Spark’n Conversations

Join us for a conversation with Nick Bischoff, CEO of Design Electric and the new Board Chair of the Electrical Association, as he shares his career journey, leadership insights, and a clear-eyed look at the industry’s future. From workforce challenges to the expanding National Electrical Code, Nick brings an excellent perspective based on decades of experience.

In this episode of Sparkin Conversations, Jeff Kunkel—President of Kunkel Electric and longtime apprenticeship instructor—shares the experiences and philosophies that have shaped his decades in the trade. Jeff brings a rare dual perspective as both contractor and trainer, offering practical insight into how apprentices grow, how the industry is evolving, and what the future may demand of electrical workers. Whether you’re a contractor, an apprentice, or simply curious about the direction of the electrical profession, Jeff’s wisdom makes this conversation well worth your time.

You can learn more about our apprentice program on our website:

Electrical Association Apprenticeship Program

Join Mike Miller and Ryan Jackson, a nationally recognized code panelist and educator, for a focused review of the 2026 NEC revisions. Ryan provides an informed perspective on the decision‑making behind recent changes and offers a forward‑looking view on emerging influences, including AI, NFPA direction, and broader industry developments.

Join Mike Miller as he breaks down practical solutions, clears up common questions, and addresses some code changes that may impact the industry. This episode delivers clear, timely insight to help you navigate the updates with clarity.

Aluminum wire is gaining attention as copper prices and availability tighten. Join our conversation with Vinny Mergens of Priority Wire & Cable as he walks Mike Miller through the technical and financial advantages of aluminum in today’s market. With demand pressures rising, these strategies offer timely guidance for anyone navigating the volatile conductor landscape.

You can learn more about Priority Wire & Cable on their website:

https://www.prioritywire.com/

The Electrical Association is proud to share key updates from the 2026 National Electrical Code. In this episode, Mr. Dean Hunter, Minnesota’s Chief Electrical Inspector, joins Mike to discuss key revisions that may impact your wiring practices. Listen now!

Stay up to date on the 2026 NEC code changes and provide your feedback through the MN DLI website:

https://www.dli.mn.gov/about-department/boards-and-councils/nec-2026-adoption-review-committee

You can contact Dean via email at: Dean.Hunter@state.mn.us

Mike sits down with AI expert Mr. Woody Taylor to better understand how artificial intelligence works, its powerful promise, and the smart safeguards every user should know. Don’t miss this engaging and informative conversation—available from the Electrical Association wherever you get your podcasts.

For more information, please visit Woody's website:

https://paramis.ai/

On this episode of Sparkin Conversations, host Mike Miller sits down with Erick Garcia Luna of the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis for a clear‑eyed look at the economic forces shaping the electrical industry. From labor shortages to interest rates, tariffs, construction trends, and the future impact of AI, Erick breaks down what contractors need to know as they plan for the season ahead. It’s a grounded, insightful conversation that helps electrical professionals understand where the economy is heading—and how to position their businesses for success.

The Electrical Association is pleased to present one of our standout podcast episodes featuring Martin Kappenman and Frances Rojas of Peters & Kappenman, PA in Minneapolis. This dynamic conversation takes us from the fundamentals of properly completing an I‑9 to understanding how to respond if Homeland Security Investigations visits your business. You’ll hear clear guidance on what to do—and what to avoid—during one of the more adrenaline‑charged moments of doing business in Minnesota. This is a podcast you won’t want to miss, delivered by experts with deep experience representing employers across the Midwest

The Clean Lighting bill is reshaping Minnesota’s lighting landscape by reducing hazardous waste, mercury pollution, and carbon emissions. Effective January 1, 2026, the sale and distribution of pin-based linear and compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) will be prohibited. In this episode, Center for Energy and Environment (CEE) Lighting Consultant Mark Rader joins Mike to break down the fluorescent lighting ban and explore what comes next for the Minnesota lighting market.

You can learn more by going to the Center for Energy & Environment's website: https://www.mncee.org/minnesota-fluorescent-ban-what-commercial-building-operators-need-know

With a partnership spanning more than 60 years, the Electrical Association and Federated Insurance come together as host Mike Miller and Regional Marketing Manager Jordy Christian discuss best practices for limiting liability and protecting your business when working with subcontractors in the electrical field.

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

https://www.federatedinsurance.com/

Our host, Mike Miller, sits down with Mariaha Dean to discuss how The Man Up Club empowers young Black males through mentorship, brotherhood, and honest conversations about life’s challenges—helping them build confidence and prepare for college, trade school, and life beyond high school.

You can find more information about the Man Up Club on their website: https://www.themanupclub.org/

In this episode, Mike sits down with Rouzer Group Account Manager Kevin Westbrock to talk about the biggest challenges facing businesses today, how companies are preparing for future global disruptions, what sets their trusted training programs apart, and where the wholesale industry is headed.

After listening to the episode you can visit their website to see how the Rouzer Group can help your business:

https://www.rouzer.com/

Have you ever thought about getting into government work but not sure where to start? Our host, Mike Miller, sits down with Jeff Anderson to explain how certifications can be leveraged in public contracting, especially through partnerships, and offer guidance for those new to government project work.

To learn more about what ATEK Distribution does, you can visit their website:

https://atekdistribution.com/

Kate’s back! She and Mike talk through some handbook updates, take another look at the I-9 form, and see what’s changed in HR since her last time on.

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.

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

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 website for more information:

https://www.sunbeltmidwest.com/

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 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_Page.aspx?hkey=fa23b0ac-5ed9-4b43-8b58-d93cac1f1a2b

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_Page.aspx?hkey=fa23b0ac-5ed9-4b43-8b58-d93cac1f1a2b