These awards highlight organizations that prioritize strong workplace culture and employee experience, something we’ve always believed is at the core of long-term success.

Recognized for Excellence

Nickle was honored across multiple categories, earning distinction as a Top Workplace for:

• Innovation
• Leadership
• Purpose & Values
• Employee Appreciation
• Professional Development
• Employee Well-Being
• Construction Industry Excellence

Driven by employee feedback, these awards provide a genuine and meaningful reflection of the employee experience and what it truly means to be part of the Nickle team.

As one employee shared:

“This company embraces vision, technology, and safety. Management continuously looks forward on how to advance the capabilities of the organization, the people involved, and how to reinvest or be generous with profits.”

That forward-thinking approach continues to shape how we grow, both as a company and as individuals.

A Workplace Built on People

At Nickle, we believe our people are our greatest asset. Creating an environment where employees feel heard, valued, and empowered is central to who we are.

“I have the ability to bring my ideas to the table and implement them in day-to-day activities. Also, the team we have built – it’s like a second family.”

That sense of collaboration and connection is what defines the Nickle experience and drives our continued success.

Continuing to Raise the Standard

While we’re proud of this recognition, we also see it as motivation to keep improving. We remain committed to strengthening our culture, investing in our team, and continuing to set the standard in the electrical and construction industry.

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This committee is guided by a simple but powerful purpose: to support our team’s morale, recognize the moments that matter, and give back to our communities. In 2026, they’re bringing that goal to life through 12 Acts of Kindness, a year-long campaign focused on giving back, spreading joy, and making a difference.

Let’s dive into what they do, who they are, and what’s to come.

What is Nickle’s Sunshine Committee?

At its core, the Sunshine Committee exists to make life a little brighter, both within our company and beyond it.

“The Sunshine Committee’s mission is to support the morale and well-being of the employees of Nickle Electrical Companies while simultaneously establishing community rapport.“

They focus on organizing acts of kindness throughout the year that support our employees, local organizations, community causes, and individuals in need. These efforts may include community outreach, donations, volunteer opportunities, or simple gestures of appreciation.

Work is more than just completing tasks; it’s about being part of a team where people feel seen, supported, and appreciated through every high and low. Whether it’s through a friendly gesture, a heartfelt celebration, or an act of service, the Sunshine Committee is here to uplift, connect, and support the people around us.

The People Behind the Committee

Made up of employees from across Nickle Electrical, the Sunshine Committee represents our shared commitment to teamwork, compassion, and service. Behind every act of kindness is a dedicated group of employees who make it happen, serving as the driving force behind the moments that bring people together and extend Nickle’s impact beyond the workplace. Together, they identify meaningful opportunities where time and resources can make a difference, both internally and within the community.

In 2026, the Sunshine Committee includes Samantha Windle, Taylor Burden, Lisa Houston, Jenny Yoder, Jen Thompson, Kevin Gates, Zoey Romano, Erika Newton, Maria Trujillo Hernandez, Kelly Arentzen, and Shelby Stansell.

12 Acts of Kindness – A Year of Giving Back

This year, the Sunshine Committee is introducing an initiative centered on impact and connection: 12 Acts of Kindness. Each month, the committee will focus on one act of kindness that supports a local organization, a community cause, or initiatives within our company. These monthly acts allow us to stay engaged year-round while creating consistent opportunities for involvement and impact.

Updates, photos, and reflections will be shared along the way to highlight the collective effort behind each act and celebrate the difference being made together.

Through the Sunshine Committee and their 12 Acts of Kindness, Nickle Electrical remains committed to building stronger communities, supporting those in need, and fostering a culture rooted in care, connection, and giving back.

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Nickle Electrical Companies received two safety awards from local contractors associations for exemplary performance over the past year.

On March 12, Nickle was selected as one of the recipients of the 2014 Governor’s Safety Awards for the fourth year in a row. The honor was co-sponsored by the Delaware Contractors Association and the Delaware Department of Labor.

The award is given to contractors that “bring distinction, skill, and integrity to the construction industry.”

On May 7, Nickle was presented with its ninth consecutive Associated Builders and Contractors of Delaware STEP Award for safety. The STEP (Safety Training and Evaluation Process) program is designed to support ABC members with development and improvement of safety and training efforts. The awards are given in five levels based on a company’s safety program and this was the second year Nickle received the top award at the Diamond level.

