March 2025 – Rochester, NY. O’Connell Electric Company, a leading electrical contractor, is proud to announce that it has been honored with three prestigious construction industry awards by the Rochester Builders Exchange: two Craftsmanship Awards and the Rising Star Award, recognizing the company’s exceptional talent and leadership in the industry.
The Craftsmanship Awards hold great significance in the local construction industry, celebrating the exceptional skill, integrity, and responsibility of craftsmen and women who have excelled in their trade. This year, two individuals from O’Connell Electric received Craftsmanship Awards:
- Tim German, Local Union 86, was honored for his leadership as General Foreman for the Big Tree Substation project in Orchard Park, NY. This large expansion initiative aimed to meet the growing power demand in Western NY, including the new Buffalo Bills Stadium. The project involved reconfiguring existing 115kV transmission lines, expanding four acres of the substation, and upgrading it to a three-bay breaker and a half arrangement. The project also received nationwide recognition by being selected for the Project Excellence Award by the National Electrical Contractors Association.
- Keith Marten, Local Union 86, received a Craftsmanship Award for his leadership on the RED Rochester Cogeneration Plant at Eastman Business Park. RED Rochester manages the utility infrastructure, providing 14 critical services to many businesses within the park. In response to rising demand for power and other utilities in 2023, RED Rochester decided to install a Cogeneration Plant designed to enhance the park’s energy efficiency by simultaneously generating electricity and useful heat from the same energy source. O’Connell Electric was selected to collaborate with the design team and install the electrical infrastructure for the project.
The Rising Star Award, a new category for 2025, was given to a person in the early stages of their career who possesses high potential in the construction industry. John Miller, Director of Marketing and Business Development, was selected as the inaugural recipient of the award. John, a retired Master Sergeant from the United States Air Force, began his career at O’Connell Electric Company in 2013 and was promoted to Director of Marketing and Business Development in December 2024. He has significantly contributed to the company’s market presence, brand development, and the growth of the marketing team, supporting various business segments across the company’s seven office locations. John is actively involved in industry and community initiatives, serving in leadership roles and supporting numerous nonprofit organizations.
“We are incredibly proud of our team’s achievements and the recognition they have received from the Rochester Builders Exchange,” said Michael Parkes, CEO. “These awards highlight the exceptional skill, dedication, and leadership of our employees, and underscore O’Connell Electric Company’s commitment to being a best-in-class contractor in the construction industry.”
