HELO Electric first opened its doors in May of 2023. It is a Veteran owned, Christian company that prides itself on those attributes. Owners, Jon and Whitney Podzimek, started their electrical contracting business because being an entrepreneur has always been a goal of Jon’s. His many years of work in the industry and life experience are just a couple of the reasons why Jon felt it was time to be a business owner. Jon has been blessed with the ability to troubleshoot and problem solve and wanted to be able to use his skills, knowledge and experience to help others.

When deciding on the company name, Jon and Whitney wanted to incorporate both faith and Jon’s roots in aviation while in the Army. During his time in the Army, Jon was selected to oversee the company’s fleet of Blackhawk helicopters. This earned him awards from Sikorsky (a leader in the aviation industry) for his crosstrained abilities in avionics, electrical and maintenance. The couple used helo, the slang term for helicopter combined with helio meaning relating to the sun and their faith (Genesis 1:3 And God said, “Let there be light, “and there was light) and in 2022, the HELO Electric trade name was established.

Jon has been a residential, commercial and industrial electrician for eight years with his background in the aviation industry as an aircraft electrician. Podzimek enjoys the challenges of trouble shooting electrical issues, doing different types of electrical work and building quality working relationships with his customers.

Jon has extensive education and experience in the electrical field. He has a degree in Applied Science in Aviation, he has his airframe and power plant license, his electrical contractor license and 12 years in the aviation industry in addition to his eight years as an industrial/ commercial/residential electrician.

Jon’s Army career in the aviation industry opened many opportunities including overseas work and travel before moving back to South Dakota. In 2015, he and Whitney moved back to the Wagner area. Once back in South Dakota, he began his electrical career by obtaining his journeyman’s license and eventually his contractor’s license.

The Podzimek’s feel that Wagner is a great area for their business. To them, Wagner is a resilient, cultured community and a great place to raise a family. There is an increased demand for skilled labor here too. Eventually, the Podzimek’s are hoping to help encourage some of the community’s young adults into the electrical vocation.

When asked what is unique about their business Jon said that it is his knowledge and experience that he feels sets his business apart. He has extensive knowledge in the industrial setting with motor control circuits and programming. Examples of this type of work would be grain receiving elevators, centrifuges, instrumentation and industrial pumps. Jon also enjoys doing other kinds of work such as carpentry and concrete. Another unique aspect is that they are a small family-owned business. Whitney and the kids will likely help Jon out with different projects from time to time.

Before venturing out into the world of entrepreneurship, Jon previously worked as an electrician for POET Research Center in Scotland. Jon is currently an owner, the operator and sole employee for HELO Electric.

Operations have been steady since opening in May of 2023. Business goals for the company are to continue to grow their services within Wagner and the surrounding communities by building quality customer service relationships. Eventually, Jon would like to provide an apprenticeship program for the area’s youth. HELO Electric does not have set days or hours of operations, but is open to business on call.

Jon was born and raised in Wagner. He and his wife, Whitney have five children Olivia, Zane, Layla, Xander and Vaeda. When he is not working or busy with kid’s events or activities, Jon enjoys hunting, traveling, building, cutting firewood, working outdoors, family activities and a good cup of coffee.

Congratulations Jon and Whitney on your new business venture. Thank you for bringing your experience and knowledge back to Wagner to enhance the community and surrounding areas.