Person of the Year 2022 - Bob Jarding
I grew up in Humboldt, SD with 3 brothers and 3 sisters. I graduated from West Central High School and joined the South Dakota Air National Guard that same spring, serving out (2) enlistments, for a total 10 years. I came back from basic training and advanced Technical Training in September of 1982, and went to work doing general construction labor. In September of 1983 I enrolled at Mitchell Technical College. During that time, I worked for Muth Electric, and in May of 1984, I was accepted into the Dakotas Areawide Local 426 Apprenticeship program. I married the love of my life Brenda in October of 1984, and we now have 4 daughters (Amy, Sarah, Becky, and Morgan) along with 6 grandchildren.
In the 1980’s we were rotated to multiple shops during our apprenticeship, to gain a variety of experience. I started working at Electric Supply and stayed there for approximately 1 year, then rotated about every six months to other contractors. I had the pleasure of working for Tunge Electric, A&M Electric, Dakota Electric, and Electric Construction during my apprenticeship. My last 6 months of apprenticeship brought me back to Electric Supply Co.
Upon completion of my apprenticeship, I tested for the JW License in 1988. I was offered a part-time position as an instructor for the Dakotas Areawide Apprenticeship in Sioux Falls and taught classes in the evenings for the next 5 years. While working as an instructor, I tested for the Inspector License in 1990 and have carried that license in addition to my JW and Contractor’s license since that time.
In 1991 the opportunity to become a partner at Electric Supply was offered, and I have been an owner/partner since then. I have served on various boards over the years associated to our electrical trade including Apprenticeship Training, Pension, Health & Welfare, and 401K Trusts, and the SDEC Board of Directors. I am presently serving on the Sioux Falls Electrical Board of Appeals.
It has been an honor to also be involved with the Dakotas Chapter of the National Electrical Contractors Association. Since becoming a partner at Electric Supply, I have been on the Board of Directors for the Chapter for over 25 years, served as an Executive Officer, Governor and I am presently the President of the Chapter. I have recently completed (3) full terms on the Southeast Technical College Board of Directors, which included a term as Chairman.
In addition to our electrical trade, I have been involved with our Associated General Contractors Building Chapter for a number of years serving as Associate Member Board President and also served 3 terms on the Building Chapter Board of Directors. My time within our industry has been a gift and I love our trade. I have also enjoyed being able to give back to our community by serving on the Bishop Dudley House Board of Directors and the Holy Spirit Catholic Church Parish Council. If I were asked to offer a piece of advice to those entering our trade, it would be to enjoy your work, be professional, make good relationships and give something back to our industry.