Author: Thomas Auclair Jr

As we close out this year, we want to express our sincere gratitude for your continued work and support, adhering to the Elm Essentials. We wish you a joyful holiday season filled with warmth and laughter, and a prosperous New Year ahead filled with new opportunities and success!

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Congratulations to the following employees celebrating a work anniversary in December!

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2024 HOLIDAY SERVICE AWARDS

Newborns – $250

Sam St. Laurent – (Girl) Zoey on 1/30/24
Brad Miller – (Boy) Ryland on 2/29/24
Rob Parent – (Boy) Luke Charles on 3/27/24
Andy Freniere – (Girl) Kinley Mary on 4/2/24
Devin Hoagland – (Girl) Ila Blayke on 8/23/24
Jon Whalen – (Girl) Millie on 8/17/24
Ben Bricker – (Boy) Henry on 8/24/24
Jared Borja – (Girl) Faith Geraldine on 10/9/24
Nathan Morrill – (Boy) Memphis David on 10/29/24
Samantha LaPlante – (Girl) Kamrynn Elizabeth Rainne on 11/11/24
Tom Sears – (Girl) Indy Rose Sears 11/18/24

10 Year Service Award – $200 + Kuhl Coat

Nate Hodgman – January 3, 2014
Steve Plasse – April 9, 2014
Craig Jaremczuk – July 1, 2014
Brad Kendall – August 6, 2014
Jymyle Hendricks – September 5, 2014

20 Year Service Award – Tag Heuer Watch

Ray DeVerry – February 4, 2004
Mike Borelli – September 13, 2004

25 Year Service Award – $2,500

Matt York – June 14, 1999
Erik Pedersen – June 21, 1999

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And a special shoutout and thanks to our entertainment committee (pictured above). Without them, the organization of the holiday party and the incredible raffle gifts would not be possible!

Deana Casamento
Mary Silva
Holly Lurgio
Steve Slapski
Bob Houghton
Nick Mulveyhill
Matt Vella

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Back at Assabet

Back in May, Paul Asselin brought the Elm Futures Program to Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School in Marlborough, MA, as a vehicle to help Ben Haynes grow our Marlborough facility.

Fast forward to December, and Paul was back at Assabet, along with Ben and Shirley Leiva (a student at Assabet who earned a job at Elm after May’s program), working with a new set of Electrical Wiring Instructor Bruce Long’s students for some hands-on experience.

Elm provided all of the material and PPE for the week so we did not use any of the school’s materials. We also left the materials and PPE behind for the program to use in the future.

Here are some photos from another great visit…

Tim Rzeszutek was recently promoted as the new president of Elm Electrical. In the video below, Bob Bacon, Mike Holmberg and Keith Saltmarsh discuss the attributes that make Tim the perfect person to lead Elm into the future, while Tim lays out his vision for the company.

By Holly Lurgio

Elm Gives Back: A Look at 2024

At Elm Electrical, giving back is not just a tradition—it’s a cornerstone of who we are. Throughout 2024, our employees have come together to make a meaningful difference in the communities we serve. Through volunteering, donating, building, creating, baking, running, walking, or shopping, the collective spirit of Elm’s team has been truly inspiring.

This month, the spirit of giving shines bright here at Elm. By partnering with the Salvation Army, we were able to make the holidays a little brighter for 25 local children and their families. 

Thank You for Making a Difference

To our incredible employees: Thank you. Your unwavering commitment to giving back is what makes Elm Electrical not just a workplace, but a community. Each act of kindness—big or small—adds up to create a powerful impact, and we couldn’t be prouder of all we’ve accomplished this year.

As we look ahead, let’s continue to build on this momentum and find even more ways to support the communities that support us. Here’s to another year of making a difference, together! We welcome your suggestions for new ways to help out and invite more employees to get involved in our initiatives. Reach out to Holly at hlurgio@elmelec.com with any ideas to make an even greater impact.

In this month’s employee spotlight, we caught up with apprentice Ben Campion, a second-generation member of the Elm family, who was inspired by father Mike to join the company.

Q: How long have you been working at Elm? 

A: I’ve been working at Elm for a little over a year now.

Q: What brought you to Elm/how did you get your start here? 

A: What brought me to Elm was pretty much looking up to my father and an interest in learning the trade.

Q: Can you tell us a little about your role at Elm? 

