Spark’n Conversations

Episode 55 - From the Field to the Classroom: Apprenticeship, Mentorship & the Future of the Trade w/ Jeff Kunkel, Kunkel Electric, Inc.

In this episode of Sparkin Conversations, Jeff Kunkel—President of Kunkel Electric and longtime apprenticeship instructor—shares the experiences and philosophies that hav

Episode 54 - Code Talk: The 2026 NEC w/ Ryan Jackson, Ryan Jackson Electrical Training

Join Mike Miller and Ryan Jackson, a nationally recognized code panelist and educator, for a focused review of the 2026 NEC revisions. Ryan provides an informed perspecti

Episode 53 - Understanding the 2026 NEC Arc Flash Labeling Requirements w/ Mike Miller, Electrical Association Curriculum & Instructor Manager

Join Mike Miller as he breaks down practical solutions, clears up common questions, and addresses some code changes that may impact the industry. This episode delivers cl

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 th

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,

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 kn

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 econom

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 Minneapoli

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 s

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

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 abo

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 preparin

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 ca

Episode 42 - I9 and Employee Handbook Changes w/ Kate Bischoff, k8bisch LLC

Kate’s back! She and Mike talk through some handbook updates, take another look at the I-9 form, and see what’s changed in HR since her last time on.

Episode 41 - Vehicle Inspections & Regulations w/ Jacob Letourneau, MN State Patrol

On this podcast, host Mike Miller is joined by Sergeant Jacob Letourneau of the Minnesota State Patrol for an in-depth look at the regulations that support roadway safety

Episode 40 - Economic Update w/ Ron Wirtz, Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis

To help us understand where the economy is headed, Regional Outreach Director Ron Wirtz sits down with Mike to share the latest updates.    For more information you can

Episode 39 - Succession Planning w/ Richard Jahnke, Sunbelt Business Advisors

Have you ever thought about buying or selling a business but felt unsure about where to start? Understanding the process can be complex, but we’ve got you covered. In our

Episode 38 - Stories from the Electrical Field w/ Jay Lewis

The Chair of the Electrical Association's Membership Committee, who is set to become the Chair of the Board of Directors, and owner of Lewis Electrical Contracting and Co

Episode 37 - Center for Energy and Environment Workforce Programs w/ Sarah Northrup

Workforce Program Manager, Sarah Northrup, joins Mike to talk about the workforce training program CEE implements.    To learn more  you can go directly to CEE's websit

Episode 36 - Earned Sick and Safe Time Mandates w/ Martin Kappenman, Peters & Kappenman

Attorney Martin Kappenman at Peters & Kappenman sits down with Mike to give him an update on the Earned Sick and Safe Time mandates that went into effect earlier this yea