Terry Cool is the Vice President of Garber Electrical Contractors, Inc., an electrical lighting and power, generators, telecommunications, data networking, fire alarm, surveillance, and access control services contractor. Starting as a teenage apprentice in a neighbor’s electrical business, he is now a seasoned professional with over 40 years in the electrical industry. With no formal college education, Terry climbed the corporate ladder through on-the-job training, going from an electrician to a foreman and, eventually, to his current executive role. Since 1982, Terry’s hands-on experience and leadership have seen the company through economic shifts, technological advancements, and significant organizational changes while fostering a strong, people-centric company culture.
Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
- [1:53] Terry Cool’s backstory and how his 40-year journey in electrical services began
- [3:23] Terry’s transition from the field into sales and finally to executive management
- [4:52] The major turning points and milestones that have shaped Garber Electric’s growth
- [6:41] How implementing a new business model can transform operations and drive company growth
- [8:35] Why people are the key to a company’s success and how to foster a people-centric culture
- [12:19] How to onboard and train new employees effectively in a skills-shortage industry
- [16:02] Terry’s advice on handling mistakes and the importance of accountability
- [19:24] How to recognize and nurture individual talents within a company structure
- [34:01] The impact of personal interests on maintaining a work-life balance and de-stressing
In this episode…
Are you ready to discover the keys to long-term success in the electrical industry? What does it take to not only survive but thrive for over four decades in such a competitive field? The answers lie in experience, adaptability, and a relentless focus on people and processes.
According to Terry Cool, an electrical industry veteran, the secret to enduring success is continuous learning and adaptability. He highlights the importance of building strong relationships, investing in comprehensive training programs, and maintaining a people-centric company culture. By focusing on these elements, Terry believes companies can exceed industry standards while ensuring steady growth and high employee satisfaction. His insights reveal how balancing professional development with personal passions can lead to a fulfilling and successful career.
In this episode of the Home Pro Podcast, host Seth Evans sits down with Terry Cool, Vice President of Garber Electrical Contractors, Inc., to talk about succeeding in the electrical industry. They explore the challenges and rewards of finding and training skilled tradespeople, the significance of maintaining a strong company culture, and the value of personal passions as a stress relief. Terry’s stories and strategies offer a comprehensive guide to thriving in the home services sector long-term.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
- Seth Evans on LinkedIn
- Big Fish Local
- Terry Cool on LinkedIn | Email
- Garber Electrical Contractors, Inc.
Special Mentions:
- Gary Garber on LinkedIn
- Eat That Frog!: 21 Great Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Get More Done in Less Time by Brian Tracy
- Jeffery King on LinkedIn
- Steve Bruns on LinkedIn
- Ryan Miller on LinkedIn
- Thatcher Deaton on LinkedIn
- Kenny Knight on LinkedIn
Quotable Moments:
- “Give me attitude and work ethic, and I’ll teach you the rest.”
- “It’s not the mistake you make; it’s how you repair it and how you fix it.”
- “People do business with people they like.”
- “If you’re not growing, you’re going backwards, in my opinion.”
- “You build a culture and a reputation; some people don’t apply to that; they don’t end up staying around very long.”
Action Steps:
- Maintain a strong company culture: Cultivating a positive people-centric environment encourages employee retention and performance.
- Prioritize relationship building in business: Establishing trust and rapport with clients and colleagues leads to ongoing opportunities for growth.
- Adopt clear operational roles to maximize efficiency: Establishing well-defined roles results in a smoother workflow and increased growth.
- Uphold a practice of learning from mistakes: Emphasizing accountability and continuous improvement is essential.
- Create training programs to address skill shortages: Investing in developing talent internally prepares businesses to scale despite industry-wide labor shortages.
Sponsor for this episode…
This episode is brought to you by Big Fish Local, your trusted partner in navigating the digital landscape. Our dedicated team specializes in creating impactful digital marketing strategies tailored to your business needs. From optimizing your website for search engines to enhancing your presence on social media, we are here to help you thrive in your local market.
Discover the potential of your business with Big Fish Local’s comprehensive marketing solutions. For more on how we can boost your online visibility and drive growth, visit bigfishlocal.org.