A: My role at Elm as an apprentice is to show up early with a good attitude and work hard.

Q: What are some of the things you enjoy most about working at Elm?

A: What I enjoy most about working at Elm is the hands on work experience and learning opportunities that come along with the diversity of the projects we work on.

Q: What has been one of your most rewarding experiences at Elm?

A: The most rewarding experience for me — to this point — is being able to travel around with the Maine crew for a month and learn about that part of the company.

Q: What do you like to do when you’re not working?

A: When I’m not working I like to run competitively and give a hand around the house.

Q: Do you have a particular hobby, talent, or interesting fact that co-workers may not know about?

A: A favorite hobby of mine is working with my friend on our trucks.

By T.J. Auclair

Congratulations are in order for longtime Elm IT Director Matt Vella.

At an off-site management meeting on December 12 at the Delaney House in Holyoke, MA, Matt became the second recipient of Elm’s Leader of the Year Award.

Elm Controller Tim Williams was the award’s inaugural recipient in 2023.

The award was created to recognize an employee who continually displays dedication and professionalism, key characteristics that Matt has displayed throughout his career at Elm.

“Being presented with the Leader of the Year Award at Elm Electrical fills me with gratitude,” Matt told us. “Elm employees are hardworking, dedicated and incredibly knowledgeable, and I’m fortunate to work alongside such an exceptional team. To be recognized for this award among my peers is a true honor, and I’m deeply thankful for this acknowledgment.”

Bob Bacon, who presented the award, had this to say about Matt: “Matt leads by the example he sets. He is technically skilled, service oriented and he has a can do attitude! He recognizes he owns the safety and security of our system and his team’s role is supporting the other business units. Who could ask for more?”

Tim Rzeszutek described Matt as the embodiment of leadership and noted how he’s constantly inspiring with his unwavering can-do attitude and exceptional dedication.

“As our IT Director, Matt doesn’t just meet expectations—he exceeds them, proving that true leadership lies in lifting others up while achieving greatness together,” Tim said. “His hard work, integrity, and passion shine through in everything he does, making a real and lasting impact on Elm and the people fortunate enough to work alongside him. Matt’s recognition as Leader of the Year is not just well-deserved—it’s a reflection of the extraordinary leader and person he is. Thank you, Matt, for all that you do and for showing us what excellence in leadership truly looks like. Congratulations!”

“Congratulations to Matt Vella on being named Leader of the Year! For over 20 years, Matt has delivered best-in-class support as our Director of IT, working tirelessly to ensure our IT infrastructure is 100% available and providing seamless support for Elm’s operations,” said Mike Holmberg. “He also manages our business systems, Microsoft suite of products, and all forms of digital communication, delivering top-tier business analytics and communication platforms that empower every Elm employee. Matt’s exceptional work ethic, dedication, and drive truly exemplify the Elm spirit, and we are proud to have him on our team. Well done, Matt!”

Keith Saltmarsh calls Matt an extraordinary leader who inspires and empowers everyone around him.

“He leads by example, demonstrating outstanding communication, unwavering support, and a clear vision for what Elm needs to be at the top of our game,” Keith said. “Matt’s integrity and dedication set the standard, and his pacesetting leadership style drives excellence in our technology and beyond. He’s always available, always willing to listen, and consistently delivers solutions that elevate the entire team. His ability to collaborate and innovate is nothing short of remarkable. Matt, thank you for your guidance, hard work, and unwavering commitment to our success. Congratulations on being named Leader of the Year—this recognition is so well-deserved!”

As we head into the New Year, the Safety Department and management would like to remind all employees of the hazards associated with the winter months.

When traveling to and from work, or job to job, ensure your vehicle is properly cleaned off (free of snow and ice) prior to driving. Leave yourself an acceptable travel distance between you and the vehicle in front of you. Periodically check your mirrors to monitor other driver activities, and if necessary, pull off to the side and let the tailgating vehicle pass. When approaching an intersection, rotary or stop sign, always leave yourself an out.

MORE: OSHA’s three P’s of safe winter driving

Snow and Ice accumulations in walkways or common areas could lead to slip, trip and fall hazards. Be sure to communicate with customers or general contractors if there is an area that needs to be addressed. Apply ice melt/sand when necessary, if we are in charge of the job site. Always walk in the safest path to and from your destination. Avoid roof or ladder work when possible in hazardous weather conditions.

