Artisan Electric | Midwest Indiana Electrical Consultants

Why us you ask?  Here is a little info about what our Audio / Video / Technology team brings to the table.

Mark Baitinger is the owner of Sound Lab:  Sound Lab is a professional custom electronics corporation founded by Mark in 1989.  Specializing in competitively priced System Design, Consulting, Retail Sales, Installation and Service, Sound Lab has been providing quality Audio/Video solutions for a wide range of large and small residential and commercial projects throughout Central Indiana.  In addition to his extensive background, certifications, and training in the A/V world, Mark is a Contacta affiliated authorized dealer and is advanced hearing loop trained.

Chris Voglund is the owner of Artisan Electric:  Artisan Electric was founded in 2004 by Chris, after 15 years of previous electrical contracting experience.  Specialists in residential, commercial, and industrial electrical contracting as well as voice, data, and audio solutions.  Chris is a degreed Journeyman Electrician, Leviton Network Systems certified installer, and has an extensive background in electrical service, live audio, sound reinforcement, recording, and performance space planning.

Profound Technology Group:  Our technology partner, Profound Technologies, is recognized as a world leader in the AV integration Industry – specializing in Crestron solution systems and programming. Combining complex and advanced audio video communication systems with custom programming to make simple to use, enjoyable end-use solutions.  

Paired together our companies provide a combined 100+ years of electrical, tech integration, and A/V experience – making us a uniquely qualified team for today’s demanding tech based design, project management, and installation services.  Couple that with our passion for A/V and our professional reputations we represent one of Indiana’s best teams for integration projects of all sizes.

Who do you know that got spooked by this recent line of storms and the related power outages?

The reality is that with the continued deterioration or our aging power grids, line worker cut backs and under staffed utility providers, and the rapid increase in dramatic weather events these situations are going to become more common place.

Artisan Electric can help with mobile and back up power solutions, using certified and licensed journeyman electricians, licensed plumbers (for the gas line work) and the proven performance and 24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE that comes with the KOHLER product line.

Artisan Electric is an approved vendor of Kohler Generator Systems thru Buckeye Power Sales.  We have the full package of solution, design, installation, warranty, and service that is second to none in the area.  When you think back up power think Artisan Electric

1. AE, in joint partnership with Mark Baitinger and Sound Lab, can now offer locally based certified installation of induction hearing loop systems.  For more information on looping systems and ADA compliance you can go to www.hearingloop.org
2. AE has been moving strongly into the field of full Audio / Video / IT integration.  With our partners at Sound Lab we recently completed a 200K project at Westminster Village.  This project included a full Creston digital media sever solution, on wall interactive touch screens, (3) hearing loops, and a wide range of other audio / video tech
3. AE is about to head into our 10th year of business and remains one of the highest rated contractors in the greater Tippecanoe County area
4. AE is a factory authorized vendor rep for Kohler Power systems, offering both residential and full line commercial backup generator systems with installation and 24 hour emergency support
5. AE bills from a standardized rate sheet, provides a lifetime warranty on our workmanship, and never mark up our material. You can find this information in writing and download PDF formats on our website www.artisanelectric.net
6. AE recently moved to our new shop on North 9^th Street – we now have access to a forklift and loading dock as well room to keep all of our fleet vehicles inside. This location provides us a much better central point for service to the both cities and allowed the room needed for our recycling program
7. AE is a full recycling partner!  In the beginning of 2012 we committed to limiting our land fill waste.  Now, approaching the start of 2014 we have made it to the point of going “dumpster free” and are now 95% recycling based, including eWaste, plastic, metals, cardboard, and paper

- See more at: http://www.artisanelectric.net/usb_outlets#sthash.VxQF842d.dpuf

The Artisan Electric 2013 Room Style Makeover contest is up and running.  This year we are looking to style out one lucky Mom with a very special $3000.00 space of her own.

Here is how it works:

• Find us on Facebook – www.facebook.com/artisan electric
• Like our page and go to the contest giveaway tab – here is a direct link >>>  Room Style Makover Contest
• Watch the reveal video for last year’s contest winner
• Follow the contest instructions and nominate a Mom for this year’s contest!

Just that easy.  Hope to see your entry come in soon.

In the wake of all these Midwest floods we thought this was a relevant topic.  Many kinds of contractors get called during the aftermath of floods and water events.  Make sure they know and understand what water does to electrical systems!

