PEARL BOD Interview with Dave Kreger
What is your industry background?
I started in the electrical industry in the US Army Prime Power Program where I learned the basics of powerplant electrical systems, including inspection, testing and maintenance techniques. That experience was a natural segue into the InterNational Electrical Testing Association (NETA) where I started as a field service technician. I have had several roles in the NETA industry over the last 30 years including field service division and region operations management, director of training, and stints in business development and sales. I came to my current company ten years ago, and it was within Premier Power Maintenance that I was introduced to PEARL. In my previous companies, we did not have an apparatus reconditioning, so this organization was quite new to me.
Why is it important to serve on the PEARL Board of Directors?
Ironically, I joined the board as one of the few remaining independently owned companies hoping to represent the ‘little guy’ outside of the equity investment owned companies. Our initial application experience did not go very well – it was at the tail end of COVID and the management company was not very responsive to questions, etc.. It was then I said if I ever had the chance to improve the application experience I would. When I was invited to the Board the very first thing I did was volunteer on the Marketing & Membership committee hoping to use my role to improve the application process.  I think I had a small part in the change of management companies, which in itself has vastly improved both the application process and the association in general. Subsequently, having experience in training, I joined the Employee Development committee, and recently volunteered for the Standards committee having some experience with NETA in the standards development areas. The irony is Premier is now owned by equity investment as part of CBS, but I still try to advocate for the little guy!
What value does PEARL bring to the industry?
I would say the most important commercial value is that of industry and regulatory recognition as a certifying association through the ANSI process. Not only does PEARL offer certification of organizations within our industry, but the train, test, certifying process is paramount to employee certification, career progression, and ultimately increased retention. Many (federal) specifications require a PEARL certified service provider, and with continued intense marketing campaigns that same specification will begin to permeate the civilian sector, allowing the association membership continued growth and opportunities.
What do you like to do when you’re not immersed in electrical apparatus and equipment?
My wife and I have horses and dogs and a small farm to tend to, and we enjoy spending time with our combined ‘heard’ camping in the woods and riding equine trails in various parts of the country. We have a very active granddaughter who of course gets spoiled by Oma, so we spend many evenings and weekends in support of Ana’s activities.