Learning on the Job: John Loukusa’s Career Path From Apprentice to Vice President
Looking at Vice President of Field Operations John Loukusa’s family tree, it would seem he was always meant to help build things. Loukusa comes from a family of builders and engineers, and Loukusa himself started college to join them until he realized he wanted to be more hands-on with the projects he worked on.
“I grew up in that time frame where you had to go to college to have a good career and that’s what it was kind of beaten into me as a kid,” said Loukusa. “Everyone in my family was getting an education, and I said it wasn’t for me. I wanted to go build something. I wasn’t ready to sit behind a desk and I wanted to feel like I had accomplished something. I’m not saying those that go to college and design the things we’re installing are not important…but college isn’t the only track we need.”
After he and his wife decided to move from Minnesota to Arizona in 2002, Loukusa took an apprenticeship position with Rosendin in May 2003 and was assigned to work at the Arizona Center in downtown Phoenix.
“At the time, I didn’t know what the electrical business is like. I had no experience in the electrical industry, so my eyes were wide open,” said Loukusa. “I didn’t know what I was getting into, but I got to work and realized it’s amazing.”
As he continued his work as an apprentice, Loukusa eventually worked nights at a job site for Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. It was there that he realized he had the potential to make things better for everyone at the job site. He communicated closely with the journeyman then to help create a more positive environment. From there, Loukusa realized how valuable it was to foster relationships with everyone at the job site—no matter what level they were at.
Using these strong relationships with his colleagues and encouragement from his superiors, Loukusa began to get promoted in the field. Ultimately, he oversaw large projects with over 200 people at the job site.
“One of the challenges I had was that I was on the younger side. I would say a lot of times, like when I was first promoted to Foreman, most of my crew was older than me,” said Loukusa. “It took a little bit of work. How do I deal with someone older than me and make sure that they respect me and that I can rely on them as well?”
While challenging at times, Loukusa said it was exciting to spend long days with his crew and get to know as many people as possible. In fact, he’s still friends with some of the people he worked with nearly a decade ago.
Now, as a Vice President, Loukusa thinks of himself as a leader who is always willing to learn and continue to develop relationships with people throughout the company. Although he sometimes misses being able to be more hands-on in the field, he does value the impact his current position has on Rosendin’s employees and the culture of the company.
“I think I’m able to help more people, and hopefully, people see that impact that I’m trying to make work better for everyone,” said Loukusa.
For example, to support his fellow craft workers, Loukusa has played a large role in developing improved safety procedures, such as the START program.
“It’s just that important to go home the same way we came,” said Loukusa. “And you look at some of those near misses or those incidents that happen, and those are all someone’s family…it’s affecting other people’s lives.”
Loukusa is also passionate about developing improved training and management courses that do more than check a box. He wants people to know that they can find opportunities at Rosendin to forge their own career paths. Rosendin is known for promoting from within. Loukusa is a perfect example of how someone can transition from working in the field to an executive position if that interests them.
Looking toward Rosendin’s future, Loukusa believes the company will see another surge of growth in the next five years. On a personal level, he’s hoping a few of his children join the trades and eventually Rosendin after graduating high school. Overall, he’s looking forward to seeing what the new generations of craft workers will bring to the industry.
“That person that’s new to the industry or has less experience, they might have the best idea,” said Loukusa. “A lot of times we default to those with the experience, and I think if we could take ideas from everyone we can, we can all get a much-needed fresh perspective.”