(6) Things to know regarding electrical systems and water

• If electrical service entrance equipment has been submerged it needs to be inspected, dried out, and have all the connections re-made with anti-corrosion compound.  In some cases total replacement may be the only guaranteed option for safety
• Circuit breakers that have been exposed to direct water, extreme weather, high moisture, or active water need to be replaced, no exceptions! Circuit breakers are over current protection devices – they are the main safety device in the electrical circuit and need to work
• Any outlet or switch that has been submerged or effected by direct water or moisture needs to be removed and replaced – water means corrosion and corrosion is the enemy of good electrical connections
• Romex type building wire that has been submerged should be replaced.  It is nearly impossible to get it fully dried out… the plastic casing acts as a hose and retains water that over time will leak back out into the device connections and cause corrosion
• Ground mounted lights that have been submersed can be full of water days after a flood event – these should be checked out carefully to insure safe operation when switched back on
• Remember that electricity and water do not mix, and most electrical products are not tolerant of being submerged.  Just because it “came back on” does not mean it is safe to use or is in the same condition it was prior to being effected by water

If you have any questions let us know – we do site consults an can get you on the right path to a speedy and safe restoration.

The time has come! We are now accepting submissions for the 2012 Artisan Electric Room Style Giveaway.

Would you like to know what’s up for grabs? Good! Because we’d like to tell you.

Artisan Electric has teamed up with Willow Stained Glass Studio and R. Douglas Painting to offer a room style giveaway worth more than $3000, including:

• A full lighting consultation, design, and installation, light fixtures, dimmers, and 2 USB U-Socket powered outlets provided by Artisan Electric
• A full room re-paint provided by Gaius Douglas of R. Douglas Painting
• A professional style, design, and space planning consultation with Michelle Wood-Voglund, of Willow Stained Glass Studio

If you’ve got a room that could use some attention, head over to the Artisan Electric Facebook Page and enter to win the giveaway. The entry period will be open for the next two weeks. Finalists will be chosen by the Makeover Team and announced on Monday, June 18th, 2012. By submitting an entry to the giveaway, each entrant agrees to the following rules and regulations:

• The Artisan Electric Room Style Giveaway is sponsored by Artisan Electric, Willow Stained Glass Studio, and R. Douglas Painting.
• The sponsors reserve the right to modify this giveaway as needed.
• The giveaway is open only to residents in Tippecanoe County, Indiana, and only owner-occupied homes are eligible for this giveaway.
• Room size is not to exceed 400 sq. ft.
• Winner agrees to sign a consent to work agreement prior to the start of the makeover that will include a line item description of the work to be done.
• The makeover package does not include any unforeseen repairs required to complete the work.
• All work is insured and guaranteed.
• Winner grants permission for the giveaway sponsors to use before/after photos and videos for future advertisement and promotional purposes.
• The giveaway sponsors reserve the right to defer to a runner-up if site conditions prevent a pro install or safe work conditions.
• The Makeover will be completed within 90 days of the conclusion of the contest.

2011 was a pretty amazing year for us.  We learned a lot and we really took some steps to up our game.  We always like to hear good things about our work  – but when it comes from you the client it means the most.

We are very excited to announce that for the second year in a row we are an Angie’s List Super Service Award Winner.

A sincere and honest thank you from me and our team!

Best Regards,

Chris Voglund – owner

A little known fact in the building trades is how cheap the workmanship has really gotten.  Once upon a day – when you put your companies name on it that meant you stood behind what you did, period.  In this day and age low bid gets the job.  Sure there are some stand up exceptions to this, but for the most part the war cry of  “get it done fast and cheap” is the norm.  In that process the real loser is the homeowner, and in most cases they don’t even know it happened.

Here is one example:  most sub-contractors are only required as part of the bid process to back their work with a 1 year warranty to the builder, and most builders only offer a stock 3 to 5 year warranty on the whole project.  Frankly speaking – we think that is despicable!  Your home is likely the single  largest investment you will ever make – how is it that you can get a great warranty on a car these days but not your house?

Here are 25 reasons an Artisan Electric custom home project stands out from the rest

1)      Our jobs are run and staffed by Journeyman electricians, no exceptions!

2)      We use only quality materials and practices, no exceptions!

3)      No 15 amp – 14 gauge “cheap-o” circuits.  We use only 20 amp (or larger) rated branch conductors

4)      We only use copper buss commercial load centers and service entrance equipment

5)      We use separate circuits for each room (excluding lighting) in a home.  This avoids problems with today’s computer and electronic equipment, as well as new high-demand appliances

6)      We do not share neutrals for any of our circuits

7)      Artisan Electric is the highest rated Angie’s List contractor in a 30 mile radius of Lafayette – go take a look

8)      Arc-fault circuit breakers are used on bedroom power circuits per NEC requirements

9)      We do not use feed thru wiring practices or “stab in the back” wiring methods. All devices are pig tailed at the point of use

10)   We only use steel junction boxes with threaded ground screw connections.  Do it once, do it right!

