Jordan Gilbert
Allied Electric
Jordan Gilbert has built a reputation for tackling complex projects, solving difficult field challenges, and leading crews with a level of professionalism that consistently earns the respect of coworkers, project managers, and construction partners. As a foreman at Allied Electric, he has helped deliver projects across a wide range of industries, from large-scale conveyor installations nationwide to challenging projects here in West Michigan. Along the way, he has become known for his preparation, craftsmanship, and ability to bring people together to solve problems.
His career progression has been built on a simple principle: embrace every opportunity to learn, grow, and take on new challenges. Through hard work, continuous learning, and a commitment to excellence, Jordan advanced from apprentice to lead wireman and eventually foreman, earning increasing levels of responsibility throughout his career.
Today, he is helping develop the next generation of electricians while continuing to raise the standard for craftsmanship, safety, and leadership on every project he leads.
Finding a Career Worth Building
Construction wasn’t part of Jordan’s original plan. After high school, he dreamed of heading west to work at a ski resort. College wasn’t particularly appealing, and life took an unexpected turn when he stayed close to home to help care for his mother during an illness. After her passing, Jordan found himself searching for direction.
He accepted a position at a manufacturing facility and believed he had found a stable career path. Less than a year later, the company lost a major contract, and hundreds of employees were laid off. Jordan was one of them.
The experience became a defining moment. Despite being a productive employee, he learned that layoffs were largely based on seniority rather than individual performance.
“I remember thinking, ‘I work circles around this kid, I perform better, yet I’m the one losing my livelihood,'” Jordan recalled.
Not long afterward, a friend encouraged him to give Allied Electric a try. What started as a new opportunity quickly became a passion.
“I absolutely fell in love with the trade,” he said.
Jordan discovered that electrical work offered something he had been looking for—a career where hard work, skill development, and initiative could directly influence future opportunities. Just as importantly, he found a team that felt like family.
“The crew basically becomes your family,” he said. “I work with guys now whose weddings I’ve stood in, and some of them will be standing in mine.”
Growing Through Merit and Hard Work
From the beginning, Jordan sought out challenges. Rather than staying in his comfort zone, he volunteered for difficult assignments, embraced opportunities to travel, and constantly sought ways to expand his skills. During his apprenticeship, he spent significant time traveling throughout the country on large conveyor system installations. The projects were complex, fast-paced, and demanding, but they provided invaluable opportunities to learn.
After earning his journeyman license, Jordan quickly transitioned into leadership roles, managing major projects and crews at an age when many electricians are still focused primarily on developing their technical skills.
For Jordan, those opportunities reflected something he deeply values about Allied Electric and the merit shop philosophy.
Advancement is earned.
Employees are given opportunities based on their abilities, work ethic, and performance rather than simply the number of years they’ve been in the industry. That culture has allowed Jordan to continually challenge himself while building a career based on growth, accountability, and results.
The Power of Preparation
Ask Jordan what separates successful projects from struggling ones, and his answer comes quickly: preparation.
One of the most influential lessons he learned came from a longtime mentor.
Plan. Prepare. Execute.
This philosophy has become the foundation of Jordan’s approach to every project. Before crews ever begin installation, Jordan spends significant time reviewing drawings, identifying conflicts, submitting RFIs, coordinating materials, and ensuring workers have the information they need to succeed.
“If you do a really thorough job of layout on the front end of a project,” Jordan explained, “it makes your job much easier when you’re in the midst of all the field chaos.”
That preparation has helped him navigate some of the most challenging projects of his career. One of the most memorable was the City Services project in Grand Rapids, which combined historic renovations, new construction, aggressive schedules, and significant design conflicts.
“There was a mountain of engineering design conflicts,” Jordan said.
Through careful coordination, problem-solving, and collaboration with project partners, the team successfully delivered the project on time despite the challenges. Jordan considers it one of his most proud accomplishments.
Leading Through Respect
Jordan credits much of his success to the mentors who invested in him throughout his career. One person stands out above the rest. Percy Haywood was the first foreman Jordan worked for when he entered the trade. More than a decade later, Percy remains one of the most influential people in his professional life. The lessons Jordan learned weren’t just technical. They were about leadership.
“First and foremost, you have to treat your apprentices with absolute respect and look at them as human beings,” Jordan said.
Today, he applies that same philosophy to every crew he leads. Whether he’s teaching apprentices how to read schematics, helping a young foreman learn project planning, or working alongside electricians in the field, Jordan focuses on creating an environment built on trust and respect. He intentionally avoids the leadership style he witnessed from some supervisors early in his career.
“I made a promise to myself that I would never become that kind of leader,” he said.
Instead, he believes respect is something leaders must earn.
“You have to actively give respect to your crew if you ever expect to get respect back.”
That approach has helped him develop strong teams while mentoring the next generation of electricians.
Putting Safety First
For Jordan, craftsmanship and safety go hand in hand. Every morning begins with a Job Safety Analysis review, hazard discussions, and planning conversations designed to ensure crews can work safely and efficiently throughout the day. Safety isn’t treated as a checklist. It’s a responsibility.
One example occurred during the City Services project when a strong chemical odor began spreading through part of the building during excavation work. Although others believed the situation was likely safe, Jordan wasn’t comfortable exposing his crew to an unknown hazard. He removed his team from the area and refused to allow them back until certified testing confirmed conditions were safe. At the time, it wasn’t the easiest decision. But for Jordan, it was the right one.
“At the end of the day, we all want to go home healthy, spend our hard-earned paychecks, and see our kids.”
That mindset continues to guide every project he leads.
Building the Next Generation
As Jordan’s career has progressed, helping others grow has become one of the most rewarding aspects of his work.
Today, he actively mentors apprentices and younger electricians, sharing both technical knowledge and the lessons he’s learned throughout his career.
His advice is straightforward: show up on time, work hard, take ownership of your mistakes, and keep learning.
He also teaches apprentices to think ahead—to anticipate problems, prepare for challenges, and take initiative rather than waiting for direction. Those habits, he believes, are what separate good tradespeople from great ones.
Jordan also hopes to see stronger connections between contractors, vocational programs, and local schools so more students can discover the opportunities available in the trades. Many young people, he says, simply don’t understand what construction careers can offer. He knows because he was once one of them.
Looking Ahead
One of Jordan’s favorite moments is driving past a completed project with his daughter and pointing to a building he helped create.
“It’s incredibly cool,” he said. “You drive by a building years later with your kid and say, ‘Hey, Daddy helped build that.'”
That sense of pride continues to motivate him every day. Through his commitment to craftsmanship, preparation, mentorship, safety, and continuous improvement, Jordan has built a career defined by excellence and earned opportunity. His story demonstrates what can happen when talent, hard work, and dedication are given the chance to grow.
As a finalist for ABC Western Michigan’s Craft Professional of the Year Award, Jordan Gilbert exemplifies the skill, leadership, and merit-based values that continue to strengthen the construction industry.
