For nearly a decade, Chris Maldonado has been a familiar face at CEC. With 11 years in the industry and close to 10 of those spent with CEC, his journey into the energy field started by chance. “I knew nothing about the industry,” Chris recalls. “A guy I used to play basketball with said they needed helpers at work. That’s where it all started.”

Today, Chris’s role can best be described in one word: hectic. His days are filled with coordinating vendors and suppliers, assisting customers, scheduling job walks, and supporting field crews. “I try to help the guys as much as I can from my desk, and when needed, I go down to the field,” he says.

When it comes to CEC’s STRIVE values, integrity is the one that resonates most with Chris. It’s a principle that has guided him throughout his career, along with the mentorship and influence of leaders and colleagues he’s worked alongside. “I’ve had the opportunity to work with so many people here; Tony, Bebe, and some of my old journeymen, and now Alex. They’ve all influenced the way I think and the way I carry myself.”

While Chris doesn’t single out one accomplishment as his greatest, he takes pride in every project he’s been part of. Looking ahead, he sees growth opportunities on the horizon, possibly stepping into a project manager or construction manager role. Chris also enjoys volunteering with CEC, and is a wonderful instructor at TOFTG’s electrical workshops.

For those just starting out in the industry, Chris offers simple but valuable advice: “Don’t be scared. Ask questions whenever you don’t understand something. If you’re lucky, you’ll have people willing to help and teach you along the way. I’ve been in those shoes, and I was fortunate enough to have that kind of support.