Spark’n Conversations

Hosted by Electrical Association

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Jun 2026

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About the show

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.

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52 recent

June 5, 2026Episode 5232 min

Episode 52: Aluminum Wiring: A Smart Alternative in Today's Market w/ Vinny Mergens, Priority Wire & Cable

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/

May 6, 2026Episode 511 hr 0 min

Episode 51 - 2026 NEC Code Changes: What You Need to Know w/ Dean Hunter

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

April 6, 2026Episode 5044 min

Episode 50 - AI Explained: What It Is, What It Can Do, and What to Watch For w/ Woody Taylor, Paramis.ai

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/

March 9, 2026Episode 4934 min

Episode 49 - The Economic Outlook for Electrical Contractors w/ Erick Garcia Luna, Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis

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.

February 16, 2026Episode 4839 min

Episode 48 - From I-9 Compliance to HSI Visits: What Every Employer Needs to Know w/ Martin Kappenman & Francis Rojas and

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

January 15, 2026Episode 4728 min

Episode 47 - Fluorescent Lighting Ban w/ Mark Rader, CEE

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

December 16, 2025Episode 4639 min

Episode 46 - Subcontractor Liability w/ Jordy Christian, Federated Insurance

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/

November 21, 2025Episode 4527 min

Episode 45 - Man Up Club w/ Mariaha Dean, EDEN Resources

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/

July 10, 2025Episode 4430 min

Episode 44 -Leadership, Training & Market Shifts w/ Kevin, Westbrock, Rouzer Group

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/

June 9, 2025Episode 4331 min

Episode 43 - How Certifications Create Government Contracting Opportunities w/ Jeff Anderson, ATEK Distribution LLC

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/