Meet Lukas Theisen, Journeyman Electrician at Oak Electric (oakelectriccompany.com).
Tell us a little about your business. – Oak Electric, Inc. is a premium full service electrical contractor that provides exceptional services to the Lincoln and surrounding southeast Nebraska communities. We offer residential, commercial and industrial electrical services.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – I started my electrical career working for the railroad as a journeyman locomotive electrician. After we had my daughter, I decided to leave the railroad and work as a residential electrician. I had to learn new codes, skills and generalize my knowledge of electricity. This change challenged my skills, but resulted in me finding my footing and passion for this field.
What has been your most important achievement professionally? – After becoming a journeyman electrician I was able to run projects and teach apprentices entering the field. I really valued those new responsibilities and have enjoyed these new challenges.
Tell us a little about your family. – My wife and I will celebrate our five year wedding anniversary this June. My wife works as a mental health therapist in the community and has supported me throughout my career. We have two children: Leo, eight, and Lyla, three. After work, you can find us cheering on Leo at a baseball games or going for a family walk with our dog.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – Before working as an electrician, I worked with decorative concrete. I worked on the road for weeks at a time and long hours. My wife and I had been dating for awhile, and I wanted to have a more consistent and steady job. It was important to me to be there for her and Leo. This is when I made the decision to switch careers and become an electrician. It completely changed my life and found a career that I’m good at and enjoy.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – On my days off I enjoy watching Husker sports, going to the golf course or hanging out with my family. My son loves baseball, so we spend a lot of time playing catch.
What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – “I do not and will not fear tomorrow because I feel as though today has been enough” – Zach Bryan. This quote reminds me to focus on the present and make the most of each day. It’s also been important to me to feel fulfilled in the work I do. At Oak Electric, I have been able to build personal connections with our customers and help out during emergencies. Whether I’m trouble shooting big projects or learning about the antique chandelier that I’m hanging up – I’m able to go home knowing today has been enough.
If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? – Resilient. I grew up in poverty in small town southeast Nebraska with little opportunity or room for growth. I knew early on that wasn’t the life I wanted to live for myself or my family. Experiencing that adversity has made me stronger and has motivated me to excel in my field.
What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life? – I’m known for my ability to remember song lyrics.
Which talent would you most like to have? – I wish I could sing. I know a lot of lyrics to songs, but I can’t sing.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – (402) 440-5969