Robert Lashin, P.Eng, President and CEO

Robert Lashin has been the president of Houle Electric since 1997. He started working for the company in 1973.

Robert is a well known figure in the electrical contracting, construction and related industries. He has invested countless hours to serve on various industry boards and committees to further both the safety regulations and business opportunities for BC.

Robert is the Chairman of the Electrical Contractors Association of BC (ECABC), and a Director, Council Member and Vice Chair of Construction Labour Relations BC (CLR)

Robert is a former Director and Chair of the BC Construction Association (BCCA) and a past Director and Chair of the Vancouver Regional Construction Association (VRCA). He served as a Director of the BC Safety Authority (BCSA) – a non-profit organization responsible for the delivery of safety services under the Safety Standards Act of BC. He is also a past Director of the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Partnership (VanAsep)

Robert is an Electrical Engineer (P.Eng) registered with the Association of Professional Engineers (APEG) of BC. He is also a 26-year Volunteer Karate instructor for the YMCA.

Dennis Carlow, Vice President

Originally a foreman and superintendent with Houle Electric in Victoria, Dennis Carlow is Vice President of Houle Electric.  Hired in 1980, Dennis is responsible for the overall operations of Houle Electric’s multiple branches and divisions.

Dennis has vast experience in project management, and holds an inter-provincial electrical ticket and gold seal certification from BCCA. He took his formal business training at British Columbia Institute for Technology (BCIT). He is past President and past Treasurer of the Electrical Contractors Association, Vancouver Chapter.

Rois Rizzo, Chief Financial Officer

Serving over 10 years with Houle Electric, Rois directs all financial aspects of the company including bonding, insurance, shareholder reporting and managing the accounting department. Rois is also responsible for establishing and implementing growth-driven financial policies for the company, ensuring continued quality of service as the company expands.

As a Certified Management Accountant, Rois served as a Senior Accountant with KPMG in their Business Advisory Services Group, as well as Controller for Budget Rent-A-Car and Assistant Controller for Palmer Jarvis. Rois also operated his own independent consulting company before joining Houle Electric.

Wayne Nielsen, Chief Estimator

Wayne started with Houle Electric in 1982. As Chief Estimator, Wayne is responsible for all major tenders and contract procurements. Wayne ensures Houle Electric’s tendering process meets the company’s rigorous corporate standards. Most importantly, Wayne’s vast experience ensures clients receive innovative and cost saving Value-Added Engineering. Wayne has led the tendering process for numerous high profile projects including Abbotsford Hospital, the UBC Life Sciences Building and Canada Place.

Wayne holds a diploma from BCIT in Electrical Technology and a Gold Seal Trade Certification.

Ken Bitschy, Corporate Safety Officer

Ken Bitschy serves as Houle Electric’s Corporate Safety Officer. He has played a key role in the company’s stellar, industry-recognized safety record. As a result of Ken’s leadership and dedication, Houle Electric has won numerous industry awards for project quality and innovation. Ken also serves as Manager for Houle’s Burnaby, Kamloops, and Kitimat Branches.

Ken joined Houle Electric as Superintendent in 1995, leading the largest group of electrical professionals in Western Canada, ensuring all projects ran smoothly and were completed on time, on budget and to the highest of industry standards.

Ken has worked in the electrical contracting business for over 30 years. Prior to joining Houle Electric, he was Superintendent for Flint Electric Ltd. He has extensive experience in large equipment and high voltage contracting, with several years experience on Hydro projects in the oil and gas industry. Ken holds an A-Class Certificate of Qualification (BC) and is certified for Interprovincial Work.

Amber Roberts, Human Resources Manager

With over 10 years experience as a Human Resources professional, Amber leads Houle Electric’s people-focused initiatives including strategic planning, leadership development and recruiting. She has significant practical and policy experience in her field, with special focus on employee relations. Prior to joining Houle Electric in 2007, she held HR positions with notable industry players including Teck Resources and Exp.

Amber holds a BA (Hons) in Sociology from the University of Western Ontario and a Diploma of Technology in Human Resources Management from BCIT. She also holds the Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) designation. As part of her initiative for continued development and market awareness, Amber sits on the Board for Skill Plan, a training facilitator in the construction industry as well as industry committees with the Electrical Contractors Association, Construction Labour Relations and VRCA.