Nickle Co-Ops Ryan Cooke and Greg Yazidjian also received recognition at the event, accepting an ABC Delaware Student Award. It’s presented to students from the New Castle County Vo-Tech School District who are enrolled in the construction trade curriculum and have shown outstanding academic achievement while successfully completing a co-op program with an ABC member.

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Just as it always is, safety was one of Nickle’s main focuses this year. In February the company sustained its record-breaking streak by reaching the four-year mark without a lost-time accident. Two major programs were implemented to encourage continued safe working conditions. The Safety Shadow Program involves field employees in the audit process on a weekly basis. Each time Safety Director Mike Anderson conducts a job site safety audit, an employee working on that project will walk the site with him. It gives Mike the opportunity to educate employees and answer specific questions regarding OSHA regulations. The Behavioral-Based Safety Program is another initiative established in 2014, which applies the science of behavioral changes to real world problems. It focuses on what people do, why they do it, and a research-supported strategy is applied to improve what people do. Employees are encouraged to observe the behavior of their colleagues, denote good or bad safety conduct, and give advice.

To solidify safety into Nickle’s culture, a contest was held and employees submitted a safety-related slogan that the company would swear by. The winner was mechanic Jordan Tulowitzki who submitted “Nickle Safety … it’s how we’re wired.” He was rewarded with a $1,000 prize and a logo was created to accompany the phrase.

 Nickle was also a recipient of numerous safety awards. In March the company was awarded the 2013 Governor’s Safety Award for bringing “distinction, skill, and integrity to the construction industry” through high safety standards. The honor was co-sponsored by the Delaware Contractors Association and the Delaware Department of Labor. Nickle has received this award for the past three years. And for the ninth year in a row, Nickle was awarded a STEP Safety Award by Associated Builders and Contractors. The Safety Training and Evaluation Process (STEP) is based on approximately 20 key elements of contractor safety programs, such as commitment of company management, responsibilities of safety personnel, and budget. This year the company was presented the award at the Diamond level for the first time from both the Delaware and National chapters. Nickle also received its second STEP Award from the Chesapeake Shores ABC Chapter at the Diamond level.

When Nickle celebrated four years without a lost-time accident in February, management made a decision to expand the Elite group. In the past, the company has recognized the Nickle Elite as employees who have been dedicated to the company for 10 or more years. That Elite group now includes those who have been with the company for five years or more. In the current condition of our economy, sticking with one company for five years is a great feat. To honor the 50+ new and longstanding Elite inductees, each member received a Challenge Coin to carry. And on any employee’s five-year anniversary they are presented with a certificate and coin of their own.

Twice in 2014, Nickle was recognized by outside parties as an outstanding subcontractor. EDiS Company selected Nickle as their Delaware Subcontractor of the Year. The EDiS team voted on a subcontractor in the state that has provided an exceptional level of commitment and service to a project or projects they’re working on in conjunction with EDiS. Additionally, Engineering News-Record Magazine named Nickle in its annual Top 600 Specialty Contractors list. Published at the end of October, it ranks specialty contractors by 2013 revenue. It was the first time Nickle appeared on the famed list.

A number of continuing education classes and retreats for field employees and management were held this year. Numerous changes were made to the National Electric Code this year and in order to maintain their licenses, Nickle electricians attended code classes in January and February. Also, classes that focused on training for RGS and IMC pipe threading were held in-house at our Newark and Georgetown locations. Each employee trained on three different types of machines to learn the intricate details of pipe threading.

In October, Chief Financial Officer Neal Donaldson traveled to Arizona for the Construction Financial Management Association Spring Creek Retreat. Neal is the chapter president in Delaware. It’s a non-profit organization that serves the educational needs of construction financial professionals. The trip brought together chapter presidents from around the country to cultivate leadership, team-building, work/life balance, and other topics to excel in the industry. Safety Director Mike Anderson attended the American Society of Safety Engineers conference in Orlando, FL, which included multiple training sessions, attendance by more than 100 exhibitors, speeches and Q&A sessions with high-level national safety executives, and more.

