Recorded live at the IBEW 5th District Progress Meeting in New Orleans, this episode captures the voices from business managers, presidents, and organizers across Mississippi and Louisiana locals. From life-changing career opportunities to retirement education challenges, these leaders share what matters most in their daily work serving IBEW members.

Tune in to this episode as we explore:

(00:07) Why these progress meetings shape real lives

(02:40) How the IBEW changed a military veteran's life

(04:26) Making sure job sites meet proper safety standards

(05:47) Getting the lights back on when disaster strikes

(07:03) Improving livelihoods one member at a time

(07:47) Bringing non-union workers into the fold

(09:20) The messy reality of traveling and reciprocity

(11:29) What keeps this industry running on trust

Links mentioned in the episode:

IBEW 5th District Progress Meeting

Have feedback or guest ideas? Email us at onthefringe@corelliansoft.com

Learn more at www.eprlive.com

Recorded at the 2026 IBEW-NECA Employee Benefits Conference, this episode weaves together insights from leaders across labor and management on healthcare, mental health, rising drug costs, and supporting today’s workforce. From apprenticeships to recovery programs, these rapid-fire perspectives reveal how benefits shape real lives.

Tune in to this episode as we explore:
(00:07) Why benefits must show up on time
(00:55) Defusing conflict and normalising mental health
(03:07) Do younger workers fully understand their benefits?
(04:02) Healthcare costs and the 10-10-10 rule for perspective
(05:23) Should healthcare be for profit?
(06:07) The primary care gap no one talks about
(07:54) Instant benefits verification for contractors
(09:14) Tackling addiction and stigma in the trades
(11:31) The fight for affordable prescriptions
(11:56) Apprenticeships as a career launchpad

Links mentioned in the episode:
IBEW-NECA Employee Benefits Conference

Have feedback or guest ideas? Email us at onthefringe@corelliansoft.com
Learn more at www.eprlive.com

The electrical workforce is changing – and benefits, training, and leadership are being tested in real time. Luke Kuhl, Executive Chairman of the Twin Cities Chapter of NECA, shares frontline insights on how contractors are navigating AI-driven demand, data center expansion, wage pressure, and the growing need for specialized talent.

The conversation also explores why strong leadership (not just new technology) will determine who thrives, and what these shifts mean for small contractors, union members, and the future of fringe benefits in the trades.

Tune in to this episode as we explore:

(00:50) Luke Kuhl’s work at NECA

(04:46) Rising costs and market consolidation

(08:14) Future workforce needs in data centers

(13:41) Contractor roles and union politics

(17:12) Small contractors struggling to compete

(22:59) The future of computing and energy

(26:36) Challenges facing unionized electrical contractors

(27:43) Uncertainty in a union electrician's career

(32:50) Standardization challenges in the electrical code

(36:18) The future of fault-managed power

(38:08) AI’s ripple effect on innovation

(43:24) Innovation among large contractors

Links mentioned in the episode:

Twin Cities NECA

Luke Kuhl’s LinkedIn

Planet Money: What AI Data Centers Are Doing to Your Electric Bill

https://www.npr.org/2025/12/19/nx-s1-5649814/ai-data-center-electricity-bill

Smart Talks w/ IBM: Creating Smarter Business with AI and Quantum

https://www.ibm.com/think/podcasts/smart-talks/creating-smarter-business-with-ai-and-quantum?act2

Luke Recommended Best Podcast for Understanding Data Centers:

Step Change: Data Centers - The Hidden Backbone of Our Modern World

https://www.stepchange.show/data-centers

Luke Recommended Best Company-Focused Discussion of AI and Data Centers:

Acquired: Google - The AI Company

https://www.acquired.fm/episodes/google-the-ai-company

Have feedback or guest ideas? Email us at onthefringe@corelliansoft.com

Learn more at www.eprlive.com

• (00:00:50) - Luke Kuhl’s work at NECA
• (00:04:46) - Rising costs and market consolidation
• (00:08:14) - Future workforce needs in data centers
• (00:13:41) - Contractor roles and union politics
• (00:17:12) - Small contractors struggling to compete
• (00:22:59) - The future of computing and energy
• (00:26:36) - Challenges facing unionized electrical contractors
• (00:27:43) - Uncertainty in a union electrician's career
• (00:32:50) - Standardization challenges in the electrical code
• (00:36:18) - The future of fault-managed power
• (00:38:08) - AI’s ripple effect on innovation
• (00:43:24) - Innovation among large contractors