Business Developments

Establishing a Local Presence in the St. Paul Area

By Doreen R. Coppola

The phrase “think globally, act locally”applies to more than just politics. Havinga local presence in a bustling constructionenvironment, which also serves as theseat of state government, is a great marketingtool. Marketing Parsons Electric as a St. Paulcontractor is a benefit, especially in such agovernmental and industrial area.

Parsons has had a strong client base in the Twin Cities for some time, so the expansion to St. Paul was probably inevitable. “We opened a St. Paul office to better serve the eastern metropolitan area,” explains Greg Fangel, Superintendent at Parsons’ St. Paul office.

Dick Vitelli, Business Manager and Financial Secretary at the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union 110, points to the determination and motivation Parsons St. Paul uses in seeking work. “We’re excited and pleased Parsons has taken up residence in St. Paul,” says Vitelli. “They’re an aggressive contractor and a forward-thinking firm. They’re creating many job opportunities for our membership.”

Building Relationships

“Having a presence in St. Paul helps establish and promote lasting relationships with the local union, customers, and general contractors,” says Fangel. For example, many St. Paul general contractors prefer doing business with electrical contractors in the area. Therefore, Parsons can generate more business by having an office “on site.”

David Nielsen, Parsons Vice President, is responsible for this new development. “We hope to secure and maintain a strong presence,” he says. “Historically, Parsons has employed between 60 and 70 LU 110 electricians. Today, there are 217 LU 110 electricians, 16 of whom are service truck drivers.”

Looking to the Future

Parsons’ current projects in St. Paul include two large government jobs — the Orville L. Freeman building and the Department of Human Services. The potential for additional work is immense.

“There’s a vast area here that goes from Princeton/Pine City in the north all the way down to Red Wing/Northfield in the south,” explains Nielsen. “There’s a tremendous amount of land available for development, and many smaller general contractors all over this area are pursuing projects as they come up.”

Parsons looks forward to building longlasting relationships with its new customers in the St. Paul area.