Latest hurricanes highlight importance of dedicated lineworkers during busy storm season

Natalie Adams hops in her car and carefully picks her way through the neighborhood.

Downed trees are everywhere, many encroaching onto the street, making the drive slow and tedious.

But Adams isn’t out for a Sunday drive. This is a trip born out of pure necessity – she needs to charge her phone and driving to somewhere with electricity is the only way. “Otherwise, I’m totally cut off,” the Sarasota, Fla. resident of 42 years says, remarkably upbeat for somebody whose life was flipped upside down after Hurricane Milton tore across the state.

Sandy Mullins, 80, has the benefit of a generator her son brought to her house, but it provides just enough power to run a small fan, forcing her to try and sleep in nearly 90-degree temperatures.

But both are heartened by what else they see around them because it gives them a sliver of hope. Optimism that a sense of normalcy is just around the corner.

“It’s not easy for us,” Mullins said. “But I try not to complain because you guys are doing a heck of a good job.”

MYR Group provided its largest storm response to date for Hurricane Milton with 373 lineworkers, mechanics, safety specialists, and other support staff at the peak of the effort after the Category 3 hurricane made landfall on Oct. 9, 2024.

Lineworkers from MYR Group subsidiaries L.E. Myers, Sturgeon Electric, Harlan Electric, Sturgeon Electric California, and Great Southwestern Construction (Great Southwestern) traveled to Florida from all over the United States, and as far as Portland, Ore., a 3,107-mile trek from one corner of the country to the other in Sarasota, a town roughly an hour south of Tampa.

“When it comes to storm response, I’m just extremely proud of all our employees’ willingness to drop everything in their personal lives to go assist others,” said Brian Stern, MYR Group senior vice president and chief operating officer for transmission and distribution, “all working together as one team to support individuals and parts of the country they’ve never been, never met.”

Milton was the third hurricane to hit Florida so far this year and brought with it 120 MPH winds, massive flooding, and more than three million homes losing power. A lasting image from the hurricane will undoubtedly be Tampa’s Major League Baseball team, the Tampa Bay Rays, having the roof of its domed stadium torn to shreds and out of use until at least 2026.

Two Hurricanes in Two Weeks

As if Hurricane Milton wasn’t bad enough on its own, it came less than two weeks after Hurricane Helene, which made landfall in Florida as a Category 4 hurricane on Sept. 26, 2024, and ripped its way through Tennessee, Georgia, Virginia, and the Carolinas, covering 500 miles. Nearly 6 million people lost power across 10 states as a result.

MYR Group lineworkers responded to both hurricanes, working tirelessly to provide power to affected communicates, essentially without a break between the storms.

Just as crews were released from the  Hurricane Helene response and made it home, the call came for Milton. So, roughly 12 to 24 hours later, the crews dispatched out to Florida – a two-day haul back in trucks for Great Southwestern crews in Texas and a four-day trip for Sturgeon Electric crews called in from Oregon and California.

That means sleeping in the truck and arriving as soon as possible to get to work returning power to affected communities. Lineworkers will then work 16-hour days, sleep in their trucks or camps without power, and eat whatever they can get.

No hotels, no fuel, no power. The conditions after a hurricane are the same for everyone, giving lineworkers an intimate sense of just what the residents of the area are feeling. That’s not to mention spending weeks out on the road away from their own family and the concerns of everyday life back home.

“It’s a big ask, and for them to embrace that disruption in their own lives, it’s awe-inspiring,” L.E. Myers Regional Vice President Danny Gessman said. “They’re tireless and they still do it every time. They sacrifice a lot in one of these storms and it makes us proud to have that type of employee that’s willing to do it time and time again. It’s a special kind of person.”

Simple things like taking a hot shower, cooking a meal for their families, and yes, charging a phone or climate control is uplifting beyond measure.

From Florida to Georgia and the Carolinas to Virginia, MYR Group lineworkers committed themselves to making a positive difference in the lives of strangers.

