ZAK HOUK
This edition of NETA World’s “Insight and Inspiration” series features Zachary (Zak) Houk, General Manager at RESA Power Canada, a NETA Accredited Company headquartered in Calgary, AB, Canada. A NETA Level 4 Senior Technician, Houk is the newest member of the NETA Board of Directors and is already active on the Member Application Review Committee, Training Committee, and Technical Exam Committee.
NW: What attracted you to electrical testing?
Houk: I grew up in North Battleford, SK, and when I was finishing high school, a family friend had great things to say about the Electrical Engineering Technology Program he had attended at a trades college in Moose Jaw, SK. The course fit my strengths in high school math and physics, so I felt it would be a good choice. I was also aware of the electrical industry and specifically electrical testing, and it seemed like a very stable choice for a career.
After graduating, I moved to Calgary, AB, and worked for Magna IV Engineering. In 2008, Kevin Noonan, Marc MacHattie, and I founded Advanced Electrical Services (AES). AES became a NETA Accredited Company in 2017 and was acquired by RESA Power in 2022. I began joining NETA committees in 2017 and have increased my involvement over the years.
NW: What about this work keeps you committed to the profession?
Houk: The most interesting part of this industry is that you will never stop learning and experiencing new challenges, which keeps you engaged and involved in the ever-changing landscape of electrical testing. It also introduces you to associations and organizations such as NETA, where you will meet other professionals in your field from different parts of the world who have experienced similar as well as different challenges throughout their careers.
NW: As you start your work on the Board, what are your thoughts about how you can contribute to NETA and our member community?
Houk: I expect to contribute to NETA by working with the other members and adding my 25 years of field testing experience to the Association. I have already met such amazing people and developed great relationships within NETA, and we are all driven to be accountable to each other. NETA has built a very strong culture, and I am looking forward to being a part of it now and future.
NW: Do you have any issues you are passionate about?
Houk: I am passionate about educating clients about the testing standards that are of the most critical nature to their facilities. As industry experts, we need to continually educate others on the ever-changing and evolving landscape of the electrical testing industry. That is why I am so excited to have the opportunity to contribute as a Board member going forward.
I’m also passionate about my family. When I’m not on the motocross track being pit crew, mechanic, and coach for my 14-year-old son, I am watching my 12-year-old daughter’s gymnastics. When I get some personal time, I enjoy golfing, skiing, and socializing with friends.
NW: What about this work do you find challenging?
Houk: The most challenging aspect of this work is the travel component. The majority of sites are located away from home, which compromises your personal schedule. Balancing family time and work is always difficult, but when done correctly, the rewards far outweigh the downsides. This involves open communication between managers and employees regarding time off and scheduling well in advance.
NW: In your experience, what makes for a great workday?
Houk: The most rewarding aspect to me is when clients rely on you and projects get finished and energized successfully. It is always gratifying and rewarding to apply our expertise in a manner that contributes to our clients’ success on their projects. This also leads to future client relationships and further growth within your company, which ensures your employees will have stable work and gain further experience in their careers. The most rewarding aspect is the relationships you develop with clients on a personal and professional level.
NW: Why is ongoing training and professional development important in this field?
Houk: Training is key to our industry, and two areas require continual training: safety and technical training. Technicians must stay up to date on these areas to deliver a quality product safely and reliably. This industry will not allow corners to be cut and procedures not to be followed; the consequences are far too significant for technicians, clients, and all other parties involved.
This is the reason involvement in associations such as NETA is critical to all personnel who must stay up to date on testing standards, technology, and safety. If ongoing training and development are not taken seriously, those involved (company and employees) will fall behind in the industry, which will impact careers and reputations.
NW: What do you think should be the No. 1 priority for the electrical testing industry over the next year?
Houk: The priority should be for companies to build a strong culture, where safety and quality are held at the highest level. Once this is achieved, it will promote growth and drive client relationships. This goal can be accomplished through internal and external training, keeping up with evolving technologies, and having commitment from the top down within the organization.
NW: If you were talking to a young person interested in knowing more about having a career in electrical testing, what advice would you give them?
Houk: If they hold themselves and others accountable and put in the work, the sky is the limit in this industry. The time to focus on personal development is when they are young and coming into the industry. All other aspects will follow along with a successful career. I would also encourage them to never stop learning and experiencing the different skillsets required to succeed in this industry. They will never have to worry about their job becoming routine if they choose to follow this path.