NEP's Union Strong Stories from the Front Lines: IBEW Local 400

Mothers and Fathers of the Trades: How IBEW Local 400 Put Family First

When we think about the skilled trades, we often focus on the buildings being wired, the projects being completed, and the infrastructure being built. But behind every journeyman and apprentice is another story—one of parents balancing demanding careers with raising families, making sacrifices, and building legacies that go far beyond any job site.

That's the story IBEW Local 400 wanted to tell.

The Vision

In partnership with NEP's creative team, Local 400 set out to create something different for Mother's Day and Father's Day—not just social media posts, but genuine conversations with their members about what it means to be both a skilled tradesperson and a parent.

The result? Mothers of the Trades and Fathers of the Trades—a video series that humanized the union experience and showcased the real people behind the hard hats.

Behind the Camera

NEP worked with Local 400 to identify members willing to share their stories on camera. We sat down with fathers like Alexander Lanier and Travis Alanskas, and mothers like Trischele Petach and Kimberly Karch —all journeyman electricians balancing the demands of the trade with raising young children.

The interviews weren't scripted. We simply asked them to talk about their lives: the early mornings, the late nights, the pride in their work, and the even greater pride in their kids.

What emerged was powerful:

• A single mother putting her dream house on hold to prioritize her children's stability
• A father learning that "quality time matters more than the amount of time"
• Parents teaching their kids that you don't need to sit behind a desk to be successful
• Union members grateful for the healthcare, retirement, and stability that let them focus on family instead of financial stress

The Themes That Resonated

• ‍Time is the Ultimate Struggle: Nearly every parent we interviewed mentioned time—leaving before their kids wake up, getting home right before bedtime, missing moments. But they also talked about being present when they are home, about making every moment count.‍
• Union Benefits = Family Stability: The refrain was consistent: the union gave them something their own parents didn't have. Healthcare without worry. Retirement they can count on. The ability to focus on being a parent instead of constantly chasing financial security.‍
• Building Things That Matter: These parents wanted their children to understand that what they do matters—whether it's wiring a hospital, a school, or an office building. They're building the infrastructure their communities rely on every single day.‍
• Values That Transfer: From the job site to the dinner table, the values were the same: work hard, be honest, keep learning, keep your word, and treat people with kindness.

The Impact

Released around Mother's Day and Father's Day, the videos resonated deeply with Local 400's membership and beyond. Comments poured in from members who saw their own struggles and triumphs reflected on screen. Parents shared the videos with their own children. And the broader community got to see union electricians not as statistics or talking points, but as real people making real sacrifices to build better lives for their families.

One father summed it up perfectly: "My children will always be my greatest creations."

The Takeaway

Sometimes the most powerful advocacy isn't about contract wins or legislative victories—it's about telling authentic stories that remind people why we do this work in the first place.

The Mothers of the Trades and Fathers of the Trades series did exactly that. It showed that union membership isn't just about wages and benefits—it's about building a foundation that lets working parents actually be present for the moments that matter most.

NEP was honored to help IBEW Local 400 bring these stories to life. When unions tell their members' real stories, they don't just build solidarity—they build understanding, respect, and lasting connections with their communities.

Want to tell your local's story in a compelling way? NEP's creative team can help you develop video content that resonates. Let's talk.

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Jules Fiorito is a Digital Content and Social Media Strategist at NEP Services, where she works closely with executive leadership to develop and execute impactful social media and content strategies. With an MBA background and experience in marketing through internships and volunteer work, Jules brings a strong blend of creativity, strategy, and analytics to her role. She specializes in building brand awareness through compelling storytelling, engaging video content, and data-driven insights, while staying ahead of emerging trends and evolving audience behavior in today’s fast-paced digital landscape.