“That’s what being a lineworker is. There’s not a better profession in the U.S. than being a lineworker,” Great Southwestern Regional Manager Ryan Little said. “We’re the responders that go out, when people are having the worst time of their life, and give them a sense of hope by turning their power back on.”

One Team Working Towards One Purpose

Coordinating this effort, especially when two storms strike back to back, requires significant planning and communication. L.E. Myers Senior Operations Manager RJ Richards is the point man for storm response efforts from his home office in north central Florida.

Equipment and resources are specifically stored for storm response and dedicated calls are had to make sure all MYR Group subsidiaries are prepared to respond quickly when called upon. During the storms, a coordination call is held every day at 11 a.m. and the leadership teams for all subsidiaries work in unison to tackle the challenges in front of them.

“It really sets us up to share resources,” Richards said. “If one crew gets in an area where they’re a little lacking, another crew can help complement and push through and get it done.”

By pooling resources and experience, and working together as a single, coordinated effort, no one subsidiary has to feel the brunt of the job at hand and can safely perform the work efficiently for the benefit of all.

“We’re a small group, but we’re part of a much larger emergency response team,” said Harlan Electric general foreman Bill Bailey, who traveled 1,300 miles from Michigan with a crew of 16 lineworkers. “Being part of MYR Group, it’s really nice on storms like this because we have resources that we can use from our sister companies that are in the area. So, it’s nice having the ability to have help if we need it.”

MYR Group’s storm response efforts happen year-round, ranging from hurricanes to ice storms and everything in between. Crews from L.E. Myers and Great Southwestern were called into Hurricane Beryl, which hit Houston as a Category 1 hurricane on July 8, knocking out power for nearly three million people.

Little said his transmission and distribution crews in Texas will respond to about 80 to 100 smaller storms throughout the state alone. A more proactive approach to storm response industry-wide and mutual assistance programs allows lineworkers around the country to better serve their communities.

“It’s fulfilling for us as a company to be able to provide our services when utilities need it most,” Gessman said.

Simple Acts of Kindness

Robert Mitchell and his crew slept by their trucks each night while responding to Hurricane Milton.

It didn’t bother them. They could see the community was hurting and a little discomfort was a small price to pay for the difference they could make in the lives of so many.

Mitchell, a general foreman from Sturgeon Electric’s Salt Lake City district, didn’t stop restoring power either. He connected with the community, holding hands in prayer and other simple acts of kindness that resonated more than he even knew.

Sarasota resident Jana Martin was one of the people whose heart Mitchell touched, calling to leave a message in hopes somebody would understand how something so small left an unforgettable impression.

“I want to thank you, Sturgeon Electric. I want to thank you for sending us help,” Martin said in her voicemail. “You’ve got some good people working for you.”

The appreciation in these dire times of need wasn’t, however, one-sided.

Noticing that Mitchell and his crew of five slept by their trucks each night, another resident offered Mitchell’s crew her house to stay in because she was going to stay with her boyfriend.

“She didn’t even take any of her stuff. She just gave us a key and let us in,” Mitchell recalls fondly. “There are some awesome people down here.”

There’s no denying the hardships inherent with natural disasters. It will likely take months or even years before affected communities return to the way they were.

MYR Group lineworkers complete their work safely and quickly because they experience life right alongside residents during these difficult times. And when they leave, it’s likely not long before their services are needed elsewhere, sometimes even before they have time to settle back in at home.

Yet their dedication and selflessness linger in the hearts and minds of others far longer than the time they spent doing their part. “There’s nothing more rewarding than to go and help someone when they’re in need,” Little reflects. “And that makes every bit of it worthwhile.”

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For the past nine years, Sturgeon Electric Company has proudly hosted its annual charity ride and rally in support of Freedom Service Dogs of America. This remarkable organization trains dogs to provide life-changing services for individuals in need, including veterans with PTSD and people with disabilities who require assistance with daily activities. The average cost to train and place one of these exceptional animals is $30,000.

