COURTESY OF WBRC INC.
Every major building represents the work of electrical engineers. Their work keeps buildings powered, lit, comfortable, online, and code compliant. Electrical engineering is key to fire safety, telecommunications, sustainability, and emergency resilience. Yet most of us remain in the dark about what these specialized engineering professionals do and how they do it.
So, we asked WBRC’s electrical engineering team of Phil Badger, Steph Laplant, Bob Curran, and Kyle Mahar to enlighten us. Read the full Q&As and learn more about the team at wbrcinc.com/electricalQandA.
What led you to designing electrical systems for buildings?
LAPLANT: I always liked architecture. When I decided to go to college there weren’t any accredited architecture programs in Maine, so I thought, “Let’s try engineering!”
MAHAR: I liked art and thought blueprints were neat, so my high school advisor introduced me to drafting classes. After a few years drafting at WBRC, the electrical team “claimed” me, and I developed into an Electrical Engineering Designer.
BADGER: I started as an electrician. I always knew I wanted to get licensed, but I was unsure if I wanted to be an architect or an engineer. As I continued to work in the trades, I realized I really like the electrical side of it.
What is your favorite part of the job?
MAHAR: I like doing the 3D modeling. I really look forward to figuring out the challenges and making sure everything is modeled well.
BADGER: Growing the business [as Department Manager.] I also enjoy the financial side of things.
CURRAN: I had retired in 2020, but I loved [the industry] so much that I came back to work.
What project types do you find most rewarding?
LAPLANT: I love healthcare. I learn something new every time I do a project, because each project has many unique needs.
MAHAR: I think the education projects are really interesting. You have a set of guidelines to work with, but you can also get creative.
BADGER: I like athletic projects because a lot of entertainment thinking goes into them. You’re designing an experience, a show that you’re working on.
CURRAN: My favorite are smaller projects with repeat clients. They’re satisfied with us and keep giving us work because we’re doing a good job.
How would you describe the team dynamics and work environment at WBRC?
CURRAN: We have very cooperative coworkers with lots of experience.
LAPLANT: Everybody has a chance to voice their opinion. Half of the people in the company have worked here at least 10 years and I think that says a lot about us.
BADGER: We’re a collaborative group and we all get along. We get together often to enrich that team environment.
What would you say to someone considering joining the WBRC team?
LAPLANT: Talk to some of the people that work here, ask them what they love about it. My 26-year work anniversary is coming up in June, so it’s clear that I think WBRC is a great place to work!
