Chuck Goodrich is a distinguished figure, excelling in both business and politics. Presently, he holds the esteemed position of President and CEO at Gaylor Electric, the Midwest’s largest merit-shop electrical contractor, boasting a workforce of over 1,400 skilled professionals. The company’s excellence is underscored by its inclusion in the coveted list of the “Top 30 Greatest Places to Work” by CIO Bulletin. Chuck Goodrich’s journey began as an intern in 1991, and through exceptional leadership, he ascended to his current role. Under his guidance, Gaylor Electric not only created over 1,000 jobs but also garnered acclaim for setting the gold standard in workplace safety. Beyond the boardroom, Chuck Goodrich is a staunch advocate for workforce development. He spearheaded the Hamilton County Workforce Innovation Network (HCWIN) through the Skill-Up Indiana grant, leaving an indelible mark on Indiana’s employment landscape. His influence extends nationally, having chaired the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC). In the political arena, Goodrich has been a dedicated State Representative of House District 29 since 2018. His legislative contributions include bills aimed at enhancing compensation for fallen public safety officers and dismantling financial barriers for student programs, with seven of his bills enshrined into law. Chuck Goodrich’s impact also reverberates in the community. He established a satellite campus of “The Crossing School of Business & Entrepreneurship” at Gaylor Electric, offering at-risk youth invaluable education and hands-on exposure to the electrical trade. Additionally, his philanthropic endeavors encompass organizations like Prevail, aiding abuse victims, and the David’s Well (USA) initiative, which uplifts impoverished villages in Panama. Chuck Goodrich’s multifaceted contributions in business, politics, education, and philanthropy stand as a testament to his unwavering dedication to the prosperity and well-being of his community and beyond.

Do you believe it is possible to eradicate generational poverty?

Generational poverty has been a pervasive issue in our society for decades, hindering many individuals and families from realizing their full potential. However, despite the complex nature of this problem, eradicating it is certainly achievable. At Gaylor Electric, I have seen firsthand the transformative power of targeted philanthropy and fair labor practices in breaking the vicious cycle of poverty. By leveraging these tools on a larger scale and collaborating to pursue a common goal, we can make meaningful strides toward ending poverty once and for all. It is not an easy road, but with determination, resources, and a shared sense of purpose, I am confident that we can overcome this challenge.

As CEO of Gaylor Electric, what specific measures have you taken that you believe can help end generational poverty?

I firmly believe that paying individuals a fair wage based on their performance and value-added is essential in eliminating generational poverty. It is imperative that we take bold strides to recognize that paying employees a wage that allows them to move up the social ladder ultimately benefits everyone. A fair wage not only fosters a sense of dedication and loyalty in employees, but it also has positive long-term impacts on a company’s growth. By ensuring that all members of the workforce are compensated fairly, we can help develop an atmosphere for success.

In your view, what is the link between policies and generational poverty?

As someone who has been part of the law-making process, I have come to understand the significant impact that policies have on our communities and in particular, ending generational poverty. While many factors contribute to poverty, policies play an essential role in addressing these issues. For instance, policymakers set the minimum wage, which many think is the answer…but it is a small part of the entire process.  Therefore, it is crucial for policymakers to focus on implementing policies that address the root causes of poverty and provide sustainable solutions for future generations. Through careful consideration and collaboration, we can craft policies that pave the way for a level playing field of opportunity for people to rise based on their performance.

What measures has Gaylor Electric taken to help end generational poverty?

One of the most impactful measures we have taken is ensuring our employees have the opportunity to use their efforts, talent, and performance to earn raises, allowing them to not only cover their immediate needs but also save and invest in their future. Additionally, we provide classes and resources that provide financial freedom training for every employee.  This service is no cost to them.  As CEO, I am personally committed to philanthropy efforts targeted at helping families living in poverty to improve their lives and break the cycle. We believe it is the responsibility of businesses to take a stand and actively work toward ending generational poverty in our communities.

Not every CEO is as philanthropic as you are. To those who are not, what incentive would you give them to consider taking part in initiatives aimed at ending generational poverty?

It is no secret that not every CEO shares the same level of philanthropic mindset. However, as a CEO who is dedicated to ending generational poverty, I must urge my fellow counterparts to take steps toward this goal – not just because it is the right thing to do, but because it is in their best interests as well. A key example is paying employees well, as it not only improves employee morale, but also serves as a crucial factor in productivity growth – an aspect that every CEO longs for, regardless of their philanthropic beliefs. In doing so, a company can contribute to the broader solution of ending generational poverty while simultaneously enhancing their own productivity and success. This is something I have seen work quite well for Gaylor Electric.

On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate Gaylor Electric’s efforts of trying to end generational poverty?

I would rate us 8/10. While I have seen the positive impact of our work in improving the lives of financially disadvantaged families, I also recognize that there is always room for improvement. It is important to acknowledge that poverty is a complex issue, and its eradication requires persistence and adaptation. We are continually striving to grow and broaden our perspective to better understand the challenges of poverty and how to bring about sustainable change.

Thank you for granting us this interview. One final question, you are such a success in business, would you be open to mentoring upcoming entrepreneurs?

As an experienced entrepreneur, I understand the challenges young professionals face when they are still learning the ropes of the business world. Personally, my career has developed as a result of being mentored and I still have mentors for different aspects of my life! I believe in nurturing young talent and providing guidance to help them reach their fullest potential. That’s why I’m always open to mentoring those who are eager to learn. At Gaylor Electric, we value the importance of sharing our knowledge and expertise to help others achieve success. So, if you’re a young entrepreneur looking for advice and guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out to me. Together, we can work toward building a bright and successful future.

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