Nick Rhomberg, 35
Area Vice President—North Pacific
Crescent Electric Supply
Nick entered the industry nine years ago, joining Crescent Electric Supply as a management trainee. “I was born and raised in Dubuque, Iowa [across the Mississippi River from East Dubuque, Ill., where Crescent Electric is headquartered] so I was always familiar with the company and its presence,” Nick said. “I worked for Target Corporation for five years before meeting with the Crescent team to discuss a career change. After significant learning and development in my first career, I was very interested to apply those learned skills in a new industry.”
After completing a year of training, Nick spent one year as an energy business development manager, three years as an account manager, and one year as a district manager before moving into the role of area vice president (Rocky Mountain) for two years and then into his current role in September 2023.
“As a new hire I was drawn to the creativity the industry fostered to solve challenging problems. I was excited about an industry that was hungry for innovation,” Nick recalled. “The industry plays an essential role in the electrification of America and is poised for unprecedented growth as we work to upgrade the country’s power infrastructure. Achieving this will only be possible by galvanizing channel partnerships. This is what continues to appeal to me.”
Asked about a challenge the industry is facing, Nick pointed to succession planning. “This is the industry’s most critical challenge over the next five to 10 years,” he said. “With the anticipated growth due to electrification, the total talent pool will need to grow in breadth and depth. I’ve been focused on many training and development plans in addition to industry advocacy. I plan to continue to actively recruit, promote, and diversify the platforms in which I can help drive stronger interest and development of the industry at large.”
Looking ahead, Nick is focused on helping “drive positive change within the company and throughout the industry,” he said. “Involvement in associations like NAED, NECA, IEC, and others will help provide platforms where I can continue to both develop my core competencies and help attract like-minded others to the industry.”
What would Nick tell someone just entering the industry? “There is a LOT to learn,” he said. “Ask thousands of questions. The exciting part? There’s ALWAYS someone you can track down who has the answer. Be curious and relentless about your pursuit of knowledge. There is significant growth potential for all individuals joining the industry as the future bodes well for substantial expansion over the coming decades.”
Nick is a die-hard Iowa Hawkeye fan. “It doesn’t matter the sport; a large portion of my wardrobe is black and gold!” he noted, adding that he also enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife and two children. “Hiking, swimming, sports, anything that gets us outside. I’m also trying to refresh my Spanish-speaking skills. I studied Spanish into college and started Duolingo back in the fall. I have a long way to go but I’ve enjoyed the re-learning process!”
Each year tED magazine recognizes 30 of the industry’s best and brightest under the age of 35. Please visit tedmag.com/30Under35 for nomination information and updates about the 2025 program. Questions can be sent to tED Editor Misty Byers at mbyers@naed.org.
Tagged with 2024 30 Under 35, 30 under 35, people