Introducing District 8 Vice President Raymond K. Friend
Raymond K. Friend
President
Electric Service & Contracting Company, Inc.
Boise, ID
Idaho Chapter, NECA
BACKGROUND
Friend received his B.S. degree in electrical engineering and construction management from Boise State University. Prior to joining Electric Service Company, he worked as a project engineer for ASC Constructors, a large general contracting company specializing in hydroelectric power plant projects. Friend also worked for J.U.B. Engineers as a design engineer in their hydroelectric power plant department.
COMPANY INFORMATION
Electric Service Company was founded 1921 in Boise. Ray’s father, C. E. “Gene” Friend, joined the company in the early 1950s as a journeyman electrician. Gene worked his way through the business as general foreman, chief estimator, general manager, and purchased the company in 1980. Ray joined the company in 1982 and bought it in 1986 when his father retired. Today, Electric Service Company serves the commercial and industrial markets and specializes in the healthcare and high-tech industries throughout the Northwest.
INVOLVEMENT WITH NECA
Electric Service Company joined NECA in 1979, and Friend joined the Idaho Chapter Board of Directors in 1986. Since then, he has served his chapter as treasurer, vice-president, president and governor. He also served on the local JATC Committee and was a trustee for the 8th District Health Fund. Friend currently serves on the local negotiating committee and the Boise City Electrical Appeals Committee.
On the national level, Friend has represented the 8th District on the Manpower Development Committee and the Government Affairs Committee and has served as Chairman of the Management Development Committee in 2009 and the Codes & Standards Committee in 2010. He was inducted into the Academy of Electrical Contracting in 2006.
WHAT’S THE MOST IMPORTANT SERVICE NECA OFFERS?
Friend was introduced to NECA by his father, and he has always taken advantage of NECA’s vast education services to assist in the management and growth of the company and to stay competitive in the industry. “Technology has exploded since the 1980s,” he said. “With the constant changes, it is critical to always be aware of new potential markets and to keep current in the products, tools and techniques to remain competitive.” Friend also finds being involved in the apprenticeship training process is important to his business.
“The opportunity to network with my peers on both the local and national levels has been an invaluable personal asset as well,” he said.
AWAY FROM THE OFFICE Ray and his wife Nancy have one daughter and two sons. Nancy is an elementary school counselor in the Meridian School District. Ray is a private pilot and enjoys flying his plane in the Idaho backcountry. He and Nancy also enjoy travel, camping, hiking, boating and golf.