Employee Spotlight: Rich Ladow

2024 marks C3M’s 10th anniversary! To celebrate this milestone, we are highlighting some of the talented individuals who make up our team to celebrate this milestone. Meet Rich Ladow, a seasoned electrician superintendent with over three decades of experience in the field. Rich has been with C3M from the beginning, playing a pivotal role in our growth and success over the past decade.

Tell us about your background. 

I began my electrical career in 1987, graduated from my apprenticeship by 1991, and was with another electrical contractor for 24 years before joining C3M at its start 10 years ago.

Describe your role and core responsibilities at C3M. 

I am a superintendent working on the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) Alternating Current Switch Gear project, but previously I worked as a foreman and general foreman. My main responsibilities include managing the work by creating schedules, organizing the team and trade contractors, ensuring safety, and coordinating with the client and project team.

What do you like most about your current role? 

It’s challenging. Our work at WMATA requires a good amount of planning due to the many "moving parts," but it’s a good feeling when everything falls into place.

What brought you to C3M, and what do you like most about the company? 

I've been with C3M from the beginning when we had around 25 to 30 people. Our growth couldn’t have been achieved without everyone's dedication and commitment, both in the office and the field. C3M has a great team of individuals, all working towards continuous improvement.

What has been your favorite project you have worked on and why?

There have been a few memorable projects, but one notable job involved an urgent situation where equipment at a critical agency malfunctioned unexpectedly. Our team ensured the equipment and building were safe, evaluated the overall situation, provided temporary power, and managed the process of repaying the required equipment – all while maintaining power to the building and coordinating with the agencies. It was rewarding to see the project through to completion, knowing we worked through a challenging task. 

Why are you a builder?

There's no particular reason I entered construction – probably just luck and my circumstances at the time. I enjoy working with my hands, and it's rewarding to see the result of a project since the process of working through the project from start to finish is never the same.

Every day presents new circumstances, which keeps the work engaging. It's always exciting, and I get to work with lots of good people.

What are you most proud of accomplishing, either personally or professionally?

I've worked on many good projects throughout my career, some of which have even earned craftsmanship awards. It's fulfilling to see a project through from start to finish, ensuring it's completed safely and on time.

A significant achievement was leading the development of a specialized cable stripping tool for safer traction power work. Collaborating with multiple stakeholders, we refined an existing tool to better suit our needs by reducing manual operations and incorporating a low-speed impact driver to minimize accidents and enhance safety for our team members. This innovation has been integrated into our toolkit, and comprehensive training has been provided to ensure safe and efficient use.

Most importantly, I'm most proud of my family. I have a wonderful wife, great kids, and grandkids. They are truly what I am most proud of.