“Go Big or Go Home”: Rod Mayer on Government Work, Resilience, and Leadership

MINOT, ND – AUGUST 2025 –

When it comes to government contracting, few have seen more challenges – and opportunities – than Rod Mayer, longtime leader of Mayer Electric and now part of Hunt Electric. On a recent episode of Beyond the Breaker, Mayer spoke candidly about the realities of working with federal projects, the lessons learned from both success and struggle, and the pride he takes in helping shape the future of the electrical industry in North Dakota.

The Tough Lessons of Government Work

“Government contracting is tough,” Mayer said. “It made me a better contractor, because it forced you to be detailed about everything – drawings, submittals, reports. If you’re not exact, they’ll send it back, and in some cases, even back-charge you.”

Mayer shared that unlike private jobs, where relationships can sometimes smooth bumps along the way, federal projects demand absolute precision. “You don’t do anything unless you have it in writing. You don’t turn a screw until it’s in writing,” he emphasized.

That discipline, he noted, is what ultimately sets successful firms apart. “If you want the work, go after the work. There’s nothing magic about it – be persistent, pay attention, and communicate.”

Why Go Federal?

Mayer’s own path into government work began in the mid-1980s, when interest rates were sky-high and commercial projects in North Dakota had dried up. With a young family at home, he faced a choice: travel as a union electrician or take on the large-scale work available at nearby military bases.

“Either you go big or you go home,” he recalled. “I went big.”

From missile site renovations to NASA projects, Mayer’s crews built a reputation for tackling tough jobs – and delivering.

War Stories and Wins

Some jobs left scars. Mayer recounted a housing project at Minot Air Force Base with brutal winters, stolen equipment, and massive liquidated damages. “To the best of my knowledge, we were the only subcontractor that finished the job,” he said. “Everybody else got fired.”

Others, though, left him with pride. A design-build rifle range completed just before the Hunt acquisition stood out for its fairness and collaboration. “The GC said, ‘Be fair with us, we’ll be fair with you.’ That’s how it should work,” Mayer said.

Strengths for the Future

Looking ahead, Mayer believes Hunt Electric is well-positioned for government work. With in-house resources like CAD, BIM, and experienced PMs, Hunt offers capabilities rarely found in Western North Dakota.

“Not many firms can handle major federal projects the way Hunt can,” he noted. “It’s about having the right people, the right tools, and the persistence to keep after it.”

He added that design-build and design-assist delivery methods are becoming more common, which plays to Hunt’s collaborative strengths.

Shaping the Trade

Beyond projects, Mayer has played a direct role in shaping North Dakota’s electrical industry as a longtime member—and current president—of the State Electrical Board. Since 2009, he has helped steer legislation, enforce licensing standards, and expand apprenticeship opportunities.

“I thought I could give back to what the trade has given me,” Mayer said. Under his leadership, the board now funds apprentices’ books for those who maintain a 2.5 GPA or higher and is moving to oversee elevator inspections statewide.

He takes pride in Hunt Electric’s footprint across both Dakotas and Minnesota. “It’s a compliment that Hunt has board members in both states,” he said.

A Culture That Fits

Reflecting on nearly four decades leading Mayer Electric before joining Hunt, Mayer said the transition felt like a renewal. “I wish it would have happened 15 years earlier,” he admitted. “At 65, I still have gas in the tank, and I love getting up for work in the morning. Not many people can say that.”

He credits Hunt’s culture – particularly its emphasis on safety and training—for energizing him. “Walking into the training rooms here was a culture shock, in the best way,” he said. “That commitment makes people want to work here.”

The Last Word

Asked what advice he’d leave with Hunt employees, Mayer didn’t hesitate. “Attitude, concentration, effort—that spells ace,” he said, quoting a lesson from an old coach. “If your attitude is good, you’ll concentrate better, and your effort will follow. That’s how you succeed—whether it’s in government work, in the field, or in life.”

Want to know the full story of how Mayer Electric became part of Hunt Electric? Click here to read more.