Cold Stress, such as hypothermia and frostbite are also a hazard of the winter months. If working outside, ensure you are dressing in layers (layering provides better insulation) and bring a change of clothes with you in the event you get wet while working. Ensure you are taking breaks as needed in warm dry areas. Understand the symptoms of cold stress (reddening skin, tingling, pain, swelling, leg cramps, numbness and blisters). Most importantly, we want you to monitor your physical condition, as well as your coworkers. If you see a fellow coworker struggling, exercise Stop Work Authority and get the employee to a warm dry area, or medical attention if necessary.

The Safety Department and management would like to thank everyone for their continued efforts in bringing Safety to the Next Level, and we hope everyone has a nice, SAFE holiday season!

By Bob Bacon

Early November always holds special meaning for me, marking a time of reflection and gratitude. It was on November 9, 1971—53 years ago—that my father passed away at the young age of 37 after a hard-fought battle with colon cancer. He left behind my mother, Carolyn, to raise three boys: John, just 1½; Dan, 11; and me, 13. Despite this immense loss, we managed to persevere, supported by each other and the kindness of so many others along the way.

Eight years later, in 1979, I found my way to Elm. Not long after, I brought Dan and John along with me. Those early days at Elm were transformative. Bob Schmidt, Elm’s founder, fostered a culture of opportunity, ensuring there was always meaningful work to be done. His dedication to serving customers quickly and with high-quality solutions set the foundation for what Elm is today. Alongside Bob Houghton and Paul Asselin, who are still here, we worked tirelessly to build a company that thrived on collaboration and innovation.

Elm has given me more than just a career—it has been a journey filled with growth, mentorship, and countless opportunities. Over four decades, I have been fortunate to work with exceptional people who have taught and inspired me, shaping the leader I became. This culture of mentorship remains a cornerstone of Elm’s success.

As I reflect on these years, I also recognize that the time has come to pass the torch. After 24 years leading the company as its president, I feel confident that the next chapter for Elm is ready to be written. Together with Keith, Mike, and the board of directors, we’ve worked thoughtfully to identify a successor who embodies Elm’s values and vision—someone who can guide the company forward for the next 15 to 20 years.

It’s with great pride that I announce Tim Rzeszutek as Elm’s next president. Tim joined Elm in 2000 as an apprentice and has risen through the ranks over his 24 years, proving himself as a leader, technician, and innovator. His deep understanding of our business and his commitment to Elm’s core values make him the ideal person to take on this role.

Effective this December, Tim will assume the executive leadership of Elm. I will remain as Chairman of the Board and non-executive president, continuing to mentor and support Tim as he steps into this new chapter.

I am in good health and fortunate to be able to make this transition on my own terms. But early November always reminds me how precious time is, and I know the company’s future is in capable hands. The ESOP ownership transition is complete, our Elm Essentials have been articulated, and our next generation of leaders is ready to carry the torch.

To all of you—our team—I thank you for your dedication, integrity, and shared commitment to keeping Elm strong. Together, I am confident we will continue to move Elm forward, delivering skillful, rewarding work with safety, responsiveness, and reliability at our core. Thank you for making this journey one I will always treasure.

By Mike Holmberg

Over two decades ago, at my son’s 5 year birthday party, my friend Bob Bacon extended an invitation that would profoundly shape my career and life. At the time, as a degreed Mechanical Engineer with a background in manufacturing and the corporate world, the prospect of transitioning to a service organization and stepping into the electrical field felt daunting. I vividly remember the mix of excitement and apprehension that came with making such a significant career shift. Looking back now, I can say with absolute certainty that joining Elm Electrical was one of the best decisions I ever made.

Bob’s vision for Elm was inspiring, and his trust in me to help realize that vision was both humbling and empowering. Elm was a smaller company then, with one location and a little over 40 employees. Today, we proudly operate out of six locations with a team of over 240 talented individuals. This remarkable growth and transformation were possible because of Bob’s steadfast leadership, his relentless focus on innovation, and his unwavering commitment to empowering people. He created an environment where continuous improvement and growth were not just goals—they were expectations.

For me personally, Bob’s mentorship and leadership provided the autonomy to grow both as a professional and as a leader. He trusted Keith Saltmarsh and me to contribute to the company’s evolution, allowing us the freedom to innovate, implement change, and take Elm to new heights. I will always remain grateful for the opportunities Bob provided and for his confidence in my ability to help shape the future of the company.

