Meet Jon Eicher, project manager at ABC Electric Company.
Tell us a little about your business. – ABC Electric is a full-service union electrical contractor which has served the Lincoln community for more than 90 years. We are a family owned entity with four generations of unwavering dedication to provide excellent service with integrity. I am proud to be employed by a contractor that does things the “right way”.
How did you get started in the business? – My father was an electrical contractor in a nearby small town. I remember helping him as a youth. The work always intrigued me. He eventually went to work for the larger union electrical contractors here in Lincoln. I have been in and around the trade my entire life.
What has been your most important achievement professionally? – I’m most proud of my participation in the construction of Pinnacle Bank Arena. It was a complex project. Ones like that don’t come along too often in a community of Lincoln’s size, and I was fortunate to be involved.
Tell us a little about your family. – My family is incredibly special to me. I’m the proud father of two amazing kids; a son and a daughter. My son’s life was taken by a tragic accident when he was just 4 years old. While I will never understand why, it made those of us remaining even closer. My daughter and son-in-law live in Colorado and I am elated to be Grampa to their children, Benny and Evie.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – My wife and I enjoy gardening, traveling, walks at a nearby state rec area, and our faithful golden retriever, Archie. As a Nebraska native, I am a loyal Husker fan. However, that choice often does have me questioning my sanity.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? – I used to play guitar when I was younger, and I have an extensive collection of vinyl records and CDs.
Who inspires you? – Tony Dungy is someone I have admiration for. He has a sharp mind and is a proven leader.
What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – “Grant but memory to us and we lose nothing by death.” – John Whittier
If you had a theme song, what would it be? – “I Ain’t Drunk, I’m Just Drinkin” by Albert Collins.
What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life? – My family tells me I have a knack for vocabulary.
If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? – I have always dreamed of being a forest firefighter.
What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? – Touching My Father’s Soul: A Sherpa’s Journey to the Top of Everest by Jamling Tenzing Norgay, whose father Tenzing Norgay aided Sir Edmund Hillary as the first person to the summit of Mt. Everest in 1953. Jamling himself followed in his father’s footsteps and summited in 1996.
What is your favorite movie? – Last of the Mohicans for its great musical score and breathtaking beauty; Les Miserables for an enduring story of redemption; and Thirteen Days for historical depiction of the Cuban Missile Crisis.
What is your favorite local restaurant? – Vincenzo’s or Hiro 88.
If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? – B.B. King.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – (402) 435-3514; jone@abcelectric.net; abcelectric.net.