Since our event in 2015, Sturgeon Electric’s annual poker run has continually raised the bar, attracting more riders, offering bigger and better raffle prizes, and most importantly, providing significant financial support for this worthy cause. This year was another record-breaking success! We had 460 participants, surpassing last year’s count of 406. We also gave away $12K in prizes and raised over $100,000 for Freedom Service Dogs.

To all the riders, employees, families, and friends, thank you for making a positive impact through your support of Freedom Service Dogs. Since 2016, Sturgeon Electric has proudly donated over $430,000 to Freedom Service Dogs, including this year’s contribution.

We look forward to making our 10th Anniversary run even better. See you next year on July 12, 2025!

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The Harlan Electric Rochester Hills district proudly held its Fourth Annual Charity Golf Tournament at Mystic Creek Golf Club on Monday, June 13th, benefiting the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

Through the generous support of our employees, sponsors, customers, friends, and family, we are delighted to announce that we raised and donated more than $36,000 to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. This substantial contribution supports their mission to save lives by addressing the most critical needs in our communities and investing in breakthrough research to prevent and cure breast cancer.

Susan G. Komen is the world’s leading nonprofit breast cancer organization, working to save lives and end breast cancer forever. They focus on funding groundbreaking research, community health outreach, advocacy, and programs in more than 60 countries. Since its inception in 1982, Susan G. Komen has invested nearly $3 billion in research, community programs, and advocacy, making a significant impact in the fight against breast cancer.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our sponsors, participants, and employees for their dedication and support. Your commitment and generosity made this event a remarkable success and a meaningful step toward combating breast cancer.

Thank you for making a difference and for your continuous support of our community and the fight against breast cancer.

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In a heartwarming display of community support, Harlan Electric Company has stepped in to save the day for Make A Difference Rescue, a crucial no-kill animal shelter in Detroit. Facing a dire financial crisis that threatened its operations, the shelter received a lifeline in the form of a generous donation from Harlan Electric Company.

Make A Difference Rescue, located in the heart of Detroit, has been a beacon of hope for abandoned and neglected animals for years. Specializing in rescuing Pitbulls and other bully breeds, the shelter works tirelessly to provide a safe haven for these animals who often suffer at the hands of neglectful owners.

This shelter plays a vital role in the community, working closely with local law enforcement to rescue dogs from the streets and provide them with the care and love they deserve.

The shelter, which relies heavily on donations to sustain its operations, was facing imminent closure due to financial difficulties. 

A poignant Facebook post shared by the shelter served as a rallying cry for support: “Emergency post!!!  If we can’t come up with $7,928.59 by April 17, 2024, we are at risk of losing our electricity at the shelter. Inflation has taken a toll on us, along with many unforeseen medical cases, and we are having a hard time keeping up with it all. We know we are not the only ones having financial problems, but our shelter is full and these dogs rely on us. We cannot bear the thought of not being here for the dogs that have been left for dead in Detroit. We love each and every one of them. Please help us help them.”

Collin Vervinck, a project engineer at Harlan Electric Company, and a dedicated dog owner himself, stumbled upon the post and brought it to the attention of his colleagues, Adam Segers and Chad Pioletti. With over 90 percent of the office personnel being dog owners, the decision to help was immediate.

“We saw the post, and it just struck a chord with us,” explained Vervinck. “We knew we had to do something to help keep the shelter’s doors open.”

With time running out and the shelter facing a looming deadline to pay its overdue electrical bill, Harlan Electric Company wasted no time in springing into action. Within days, they had sent the remaining $7,384.08 needed to settle the bill and ensure the shelter’s continued operation.

“It wasn’t even a question for us,” said Segers, reflecting on the decision to donate. “We all love dogs and knowing that we could make a difference for these animals meant everything to us.”