11)   Our employees take extensive safety training (CPR, First Aid,) and OSHA safety certifications

12)   All of our employees have been thru a BAT certified 4 year electrical apprenticeship program and have testing documentation

13)   We use Hubbell 15 and 20 amp commercial rated receptacles, with dedicated 20 amp rated receptacles for all appliance loads. We only use 20 amp rated commercial GFCI outlets

14)   We put spare pipes to the garage / attic / outdoor living / and crawl spaces for future use.  It is our job to look out for your total lifespan needs

15)   We use only 1000 watt or larger rated Lutron dimmers for our projects – with CFL / LED dimmers for any unique lighting requirements

16)   All of the products we use for construction come from pro vendors – no “home store” off brand or B-Stock items are used for our installs

17)   Artisan Electric is a member of a certified recycling system, all wasted generated by us will be sorted and recycled with Resolve Earth Solutions

18)   We provided “As-Built” drawings for our projects upon completion – you will know exactly what you paid for

19)   We understand the importance of good housekeeping, our projects are cleaned daily – we won’t leave a mess for you

20)   We have the experience, expertise, professionalism, and training to handle the job – without creating stress and re-work for the other trades, project supervisors, and especially to the home owner

21)   Our bids are comprehensive, ethical, and truthful.  We provide a line item of the circuits to be used to our clients so they KNOW exactly what they are paying for and what it includes

22)   Our bids cover the items the others leave out, including options for audio, video, internet, exterior lights and audio, home theater, and smart home wiring

23)   Whole house surge protection comes standard with our bid package

24)   We are an authorized Kohler GenSet dealer.  We can provide best in generator solutions for natural gas and LP systems -including pre-wire options for future generator hook-up / smart transfer interface panels / legendary Kohler reliability and certified maintenance plans

25) A custom home wired the Artisan Electric way comes with a 10 year transferable workmanship warranty – we do it right, period!

2011 was an exciting year for us here at Artisan Electric, we closed out the year as our best ever!  We had growth nearing 20% for our second year in a row – and have finally slayed many of the demons that came with 2008 / 2009 crash!  We meet some very specific goals in 2011, here our a few highlights:

• Implementing a certified recycling plan with Resolve Earth
• Forming a partnership with Buckeye Power Sales to become a Kohler generate dealer / installer
• Forming a partnership with Surge Assure to offer advanced residential and commercial surge protection solution
• In depth web and social media development – hitting the 1500 click thru a month mark on our web platform (primary site / blog)
• Attending the X.commerce / Magento web development conference in San Fransisco – this was truly an awakening
• Developing the Monticello Electric brand and companion web site
• Our continued involvement with the RPM Chapter of Business Networking International (now ranked number#1 in the state)
• Working with Food Finders Food Bank and the mobile pantry program to help feed the hungry
• Working with Dave Mason and IS Photographic to sponsor the the ISmotorsports track bike

As you can see – 2011 was a busy year full of changes and forward thinking.  We are getting pretty juiced up for where this is leading us in 2012.  We have some big changes in store to roll out this year, the most exciting of which will be a full new web site and a companion on line eCommerce store.  Our new web store will be offering a large selection of goods and service for sale as “buy now” only products (like battery backup UPS units, multi-outlet plug strips, point of use surge protection, specialty audio and video items, USB outlets, portable generators) as well as package deals on other offerings including installation and service(s).

Additionally we will be rolling out some fun new branding and graphics for the company, based on our very popular “happy outlet” design developed for us by Mineus Print and 838 Sign Co.  Here is sneak peak at where that is headed!

In closing I just want to say an honest and sincere thanks to all of the people who have helped us along the way.  Our clients and advocates, the designers and web folks that have helped us, our mentors and business community, BNI, all of you!  I have long believed that it takes a community to build a business.  A few individuals have gone over beyond that I would like to mention by name (you people ROCK!)

My amazing wife Michelle – who never fails to lend an ear and be the best mom ever (and keep me in check).  My equally amazing daughter Rosemary, Johnny Klemme (who may be one of the very best people in the world), My right hand guys Dustin Beebout and Aaron Paris – none better in town!  My bookkeeper CJ Reynolds, Dr. Di Begley, My accountant Diana Isbell, Chas and Bonnie Dela for being a second family when we had none and our very first clients! Noah Mattern and Maximumedia Design , Bill White, Steve Thalls, Aaron Zernack and Mineus Print, Inked Spot, Instant Copy, Stan Mithoefer (who has been our very best client from day one!), Javin and the Mad Men Creative gang, ALL the members of the RPM Chapter of BNI, Paul Baldwin for being Paul, Chris and Jessica Johnson – People’s Brewing Co, K. Dees Coffee, Dr. Dan and the Miracles Fitness Team, Ron Whitaker, Dave and Tara Mason, Roger and Kristy Miley, Brian Elgin, Brady Lumley, Ron Smith, Joe and Erica Wilson, Rob Handcock and the Beck’s Auto Service Team, Barry Bruce and the Mitchell Agency, Jeff Onken and The State Farm Insurance Team, The Lafayette Brewing Company, Chris and Susan X, Kelly Good, Randy Lynch, Andy and Michelle Schwindler at Outdoor RoomScapes (for being some of the best new folks we meet this year!).  I am sure there are many more… sorry if I missed you!

WE ALL COME UP TOGETHER!

Best Regards,

- Chris Voglund & the Artisan Electric Team