 This year Nickle acquired a business license to perform work in Virginia, expanding its resources geographically to offer its commercial, industrial, residential, and service skills to better serve the entire Delmarva Peninsula. Additionally, a new service was added to our offerings – infrared testing. This process evaluates the health of a building or residence. The test can detect electrical problems through infrared heat before they cause complications and can prevent costly damage. It can be performed in all divisions of construction – residential, commercial, and industrial – and should be performed annually or bi-annually.

 Company-wide events are always a hit throughout the year, promoting camaraderie and solidarity throughout the business. For the first time, Nickle hosted a Tool-B-Que with United Electric Supply, Klein Tools, Thomas & Betts, and Ideal Industries. Employees were invited to browse tools available for purchase while enjoying food and refreshments. Nickle also revived its annual Company Picnic this year, held at Lums Pond State Park. Employees enjoyed games, prizes, barbecue, ice cream, a corn hole tournament, a photo booth, and much more. Other notable events include a Copper Crab Party, DCA & ABC Crab Feasts, ABC Fall Fest and Chili Cook-Off, and an Ugly Christmas Sweater Party.

Throughout the year Nickle sponsors and participates in a wide range of community events. Nickle Electrical was a sponsor for the Smyrna-Clayton Little Lass Softball League in the spring. The team was coached by Vice President of Operations Jeromy Newton. In July Nickle supported Delaware Hospice by sponsoring and participating in their 6^th Annual 5k Run & Family Fun Walk. It was a record-breaking event for both the organization and Nickle. There were a total of 296 participants (15 of those from Nickle) more than 100 spectators, 50 volunteers, and 30 sponsors who raised more than $15,000. Proceeds from the event help the non-profit organization provide end-of-life education and support families and patients. For the third year in a row Nickle sponsored the Ronald McDonald House 5k in Lewes, DE. The non-profit organization provides a home for the families of children who are receiving care at local hospitals. To support and raise money for Easter Seals, Nickle employees participated in the 2^nd Annual Walk With Me Delmarva event. The walk raised more than $25,000 for the non-profit organization, which assists children and adults with disabilities.

Also this fall, six Nickle teams ran the Delaware Mud Run to benefit the Leukemia Research Foundation of Delaware. In total all teams – Full Muddy Jacket, GI Janes, Red Jaguars, Shockers, Beardos, and Wire Nuts – raised $4.695.

A few other events and charities Nickle donated time and money to include Hagley Museum, Sussex Technical High School, Milton Irsh Eyes St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Delaware Hospice Beef & Brew, EDiS Institute/Leadercast, ACE Mentor Program, Sussex Family YMCA, Georgetown Boys & Girls Club, Bike to the Bay, Ironman, DelTech Alumni & Friends 5k Run/Walk, Apple-Scrapple Festival, St. Margaret of Scotland, Sunday Breakfast Mission, Salvation Army Bell-Ringing, and Toys for Tots.

One of the most popular events of the year (and almost every year) is the annual Associated Builders and Contractors Excellence in Construction Awards dinner. Nickle submitted three projects and all received praise. Hologic DET and Delaware City DMV received Excellence awards and Woodbridge High School received a Merit award. With the addition of these, Nickle now has 31 total Excellence in Construction Awards.

If you’d like to keep up with Nickle news throughout the year, please e-mail Laura to receive our quarterly newsletter, or visit our website and subscribe to our e-mail list. The company also joined Twitter and Instagram this year if you’d like to follow along on social media.

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One of the projects given an award at the Excellence level was Hologic DET. The facility, located in Newark, manufactures medical imaging systems for women’s health examinations such as mammograms. The nearly 10,000-square-foot addition doubled product and output at the existing facility with cutting-edge technology. Team members: Estimator Dave Spittle, Project Manager Eric Webb, Foreman Jim Wills

The second Excellence award was given to the new, state-of-the-art Delaware City DMV facility. Nickle successfully designed and built the electrical systems for this 48,000-square-foot project serving New Castle and Kent County Delaware. Team members: Senior Estimator Matt Healy, Project Manager Brandon Cale, Foreman Brian Morgan

The third award was given at the Merit level to Woodbridge High School. This project was almost half a century in the making. The new 160,000-square-foot facility opened its doors to more than 600 students in September with modern, state-of-the-art features to educate today’s youth. Team members: Project Manager Dave Schreffler, Foreman Ed Starkey

“Congratulations to all the employees who worked on these projects,” said Nickle President/CEO Steve Dignan. “It’s a reflection of all the hard work everyone puts out on every project both big and small.”