The donation from Harlan Electric Company not only saved Make A Difference Rescue from closure but also renewed hope for the countless animals who rely on the shelter for their survival. As Detroit continues to grapple with issues surrounding animal welfare, acts of kindness like this serve as a reminder of the power of community

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Recently, Colorado Community Media covered the heart-warming story of how Sturgeon’s compassion intersected with innovation and created a world-wide tradition that continues to this day. Read on to learn more about this legend and point of pride in Sturgeon Electric’s history.

Legend has it…

Just before the Christmas of 1914, 10-year-old David Jonathan Sturgeon lay ill, confined in his bed on the second floor of the Sturgeon home in Denver. The young boy was too sick to see and enjoy the family Christmas tree downstairs, but he could see some pine trees outside his bedroom window. David pleaded with his father D.D. to put lights on one of the pine trees outside so he could see it.

Determined to fulfill his son’s wish, D. D. Sturgeon, an electrician who had founded Sturgeon Electric Company, Inc. just two years earlier, dipped some ordinary light bulbs in red and green paint, strung them on electric lines and draped them over one of the trees outside. From his bed, David watched the lights sparkle like emeralds and rubies against the ermine mantle of snow.

Word of this outdoor wonder spread rapidly and drew people from miles away. According to news accounts of the time, people in horse-drawn carriages and chugging automobiles drove slowly past the home, marveling at the beautiful glistening tree.

Years later, young David passed away, but neighbors who had marveled at his tree joined together to light up their own yards, and the Tennyson Street neighborhood soon became the talk of the town. House by house, block after block the idea spread, and through the years the holiday tradition continues to bring merriment around the world.

Thomas Edison displayed the first indoor electrically lit Christmas tree in 1882 at the home of his friend, Edward Johnson. For the next three decades, electrically lit trees remained indoors, and only for those willing to pay the price, about $300 in the early 1900s. Although it is impossible to document exactly when and where the first outdoor Christmas tree was lit with electric lights, proud Denverites believe it started with David and his father D.D. Sturgeon. In 1945, NBC broadcasted a tribute to Denver and the Sturgeon family for having originated this beautiful tradition, and the story has been covered by numerous media outlets every year since.

A tradition given new life

Over a century after the invention, Sturgeon Electric  honors its history by giving back to the community. For the past few years, the company has expanded on the tradition by decorating the home of a patient in one of Colorado’s children’s hospitals. Support from Sturgeon Electric and its community helps bring cheer closer to home for kids and families who may otherwise be having a difficult Christmas season. D.D. Sturgeon lit up a child’s holiday when he invented the outdoor Christmas lights, and Sturgeon Electric continues the sentiment to this day, helping to make a child’s Christmas merry and bright.

The post Sturgeon Electric’s Founder Invents a Beloved Tradition That Continues a Century Later appeared first on MYR Group.

This annual golf tournament is not just about hitting the greens; it’s a heartfelt initiative that to make a positive impact on the lives of veterans who have sacrificed for their country. The selection of the Wounded Warriors Project as the beneficiary reflects an engaging process where employees actively participate in choosing an honorable charitable organization. Jon Arganbright, Senior Operations Manager, played a pivotal role in connecting with Dan Miller, a representative of the Wounded Warrior Project. Through this connection, Jon and the planning team gained insight into the organization and the incredible work it does for veterans and their families.

Dan Miller’s story is a testament to the transformative power of the Wounded Warriors Project. At the age of 17, he made the life-altering decision to join the Marine Corps. Dan’s motivation to serve came from the values instilled in him by his mother, who emphasized service to others before self. His 30-year career in the U.S. Marine Corps was marked by both adventures and the grim realities of warfare. He candidly shared, “Seeing death, causing death, living with death is something I shall never forget. The overwhelming guilt of losing so many of my brothers in combat.” Dan’s story embodies the immense sacrifices made by military personnel in their service to the nation.

