In “Treasure Island,” Robert Louis Stevenson led us to believe in the promise of treasure maps and heaps of gold where “X” marks the spot. Yo ho ho! Alas, the number of pirates who actually found and buried such hoards of gold and jewels was rare, and maps leading to buried treasure were basically nonexistent.
But the hidden costs in your business are not so mythical, and finding them isn’t half so difficult as finding buried treasure (far less digging required!). In our cover story, Andrew McCoy and Fred Sargent offer advice on finding—and cutting down on—the not-so-hidden costs eating away at profits. “In Plain Sight” is on page 36.
NFPA 70B also holds promise for boosting your revenue, especially the service and maintenance work this consensus standard will eventually necessitate. Derek Vigstol explores the “calm before the storm” and how electrical contractors can prepare for this important work ahead. Read “Reaping the Rewards” on page 26.
In this month’s project profile, Susan Bloom takes us to Youngstown, Ohio, where “Joe” Dickey Electric Inc. helped construct a new Volunteer Resource Center for the local United Way chapter, donating much of the company’s efforts. The facility and its volunteers now serve as an important resource in a community recovering from the loss of steel manufacturing. “A Partnership Fueling Purpose” is on page 46.
In “Integration at the Center of the Mission,” Jeff Beavers tells us about the power solutions that data centers and other mission-critical facilities are exploring to reduce downtime and improve sustainability, all while keeping costs down. Read all about these innovations on page 66.
As a reminder, the 2026 Profile of the Electrical Contractor survey closes at the end of this month, and you don’t want to miss out. Everything you can share about the great work you’re doing will help you and other readers map out the next two years. Check your email for the link, visit here. You’ll need your subscriber ID number, which is on the mailing label on the front of this magazine. Email [email protected] if you have questions.
