Person of the Year 2023 - Mike Sprang
2023 Mike Sprang is a native of Willow Lake SD, graduating from Willow Lake High School in 1979. He earned his Associates Degree from Mitchell Technical Institute in Electrical Construction and Maintenance in May of 1981.
He began his electrical career as an Apprentice Electrician in February 1981. He worked for Meisner Electric on various construction projects in the Upper Midwest and received his South Dakota Journeyman license in May 1984. His involvement in SDEC has allowed him to maintain Journeyman status.
Mike began his career in Electrical Distribution in September 1984 working as a warehouse and counter salesperson at Plainsco. During his time at Plainsco he worked in Inside Sales, Outside Sales, Quotations, and as a Product Specialist. In June of 1994, Mike was hired by J.H. Larson Company as a quotation person and was promoted to Branch Manager in April of 1995. In May of 2022 Mike transitioned out of Distribution, to a new role as Director of Sales for TSTM, a local Manufacturer of Revenue Grade voltage transformers used in Electric Metering applications, trusted by Electrical Utilities nationwide.
During his career Mike has been active in the Independent Electrical Contractors Association, the National Electrical Contractors Association, and JATC Training.
Mike was involved in the Home Builders Association of the Sioux Empire, serving on the HBA Board of Directors from 2004 – 2009, the Homebuilders Care Foundation Board of Trustees from 2010- 2015, and was Chair of the Foundation in 2013. He received the HBASE Associate Member of the Year award in 2007.
Mike has served on the South Dakota Safety Council Board of Directors since 2014, he is currently the State Treasurer.
Mike is the Advisory Board Chairperson for the Mitchell Technical College Electrical Construction and Maintenance Program, serves on the Electrical Utilities and Substation Technology Advisory Board, and is Vice Chair of the MTC Foundation Board of Trustees. He was the recipient of the Volunteerism and Service Award from MTC in 2018.
Mike has been a long-time member of the South Dakota Electrical Council, has served on the State Board of Directors since 2001, and as SDEC State Treasurer since 2009. He served as State President from 2003 – 2005. Mike remains on the Sioux Chapter Board of Directors, has coordinated numerous CEU Classes for members and been on the planning committee of SDEC Conventions held in Sioux Falls since 1993.
In his spare time, he enjoys traveling with his wife, cooking, and spending time with his family. Mike and his wife Sue celebrated 40 years of marriage in 2022, have 2 grown children, 1 grandchild, and have lived in Sioux Falls since 1982.