The Wounded Warriors Project provided Dan with a lifeline. He spoke of how the organization gave him a sense of meaning and the belief that he could continue making a positive impact on the world. Events like this tournament offer wounded warriors like Dan an opportunity to be among fellow veterans and patriots, forging a sense of camaraderie that is invaluable for their emotional healing and well-being.

The decision to make the Wounded Warriors Project the recipient of this year’s tournament was not made lightly. The event was a huge success with 103 golfers participating and more than $46,000 raised. These contributions play a significant role in advancing the Wounded Warrior Project’s mission, which is to honor and empower individuals like Dan. The organization achieves this through direct programs in mental health, career counseling, and long-term rehabilitative care, as well as advocacy efforts to ensure the welfare of veterans.

The success of this charity golf tournament is a testament to the generosity and support of our sponsors, participants, and employees who have rallied behind this noble cause. Without your continued dedication, this event would not have been possible!

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For the last eight years, Sturgeon Electric Company has hosted its annual charity ride and rally to support Freedom Service Dogs of America. This incredible charity provides training for dogs that go on to provide life-changing services for people in need. This includes veterans with PTSD, or folks with disabilities who need help managing their day-to-day functions. The cost to train and place one of these incredible animals averages $30,000. 

Since our kickstands first went up in 2016, Sturgeon Electric’s annual poker run has raised the bar every year, adding more riders, bigger and better raffle prizes, and most importantly, financial support for this amazing cause. 2023 was our most successful event to date! We had 406 participants, $12K in prizes to give away, and more than $75,000 raised for Freedom Service Dogs.  

Sturgeon Electric would like to say a huge thank you to the volunteers who helped make this massive event safe and productive, and for your hard work to make this event possible every year. Thank you to our amazing vendors and sponsors who contributed generously to this amazing cause. On behalf of Sturgeon Electric and Freedom Service Dogs, we are immensely grateful.  

To all the riders, employees, families, and friends, thank you for making the world a better place through freedom service dogs.

WATCH THE RECAP

THANK YOU TO OUR VOLUNTEERS!

Heather Heistand

Scott Greenhalge

Anthony Ponzio

Michael Ponder

Monique Griswold

Lisa Egan

Kate Egan

Darryl Coleman

Paige Mclver

Rob Barber

Deion Wilson

Keiana Ashley- Elliot

Debbie Zdenek

Will Fry

Erik Smith

Renee Hammack

Lauren Maddox

Don Egan

Krysta Brewer

Michael Cox

Mark your calendars, the 2024 Poker Run is set for July 13, 2024!

The post Sturgeon Electric Company Raises $75K For Freedom Service Dogs appeared first on MYR Group.

The Harlan Electric, Rochester Hills district held its Third Annual Charity Golf Tournament at Mystic Creek Golf Club on Monday, June 29^th, benefitting Esophageal Cancer Awareness Association.

The cause was a personal one, dedicated to our friend Chris Cichon whom we lost to esophageal cancer last summer.

Chris was a true friend, an IBEW brother, an amazing father of four, and an incredibly loving husband. Chris gave 100% toward every aspect of his life. We wanted to honor him to help increase awareness of Esophageal Cancer and keep those that truly are the best of us around a little longer.

Through the generous support of our employees, sponsors, customers, friends, and family, we proudly raised and donated more than $30,000 to Esophageal Cancer Awareness Association. The contribution supports EC Aware’s mission to provide outreach for esophageal cancer patients, caregivers, and survivors, to increase public awareness of this disease, and to offer education and information in a supportive environment.

Thank you to all our sponsors, participants, and employees for your continued generosity and support. Without you, this event would not have been possible!

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Little children play in the street as if it was any other day.

It’s the beauty of kids, to live completely immersed in the present. Yesterday and tomorrow don’t matter, not even the most terrifying experience of their young lives or the total uncertainty lying ahead of them.

For mature eyes, it’s unnerving to witness such a normal sight because everything around these kids paints the story of a terrifying, abnormal reality. Houses leveled. Belongings scattered. Vehicles washed away.