Nickle now holds a total of 31 ABC Excellence in Construction Awards. The honors were presented at an awards dinner on November 20 at the Chase Center on the Wilmington Riverfront.

For more information on these award winners and future Nickle news, please subscribe to our email list. Or you may email Laura at ldignan@nickle.email to receive a hard copy of our quarterly newsletter.

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This is the first time Nickle has appeared on the list. To accompany the Top 600, ENR published an article examining the contractor market and how the landscape has changed compared to previous years. In 2013, the Top 600 set a record with total revenue of $88.23 billion, up 8.5% from 2012 and beating out the previous record of $87.07 billion in 2008.

Click here for the complete Top 600 list.

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This month take the time to recognize and thank the men and women who keep our lights on, fix our cars, make sure our air conditioning is working in the summer heat, and build our homes. September 19 marks the fourth annual National Tradesmen Day. In 2011 Irwin Tools, a manufacturer of professional hand tools and power tool accessories, established this day of recognition to honor “The Hands That Build America.” Its purpose is to recognize America’s tradesmen, such as mechanics, roofers, bricklayers, plumbers, woodworkers, carpenters, and electricians. It’s celebrated across the nation and Irwin Tools organizes events and activities for tradesmen. Each year it’s recognized on the third Friday in September. For more information visit www.nationaltradesmenday.com.

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The company was selected as one of the recipients of the 2013 Governor’s Safety Awards for the third year in a row. The honor was co-sponsored by the Delaware Contractors Association and the Delaware Department of Labor.

Mike Berardi, DCA President and Vice President of Wohlsen Construction, said in a letter to Nickle President/CEO Steve Dignan that the award is given to contractors that “bring distinction, skill, and integrity to the construction industry.”

The Governor’s Safety Award was presented at a luncheon on March 7 at Timothy’s on the Wilmington Riverfront.

Earlier this month Nickle was presented with its eighth consecutive Associated Builders and Contractors of Delaware STEP Award for safety. The STEP (Safety Training and Evaluation Process) program is designed to support ABC members with development and improvement of safety and training efforts. The awards are given in five levels based on a company’s safety program – Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond. This was the first year Nickle received the top award at the Diamond level for both the local Delaware chapter and the National chapter.

The awards dinner was held on May 1 at Cavaliers Country Club in Newark.

“These awards would not be achievable if our employees did not make safety a part of their everyday routine,” said Nickle Safety Director Mike Anderson. “Our employees are a big part of our safety program and I’m truly grateful to each and every one of them for their safety efforts.”

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Nickle Electrical Companies was founded in 1986 by the late Paul Allen Nickle as Paul A. Nickle, Inc. Electrical Contractors. Current owners Steve and Debbie Dignan acquired the company in 1991 and in 2008 the name was changed to Nickle Electrical Companies to better represent the company as a whole. Nickle has approximately 150 employees and performs commercial, industrial, residential, and service electrical work in southeastern Pennsylvania, the entire state of Delaware, and on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. Nickle’s mission is to safely provide exceptional electrical services within a culture built on quality, integrity, and accountability. The company’s commitment to these values has been integral to the successful procurement of more than 25 ABC Excellence in Construction Awards and 10 ABC STEP Safety Awards.

EDiS thanks Nickle Electrical Companies for their superior service on projects, including their continued work at Woodbridge High School, Delaware Army National Guard Bethany Beach Training Site, and University of Delaware’s Otis Laboratory.

Reprinted with permission from EDiS Marketing Assistant Angie LaPenta.

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Pictured left-right: Department of Labor Secretary John McMahon, Nickle Vice President of Operations Jeromy Newton, and DCA President and Wohlsen Construction Vice President Mike Berardi

Nickle Electrical Companies was recently selected as one of the recipients of the 2013 Governor’s Safety Awards for the third year in a row. The honor is co-sponsored by the Delaware Contractors Association and Delaware’s Department of Labor.

Mike Berardi, DCA President and Vice President of Wohlsen Construction, said in a letter to Nickle President/CEO that the award is given to contractors that “bring distinction, skill, and integrity to the construction industry.”

The accolade was awarded at a luncheon on Friday, March 7 at Timothy’s Restaurant on the Wilmington Riverfront.

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