And the Winner of ABC’s 2017 Craft Professional of the Year is . . .
Tradesmen International is pleased to congratulate Adam Ruff of Price Electric on being named the 2017 Craft Professional of the Year by Associated Builders and Contractors. This prestigious award is given out annually to a field employee who is a master of their skill, is a strong leader and demonstrates a passion for their trade.
Adam has been in the industry for more than 15 years. He started out as an Apprentice and developed into a Journeyman and then a Foreman. As a Foreman, he was involved with many projects that received chapter/national Excellence in Construction awards, including an Eagle Award for University of Iowa Children’s Hospital. Last year, Adam was moved into a Field Supervisor position. He oversees employee training, teaches about productivity and is one of the biggest proponents of safety on every job site. For Adam, the safe way is the only way.
Tradesmen International has been the exclusive sponsor of the Craft Professional of the Year since 2005 and we were proud to present this award to Adam on March 3rd at the Careers in Construction Awards Ceremony in Ft. Lauderdale. Adam accepted his award in front of a room filled with his colleagues, friends and current and future industry leaders. The coveted prize package included a 2017 RAM Tradesman® pick-up truck.
What Does Being Named the CPOY Mean to Adam?
After the event, we were able to ask Adam a few questions before he headed off to celebrate . . .
Congratulations on being named the 2017 Craft Professional of the Year. How does it feel? This feels great! I am honestly in shock. I am a really humble guy and I am very thankful for this award.
Would you encourage the next generation to choose a career in the construction industry? I went to college for two years – I thought that I wanted to be a park ranger. My roommate at the time was an electrician and I would see him coming home with good paychecks. I asked him if he could help me get a job with his employer. He helped me and I started working as an electrician. I quickly figured out that there were so many directions that I could go in. I could become a Supervisor or a Business Owner. I could run multi-million dollar jobs . . . So, yes, I would encourage young people to get into construction. The sky is the limit. I started out as an apprentice and now I am running job sites. There is nothing like seeing a finished project when you are done!
What role does safety play in being the Craft Professional of the Year? Safety is #1. You can’t go to work and be unsafe and expect to go home. You always need to take the time to think about what you are doing. In the electrical industry (or any trade) you cannot compromise on safety!
Congratulations to Adam and Price Electric!