Tim Rigsby, president of Uihlein Electric Company

What was the smartest thing your company did in the past year?

“We have strategically focused our efforts on two major vertical markets where we are able to provide our customers with unique technology and energy services at the local, regional and national levels. These markets have funding sources and quite honestly benefit from some very unique financial services we’ve authored to help these projects get off the ground faster.”

What’s new at your company?

“Within our Facilities Services Group, we’ve targeted significant growth around the energy and technology needs of our customers, and this has helped us in reaching out to a whole new customer base. Our people come to work with a new interest in thinking differently while bringing energy and enthusiasm to our customers. Our Technology Division has expanded offerings to include mass notification for higher education and government facilities, a growing trend which links an institution’s communications and technology infrastructure with a comprehensive emergency response strategy. We are also providing HDTV options for the health care industry designed to advance patient comfort, clinical operations and information management. Another exciting new initiative that our Energy Solutions Group has embarked on is our EPAct Program, which provides public property owners a significant federal tax credit to encourage the use of energy-efficient products. Our goal for 2010 is to return $7.5 million in financial aid to our customers through this innovative program.”

Do you plan to hire any additional staff or make any significant capital investments in your company in the next year?

“We are always seeking out talented and knowledgeable professionals that can support our growth strategy and who possess our core values of safety, integrity, compassion and responsiveness to our customers. We envision our growth/expansion to occur through partnerships and acquisitions that support our strategic objectives.”

What will be your company’s main challenges in the next year?

“Educating and encouraging customers in the governmental and educational markets to embrace and utilize the federal tax credit programs we are certified to offer in supporting their energy projects and reducing their operational/capital expenses.”

What’s the hottest trend in your industry?

“How to accurately quantify and report the energy consumption within a commercial facility. Most building operators struggle with this question due to the complexity of their systems. A great example is the LEED Program. While the focus is on the upfront means and methods of the building construction and/or renovation, it has not addressed the long-term benefits of ongoing energy consumption tracking and reporting. We are excited to be offering new Building Dashboard products through a partnership with the California-based Lucid Design Group.”

Do you have a business mantra?

“Our mantra is ‘continuous alignment with our customers’ and thinking non-traditionally from coast-to-coast.”

From a business standpoint, who do you look up to?

“There are many family and friends that I have to credit for inspiring and supporting the vision that I live by in business today.”

What was the best advice you ever received?

“I was raised in a family that encouraged, ‘Love what you do and have fun with it and success will follow.'”

What do you like to do in your free time?

“My wife and I love spending time with our kids and their sporting activities. We have three very active children that have devoted their youth to playing hockey and lacrosse – seeing them grow and excel in reaching their goals and dreams has been very exciting!”