as Played

Popular Podcasts

    Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com

    24/7 News: The Latest

    The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.

    Therapy Gecko

    An unlicensed lizard psychologist travels the universe talking to strangers about absolutely nothing. TO CALL THE GECKO: follow me on https://www.twitch.tv/lyleforever to get a notification for when I am taking calls. I am usually live Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays but lately a lot of other times too. I am a gecko.

    The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show

    The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show. Clay Travis and Buck Sexton tackle the biggest stories in news, politics and current events with intelligence and humor. From the border crisis, to the madness of cancel culture and far-left missteps, Clay and Buck guide listeners through the latest headlines and hot topics with fun and entertaining conversations and opinions.

    The Bobby Bones Show

    Listen to 'The Bobby Bones Show' by downloading the daily full replay.

Advertise With Us
Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.