Owners

Mike & Tanya Pappalardo

Mike Pappalardo started Mike’s Electric in 1991 as a way to have the freedom and flexibility to live life to its fullest. His wife, Tanya Pappalardo, is originally from Scarborough Ontario and in the early days conducted all of the office administrations and kept Mike’s Electric organized. For the first four years the business was run out of their home in North Troy. After that time, the company was going through its first expansion and was moved to Jay Vermont. Since then MEI has grown into one of the largest electrical contractors in the state of Vermont. Mike attended the Eaton School for VFD Motor Controls and has his Master Electrician License in Vermont, New Hampshire, New York, Massachusetts, Maine and Rhode Island. Mike and Tanya run MEI as if it were an extension of their family. Each employee is treated as if they were a brother or sister and is expected to treat their fellow employees likewise. Mike continues to give opportunities to individuals that normally would not have a step up in life. “I always root for the underdog. I started out with my father giving me the opportunity of an education and it was up to me to apply it for my future. I feel that all good people must lend a hand and find good in others.”      

Joe Wiseman

Joe Wiseman has recently taken on the task of managing the role of President and CEO of MEI. Backed by extensive education and experience, Joe is a business graduate from Glenville State College and Crosby Quality College of Orlando, FL. He has continued his education through course work with the American Management Association, as well as the Wharton Business School. He comes to MEI after being in similar roles with several companies over different states.  His most recent positions were CEO of Tivoly Inc. in Derby Line, Vt. and President of Kane Magnetics in Kane, Pa.

Vice President

Adam Fortier

Adam Fortier has been with MEI for 15 years having started as an apprentice and is now a master electrician and the Vice President of the company. In addition, Adam is a certified Lighting Consultant.

Chief Financial Officer

Colleen Pratt

Colleen Pratt has been with MEI since 2002 and has extensive experience managing businesses of all sizes. Her role with MEI is to manage the financial, insurance, purchasing, administrative and compliance aspects of the business as well as assisting owner Mike Pappalardo with the management of the sister companies. Colleen is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin and lives on a farm with her family in Richford, VT.

Project Manager/Superintendent

Jay Whitcomb

Jay Whitcomb has spent 24 years in the electrical field having attained his Master Electrician license through the Vermont Electrical Apprenticeship Program. Having studied business management and architectural design, Jay has had experience in the construction of schools, high rises, office spaces, hospitals, power plants, airports, ski area resorts and high level security locations such as prisons.  In addition to his experience in the electrical field, Jay graduated valedictorian from the Commercial Diving Academy and is an underwater welder.

Fire Alarm Division Manager/ Senior Fire Alarm Technician

Russell (Rusty) Bellavance 

Russell Bellavance has been with MEI for the past five years with over 20 years of experience as an electrician. He acquired his Master Electrician license through the state’s Electrical Apprenticeship Program and holds his Master license for both Vermont and New Hampshire. In addition, Russell is also a Hochiki factory trained installer and programmer of fire alarm systems. With a T1 TQP (Technical Qualification Program) license for fire alarms, he performs numerous annual inspections and heads MEI’s Fire Alarm Division.

Project Manager-Safety Officer

Kevin Riendeau

Kevin Riendeau began at Mike’s Electric over a year ago and has gone from foreman to project manager in that time. Before his time with MEI, Kevin spent six years in the United States Navy where he maintained the electrical distribution systems of the ships. He is a master electrician licensed in Vermont, Connecticut and New Hampshire with experience on managing large projects such as schools, insurance buildings, hospitals, high rises, and government land port of entries. Recently, Kevin has taken on the role of Safety Officer for all MEI personnel.