From the Field to the Competition Floor: Riley and Jose Share Their ABC Experience

When opportunity meets preparation, great things can happen. That was certainly true for two Interstates team members, Riley (a Journeyman Electrician) and Jose (an Instrumentation Tech), who recently competed in the ABC National Craft Competition. In addition to representing Interstates and putting their skills to the test, Jose earned first place in the Instrument Fitting contest — a testament to his hard work, preparation, and craftsmanship. For both team members, the event was more than a competition; it was a chance to showcase the training, mentorship, and hands-on opportunities that help shape careers at Interstates. 

What is your role at Interstates? 

Riley: Journeyman Electrician 

Jose: Instrumentation Tech 

What made you want to pursue this career path? 

Riley: When I started out after high school, it was something I enjoyed more than work itself. I was eager to learn more every day and just enjoy doing what I get the opportunity to do. 

Jose: They make good money, and I like the job. 

What do you find most rewarding about your job? 

Riley: When all the hours and hard work pay off after power forward, and the client is happy with the product we provided them. 

Jose: Getting to meet different people and travel to different places. 

What is the most challenging part of your job? 

Riley: Strict time schedules and changes can cause a bit of trouble, but having people around you who've been through it helps a lot. 

Jose: Being away from my family. 

What do you appreciate about working at Interstates? 

Riley: The opportunities for growth here are awesome. The family culture that we have is one where everyone is there for each other, and just the great friends I have met here make this experience so much better. 

Jose: I have a good boss and foreman who are always willing to listen and help when you ask. They also treat you as an equal. 

What opportunities have you experienced at Interstates? 

Riley: The ABC competition was a big one that I'm very thankful for. Our apprentice program taught me a lot. We have great teachers, and it's very well laid out, so we all get a real understanding of what's being taught. 

Jose: Going to different sites and learning to work on different instruments has been the biggest one for me. 

Now, about the competition! How did your work at Interstates prepare you? 

Riley: It taught me to keep my composure through a strict time schedule, and it’s very similar to the time pressure we have in the field. For example, if a client wants something done in a quick time frame,  you can’t get flustered.

Jose: Before the competition, I spent the week with one of our advanced techs, and he walked me through and showed me ways I could improve. 

How did you prepare for the competition? 

Riley: I went down to Omaha for a week, wired up a ladder diagram, and took some tests to prepare for the written test. 

Jose: I showed up early to areas, slept well, and made sure I ate well. 

What did you expect going in, and how did it compare? 

Riley: I felt very good going in. They threw a couple of curveballs this year that I wasn’t quite ready for, but once I got past those, I felt at home and just did what I knew how to do.

Jose: I expected there to be a lot of people watching, and there were! 

What was the most challenging part? Or the most exciting part? 

Riley: The most challenging part was trying to understand what the prints at the competition wanted, since measurements didn’t line up. My favorite part was the speaker, Dan Rooney. He had a very good presentation, and for a really good cause. He's part of ABC. It’s really cool that we're backed by an association like ABC. 

Jose: There are a lot of eyes watching you. 

How did the experience reinforce the value of training and professional growth you've had at Interstates? 

Riley: The training gave me a good understanding of what to expect going in, and the competition made me realize how far I have really come from when I first started doing electrical work.

Jose: The judges gave me advice and different views on how to do the same task to make my work look better. 

Is there anything else you'd like to add about your experience at Interstates or the competition? 

Riley: I’m very thankful for this opportunity to compete at such a great competition, and if anyone asks you to do it, I highly recommend it. It’s a great learning experience, and Interstates will make sure you are as prepared as possible to compete at the top level!

Jose: Randy (Instrumentation Manager at Interstates), Jeremy, and Lowell (Training & Licensing Officer at Interstates) were all really helpful in preparing me for the competition! 

Riley and Jose’s experience is a strong example of what can happen when talent meets opportunity. Their time at Interstates helped prepare them not only for a competition like this but also for the everyday challenges and growth that come with a career in the trades. For team members looking to build their skills, learn from experienced mentors, and take on new opportunities, Interstates continues to be a place where that growth can happen.