Introducing District 4 Vice President David Hardt

David Hardt

CFO

Hardt Electric, Inc

Chicago, IL

Chicago Cook County Chapter, NECA

BACKGROUND

Hardt is the youngest of seven children and grew up on the north side of Chicago. At 12 years old, he was sweeping floors and empting the garbage at his father’s electrical contracting company. He spent three years working as a summer apprentice, and then graduated from Bradley University in 1970.

COMPANY INFORMATION

Hardt’s father started C&H Electric in 1935. In 1973, Hardt and his brother Bill started Hardt Electric with a philosophy of running a quality family business rooted in ethical contracting principles. Hardt Electric primarily does commercial remodeling work in the Chicago and Cook County area. The company also handles large condo conversions and high-end residential work. The company recently began design and installation of photovoltaic panel systems. Its annual sales are $10-15 million.

INVOLVEMENT WITH NECA

Hardt Electric joined NECA in 1975. Hardt was appointed to his chapter’s executive board in 1988 and has continued to serve on it for 20 years, including terms as president and governor. Hardt has also served as a trustee for the joint pension and benefit trust. He has served on the chapter’s arbitration board and negotiating committee for the last 10 years. Hardt was inducted into Electric Association Hall of Fame and received the Gold Metal Award (Man of the Year) in 2006 in the Chicago area.

Nationally, Hardt has been on the NJATC executive committee for two years. He was inducted as a Fellow in the Academy of Electrical Contracting and was honored with the Coggeshall Award in 2007. He is also a member of the Political Leadership Council.

WHAT’S THE MOST IMPORTANT SERVICE NECA OFFERS?

Hardt is a strong believer in the value of associations. “I think networking with fellow contractors has helped guide our company past many pitfalls,” he said. Hardt also recognized a rising level of business sophistication in contractors today. “In order to survive you need to run your business professionally. He encourages new NECA members to “avail yourself of the fabulous wealth of knowledge available from MEI courses and ELECTRI studies.”

AWAY FROM THE OFFICE

Hardt and his wife Christine have been married for 36 years. They have one son Peter who married in August of last year. Peter heads up the company’s new photovoltaic operation. Hardt was a board member for the Lutheran Child & Family Services for 12 years and recently concluded a 12-year term on their foundation.

Hardt enjoys spending time outdoors and traveling. He has participated in the last 16 NECA international study missions, taking numerous photos and keeping a travel journal on each. He and Peter take an annual father-son trip, most recently to the Yukon for fishing. Hardt is on the board of Halter Wildlife, a conservancy and hunting club. Sadie, their six-month old Weimaraner, has proved her skills as a great hunter.