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06.05.2020

Faces of Faith Technologies | Meet Mike, Foreman

At Faith Technologies, we have some amazing employees who make our culture unique. The Faces of Faith Technologies series aims to highlight the talented individuals who work with us. Each month, we’ll introduce you to several of these individuals so you can get to know the ‘Faces of Faith Technologies.’ We recently talked to Mike Schwinn, a foreman from Sheboygan. Here’s what he had to say:

What does your position entail?

I work behind the scenes to complete the research, scope of work and bidding for each job request that comes through from one of our strategic accounts. I review the request, establish the tasks that need to be completed to fulfill the request, then I conduct research on products the project would need. I check with vendors on pricing for material, then send the quote to the engineering team for review.

In addition to estimating, I provide support to job sites that need extra help. As a foreman not posted to a physical job site, I do my best to mentor and guide younger employees when I can. I enjoy the balance of my job; switching my work environment helps me stay engaged and keep the project scope in perspective.

What led you to work for Faith?

In high school I began circuitry training but switched over to construction, which created the foundation for me to start work with a private electrical contractor. After working with this contractor for seven years, he made the decision to retire, and I realized I wanted to diversify my education as an electrician, which led me to Faith Technologies.

The Sheboygan branch was looking for additional apprentices, and with my extensive experience working with medium-voltage systems, I was accepted immediately. Although I didn’t need to complete the apprentice program, I did to make sure I was fully trained and prepared for the work.

As a tenured electrician and foreman, what is the most important lesson you’ve learned?

Open and clear lines of communication are key to a project’s success, from planning to execution. If the teams aren’t connecting and updating each other on changes, aspects can be misunderstood or missed completely, which can be detrimental to the project immediately.

Mike Schwinn - FOFT - Collage

What kind of hobbies and activities do you enjoy outside of work?

The location of our home provides plenty of natural entertainment, from the turkeys to our owlets that hatched last spring. The nest had two, and my daughter was able to bring the owl pellets into her biology class to analyze. My wife, three children and I like to sit by the campfire in our yard, and just enjoy the scenery and quiet time. We also fish frequently during the summer on Lake Michigan; even if we don’t catch anything, it’s still a great experience to be outside.

Our annual family vacation spot is Wisconsin Dells, but this year my wife and I are planning to visit Scotland in September, as well. Pending travel restrictions, we are looking forward to exploring the historical area filled with castles and experience a vastly different culture than ours.

I personally enjoy playing softball and spent 15 years on the volunteer fire department. My father was a member for 45 years before retiring, and it was a point of pride to follow in his footsteps.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

I try not to plan too far ahead, I enjoy my job and if another opportunity presents itself, I’ll vet it when it comes. My superintendent and I work in tandem on our accounts, and that balance is something I don’t take for granted.