Joshua Nelson, Director of Technology Experience, Power Design, Inc
A lthough I didn’t come from a traditional electrical or engineering background, my career has been grounded in technology and leadership, providing a strong foundation for my role at Power Design, Inc.
As the Information Systems Chief for the 2d Tank Battalion in the USMC, I developed skills in preparation and adaptability— essential qualities in fast-paced, technical environments. Managing mission-critical systems in high-stakes situations taught me to anticipate challenges, create contingency plans, and remain agile.
In the private sector, my role as a Field Service Representative at Nielsen emphasized the importance of relationships. Effective communication, trust, and collaboration were key to driving success, especially when working with cross-functional teams.
Later, as Manager of Technology Services at Pasco County Schools, I learned the value of work-life balance and building sustainable, high-performing teams. These experiences have equipped me to navigate complex projects, foster innovation, and contribute to Power Design’s success.
Technological Advancements Shaping the Industry’s Future
The construction and engineering industry is evolving rapidly, driven by the need to build faster, maintain high quality, and ensure safety at every stage of a project. One of the most significant advancements shaping the industry today is the use of augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR) and artificial intelligence (AI). These technologies allow us to think differently, be proactive rather than reactive, and streamline processes before construction even begins. By leveraging AR, VR and AI, we can identify potential challenges early, optimize workflows, and enhance collaboration among teams, ultimately reducing rework and improving efficiency.
Beyond technology, investing in people remains key to staying ahead of industry trends. At Power Design, Inc., we recognize that our talent is our greatest asset. By fostering a culture of continuous learning and equipping our teams with the latest tools and knowledge, we empower them to maximize the benefits of emerging technologies. This combination of cuttingedge innovation and skilled professionals enables us to deliver high-quality projects efficiently while maintaining the highest safety standards.
By embracing new technologies and prioritizing people-first innovation, Power Design continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the construction and engineering sector.
Navigating Challenges in Construction and Contracting
The construction and electrical contracting industry is at a pivotal moment, facing challenges that require innovation and adaptability. A key challenge is scaling efficiently to take advantage of market opportunities while maintaining speed, quality, and safety. As demand increases, companies must embrace new ways of working to stay competitive.
At Power Design, Inc., we’re addressing this by expanding our capabilities. A prime example is the initiative I led to take our operations international, establishing an enterprise resource management office in Costa Rica. This enables shared services to streamline operations and enhance efficiency, ensuring scalability without sacrificing quality.
Talent development is also essential. We prioritize training and upskilling to keep pace with technological advancements and market demands. By investing in technology, expanding our capabilities, and developing our people, Power Design is positioning itself to overcome industry challenges and remain a leader in construction.
Technology Stack Enhancing Efficiency at Power Design
At Power Design, Inc., we take a strategic and proactive approach to technology, ensuring that our systems are seamlessly connected to drive efficiency and innovation. Our in-house development team plays a critical role in this by integrating our technological systems, allowing us to connect the dots across the business and create a unified, data-driven ecosystem.
By monitoring our technology impact in real-time, we can identify trends, optimize workflows, and take a proactive approach to problem management. With so much information available, we have the ability to detect and resolve issues before our customers or employees even realize there is a problem, ensuring smooth operations and uninterrupted productivity.
This interconnected technology stack not only enhances efficiency but also improves decision-making, reduces downtime, and enables us to scale effectively. Whether it’s automating workflows, improving collaboration, or leveraging data insights, our technology strategy ensures that Power Design remains agile and ahead of industry demands.
By continuously evolving our systems and investing in internal capabilities, we’re not just keeping up with technology— we’re using it to redefine what’s possible in construction and engineering.
Adopting Emerging Technologies in the Construction
Industry For professionals looking to adopt emerging technologies and modern engineering approaches in the construction industry, my advice is simple: extend your open-door policy to an open-mind policy. With the speed of technological advancements, there’s no room for the traditional modus operandi if you want to stay relevant and competitive. The industry is evolving rapidly, and success depends on a willingness to take calculated risks and push the envelope.
Innovation doesn’t come without challenges, but those who embrace agility and adaptability will be the ones who lead the way. The key is to take smart, calculated risks—test new technologies in controlled environments, measure their impact, and iterate quickly.
Key considerations when adopting emerging technologies:
● Start with a clear problem to solve. Technology should be a means to an end, not just an investment in the latest trend.
● Ensure seamless integration. Your tech stack should connect across your CRM, ERP, and project management tools to maximize efficiency.
● Prioritize training and adoption. The best technology is useless if your team doesn’t understand how to leverage it. Invest in education and change management.
● Monitor and measure impact. Data-driven decision-making ensures that technology is delivering value rather than just adding complexity.
Potential pitfalls to avoid:
● Waiting too long to innovate. If you’re waiting for a perfect solution, you’re already behind. Start small, test, and iterate.
● Ignoring culture and resistance to change. Technology adoption is as much about people as it is about systems. Bring your teams along in the journey.
● Overcomplicating with too many tools. More technology isn’t always better—focus on interoperability and efficiency rather than tech for tech’s sake.
At the end of the day, the future belongs to those who are willing to adapt and innovate. Those companies, like Power Design, that embrace emerging technologies with a strategic, forward-thinking approach will lead the way.