You immediately comprehend what the children playing in the street simply cannot – yesterday was life-altering and tomorrow will never be the same.

“I’ve seen some God-awful things. You go to an area, they didn’t evacuate, and everything is destroyed. People’s whole lives are scattered across the ground,” L.E. Myers Senior Operations Manager RJ Richards said. “And you talk to these kids and ask where they were during the storm and they’ll say, ‘in that house right there.’ You look at the house and are like, ‘holy crap.’ It doesn’t even look like there’s a place to hunker down. There’s just so much physical destruction.

“But the emotional scars a hurricane leaves on people, you can’t see that just driving down the street. People lose their job, lose their house, lose their car all in one day. They’re left with nothing and are evacuated to shelters. It’s hard, man.” 

Hurricane Ian made landfall on the west coast of Florida near Fort Myers on Sept. 28, as a Category 4 hurricane, ravaging the state with winds speeds of 155 MPH and becoming the deadliest hurricane to strike Florida since 1935.

Richards, who grew up in the Florida Keys and has lived through many hurricanes, can’t rebuild people’s homes or bring back what was lost, but what he can do is restore power to affected communities across the state. To provide people with at least some sense of normalcy in an otherwise surreal time.

Make no mistake, when it comes to hurricane response for MYR Group, Richards is at the center of it all.

Thanks to his months of preparation, years of networking, and constant communication internally and with utilities across Florida, MYR Group’s storm response was ready and waiting to play its role in the state’s recovery.

Just a day after Hurricane Ian struck Florida, crews of lineworkers from L.E. Myers, Harlan Electric, and Great Southwestern Construction were on the ground to restore power to affected communities. More than 160 MYR Group lineworkers came from around the country and tirelessly worked to repair the damage done by the storm.

“He’s the unsung hero,” L.E. Myers Indianapolis district manager David Boddy says with great appreciation. “He’s the quarterback of all this, and without him, it falls apart and doesn’t work nearly as well.”

Experience has taught Richards that preparation is critical.

Seven months before Ian hit Florida at full force, he made phone calls and coordinated with 20 utilities all over the state to get contracts finalized, ensuring that when hurricane season came (June-November), MYR Group would be ready to respond.

The challenge with hurricanes is that their path is unpredictable, even a day out. So, strong relationships are invaluable because any part of the state could potentially be affected on short notice.

Richards keeps a shop full of tools and equipment prepared and locked all year exclusively for hurricane response so that when the time comes, there are no delays or unexpected inventory problems. He also keeps a robust call list of more than 300 lineworkers he can reach out to for emergency restoration.

He’s even streamlined the hiring paperwork and orientation process so that new lineworkers coming to work the storm are in and out to respond in the field within half a day.

As hurricane season approaches, Richards coordinates with district managers and vice presidents across MYR Group, determining which districts and projects have the flexibility to release lineworkers to respond to storms. This not only aids the emergency response effort but also limits negative impacts across all subsidiaries and districts.

Often, Richards has as many as eight people coming to him for answers – all on the same call.

“He’s the cool operator. He doesn’t freak out or get stressed,” Boddy said. “I was more stressed than he was and I’m not even in the hurricane.”

Thaddeus Laventure, a general foreman with L.E. Myers and Richards’ “right-hand man” for hurricane response, has worked roughly 20 hurricanes in his 12 years as a lineworker. Laventure admires just how calm Richards remains, even as everyone looks to him for guidance.

“RJ’s a lineman first, so he knows everything that has to go into it. He’s a very personable guy and he’s definitely the person you want doing it,” Laventure said. “This was the first time I’ve seen it behind the scenes and it’s a ton of work. But for him, it was just like any other day at the office.”

Richards is friendly and speaks with a subtle Southern drawl, and it doesn’t take long to understand why he’s able to foster so many strong relationships that play a pivotal role at the center of the company’s hurricane response efforts.