As Bob embarks on this next chapter of his life, I feel both a sense of pride for all that we have accomplished as a company and excitement for the future of Elm under new leadership. We are fortunate to have someone as talented, innovative, and dedicated as Tim Rzeszutek stepping into the role of President. Having worked alongside Tim and witnessed his growth over the years, I have every confidence in his ability to lead Elm into its next phase.

Tim is the embodiment of the “Bleeds Elm Blue” mindset we value in our team. His innovative approach, coupled with his can-do attitude, has consistently driven Elm forward. From spearheading the incredible growth of our Solar business to developing our prefabrication capabilities, Tim has been at the forefront of progress. His passion for employee development led to the creation of Elm University, ensuring our workforce is equipped with the skills needed to succeed. Tim’s ability to leverage new technologies to achieve bottom-line results, combined with his unwavering commitment to our mission, makes him the ideal leader to take Elm to the next level.

While change is inevitable, I want to emphasize my commitment to Elm and to supporting Tim in his new role. I remain deeply invested in the company’s continued success and will work closely with Tim, Keith, and our entire team to ensure a smooth transition and an exciting path forward.

To Bob: Thank you for your leadership, your mentorship, and your friendship. Your legacy at Elm will continue to inspire us all. And to Tim: I look forward to collaborating with you as we build on Elm’s foundation and continue to grow, innovate, and serve our employees and customers with excellence. Together, we will honor Elm’s past while shaping a bold and bright future.

By Keith Saltmarsh

I first joined Elm Electrical in the fall of 1986 through the STCC internship program, hired by Bob Bacon as an apprentice panel builder. After graduation, I transitioned to a full-time apprentice, and earned my licensure. As a Journeyman, I was introduced to the technologies Elm embraced, and I quickly took off learning about the industrial, aggregate, and water and wastewater industries.

By 1995, my role had grown to include estimating, project management, and building my own client base.  As I took on more responsibilities, I was fortunate to have opportunities that supported my path to leadership at Elm.  Along the way, I had the privilege of working with exceptional colleagues and benefiting from the invaluable mentorship of Bob Bacon. By 2000, I stepped into a senior leadership role as Vice President of Construction—a position that allowed me to grow further and continue learning every single day.

I began my current role as Senior Vice President in 2014, a position where I oversee nearly all of Elm’s electrical construction business units. And, let me tell you, I certainly didn’t get there alone. Elm applies smart growth principals, which includes setting ourselves up for success by surrounding our people with smart, self-driven leaders who embrace a strong work ethic. That allows us to keep evolving as a company and sets us up for continued, sustainable work.

I’m proud of the smart growth we have made at Elm and the role I’ve been able to play in that. Remarkably, in my 38 years at Elm we have grown from a company of roughly 25 employees to well over 200 today.

I wanted to share this snapshot of my journey with Elm as I feel it’s important to let you know how we have gotten here: from the ground, up. I am fortunate to have had great leaders to work with and mentor me and when I was given the opportunity to advance, I relished it. This opportunity is available to everyone if you chose to seize it.

So why the longwinded story? To demonstrate to you that we’ve made good decisions along the way to identify others at Elm who we felt had the same drive and desire to excel and move the company further than we ever have. The executive leadership team has the responsibility of the company’s sustainability. When Bob and I spoke about the next generation of Elm, it was clear to Bob and I that we needed to have leadership in place for the long term.

Early on, we identified Tim Rzeszutek as a rising star. Since joining Elm as an apprentice in 2000, Tim has been a standout.  As soon as we gave Tim the chance to learn, he took off like a rocket, learning everything we could show him and then some. Tim is self-driven, passionate in what he does, and always working toward making improvements and advancements in how we operate. He’s the prime example of an individual with drive and desire.  Tim is a forward thinker, applying himself to the job and everything we do at Elm.

When I finished talking with Bob about the future of Elm, it was clear that we already had the next generation of leadership in place. I am pleased to support Tim as our next executive leader at Elm. I am looking forward to my continued role and position at Elm and to support Tim and every employee at Elm.

Remember: Surround yourself with Great People, Learn something new every day, and if you have Drive and Desire, Elm is the right place for you to be!