August 4, 2022

Our Very Own EC&M 30 Under 30 Award Winner

Written by: Power Design

Every year, EC&M crowns a select group of up-and-coming leaders in the electrical industry with its annual 30 Under 30 Electrical All Stars Award. This year, a member of our #PDIFamily joined this elite group of young industry professionals as one of their 2022 Electrical All Stars. A.J. Butera, Project Manager at Power Design, sat down with us to share his thoughts on receiving this distinguished honor. Here is what he had to say:

**What led to you being selected for this honor?**

I was nominated by a peer for this award. When I learned I was nominated, I didn’t plan on anything coming from it, but I thought it was interesting that my name was thrown into the mix. The peer who submitted my name told me she admired my leadership ability and how I was not afraid to speak my mind if I disagreed with someone on an idea or strategy.

I’m always trying to help others and do my best to reflect the principles of a Power Design employee.

A.J. Butera |

Project Manager

How does it feel to receive this award?

I am extremely grateful to receive this award! I wouldn’t have been selected for this award if it wasn’t for my team’s incredible mentorship, so I am very thankful for them. I’ve never received something like this before, so it honestly kind of came as a shock.

How do you plan to continue growing your career and the industry overall?

I plan to continue teaching Power Design best practices and sharing my electrical industry knowledge. When I started at Power Design, I had no prior construction or electrical experience, but I had several mentors who took the time to teach me the ins and outs of the trade. That is how I advanced in the industry, so I plan on doing the same for others while I further my own knowledge to have a greater impact on Power Design and the industry as a whole.

Which mentors have had the largest impact on your career development?

Everyone on the Southwest team has mentored me in one way or another. Kelan O’Hanlan, my first PM at Power Design, sat with me for countless hours teaching me electrical theory and how to read drawings. Mike Spiering was the first Superintendent I ever worked with and taught me (and continues to teach me) how the field installs electrical equipment and the labor it takes to do so. Lastly, Manny Manias taught me how to price change orders to ensure I capture the whole cost proposal and how to deal with the customer in any situation. I am blessed with some of the best mentors the industry has to offer, and that has never been lost on me.

Big kudos to A.J., who has shown a desire to go above and beyond the call of duty, especially by using innovation, efficiency, and creativity in his jobs. We are proud to have an EC&M 30 Under 30 Electrical All Star as part of our #PDIFamily!