He worked 21 straight days without a day off before, during, and in the aftermath of Ian, with a simple philosophy – if his phone rings, he answers. He appreciates the credit others heap on him for his relentless effort but is quick to deflect it elsewhere.

“I draw on the company and how everyone has bought into storm response, from the highest level of management. It’s not just RJ over here, but the whole organization from the top down,” he said. “Leadership always backs me, and I feel the proudest to be an employee at MYR Group during storm time.” 

It’s a sentiment shared by all those MYR Group lineworkers and others who witness a hurricane’s destruction firsthand.

For the lineworkers, “storm chasing” is an opportunity to help communities return to life in the aftermath of devastation. But it’s not easy either, living out of a hotel or sometimes a tent for weeks at a time, relying on 4-6 hours of sleep, all while performing the work properly and safely.

Laventure says you just have to “go with the flow” and that the crews he worked with took it in stride. It’s when the work is finished, and the lights come back on when all the sacrifice becomes clear.

“Crews came from all over and they were very grateful for being able to help and restore power,” he said. “Once you turn on the power, we joke it’s a victory lap. You go by and check that everybody has power and that you didn’t miss anybody. You can sense the pride these crews have for the work they do.”

Hazel and Doug Witter of Ormond Beach were among the millions of Floridians who lost power. Hazel sent a thank you note via Facebook to L.E. Myers and their crews for restoring their power sooner than they had expected.

“We appreciate them coming to Florida…leaving their families, to come here to restore our power.” Hazel Witter wrote. “Thank you so much! It doesn’t feel like that’s enough, but it’s from our hearts.” 

Restored power won’t erase the terror of yesterday or remove the struggles of tomorrow.

But it’s a start.

We’re here for you when you need us most.

The post MYR Group Subsidiaries Provide Hurricane Ian Storm Restoration Services in Florida appeared first on MYR Group.

MYR Group recently hosted its annual CORE Leadership training kick-off session with a community-based, team building activity focused on the topic of TRUST. Launched in 2018, CORE Leadership is a year-long, MYR Group developed training program that provides leaders across the company with an opportunity to connect and share work experiences, learn best practices, and reinforce leadership competencies. Getting involved in an activity that supports the community was a great way for our leaders to start the program by interacting with each other and enhancing their communication tactics as they built trust and prepared for the week ahead.

MYR Group partnered with Wish for Wheels, a nonprofit organization that provides bikes to Title 1 schools and children in need. There was no better way to engage the team and empower children in the community than to take part in their Team Build and Give program which offers organizations a chance to build and gift bikes to an entire second-grade class. MYR Group employees had the opportunity to gift children at Slater Elementary School, in Denver, Colo., with new bikes.

Upon arriving at the school, MYR Group employees were paired to participate in a variety of trivia questions to complete the bike build challenge. With more than 40 participants and volunteers, MYR Group gave 28 new bikes and helmets to the students at Slater Elementary and set in motion a healthier and brighter future. When the kids arrived, they were smiling from ear to ear. It was a special moment for the MYR Group team to reflect and help kids who may not own a bike or in some cases have never learned to ride.

“The opportunity to build a bike, then present it to a child, and in my case: then teach the child how to ride a bike, was an extremely rewarding process. Seeing him smile and learn how to ride was an unforgettable moment.”

– Jack Carmone

Participating in Wish 4 Wheels’ Team Build and Give Program helped the participants create a sense of comfortability and vulnerability, leading to improved communication and overall participation in the first training session. Teamwork was crucial in this event and required trust between partners to work together to build a safe and sturdy bike for these children. Thank you to all our employees who participated, as we continue to show up and give back to the communities where we work and live.

“The Wish 4 Wheels CORE Leadership event was a great jumpstart to what I know will be a successful year of CORE. It allowed participants to interact with each other on a team building level from the very beginning and grow in our communication tactics not just by assembling the bikes but also teaming up with the 2nd-grade class where many had never ridden a bike before.”

– Malia Papineau

Watch the recap!

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