Subcontractor of the Year

Hurt keeps giving back to his industry

By JoAnn Petaschnick

Henry Hurt Owner of Hurt Electric Inc., Milwaukee

Henry Hurt wants to do more.

That was clear when he started out as an apprentice electrician after graduating from Milwaukee’s West Division High School. His instructors emphasized helping other apprentices that came along after him, and Hurt took the advice to heart.

It’s been 25 years since Hurt’s apprenticeship days. He owns his own electrical-contracting business. But his commitment to mentoring and training young people interested in becoming apprentices in the electrical trades is stronger than ever.

Hurt established Hurt Electric Inc. in Milwaukee 10 years ago, and the company now employs eight people. The business is a top priority, but Hurt is never too busy
to make time for a variety of volunteer activities.

That ongoing commitment to the industry and its youth is a big reason why Wisconsin Builder selected Hurt as its Subcontractor of the Year.

Hurt is active with apprentices at the state level and serves as a mentor and teacher at the Lynde and Harry Bradley School of Technology and Trade in Milwaukee.
“I have known Henry for 15 years, and whenever I have asked him to come out and help with the students, he has always made himself available,” said Willie Sinclair, department chairman of the Pieper Power School of Construction at Bradley Tech. “He has been more than willing to be a mentor to these kids. I wish there were more people like him.”

Hurt serves on the board of directors for Bradley Tech Construction Academy Inc., a nonprofit organization designed to give students in the building trades some real-world, hands-on experience.

“Every year we rehab a house, and Henry helps with that project, too,” Sinclair said.

Sinclair said Hurt’s contributions to the students at Bradley Tech stand out not just because he acts as a mentor to the students, but also because he’s there, serving as a role model.

“Henry has a business to run, but he always takes time for the students,” Sinclair said. “It’s so important that they see what Henry has done, that it is possible to be a success.

“That is very important, especially for young people of color because there aren’t as many role models around for them.”

Hurt also serves as a board member for BIG-STEP Inc., the Building Industry Group-Skilled Trades Employment Program in Milwaukee. The program, which is a building and construction training and placement partnership, helps qualify minorities and women for apprenticeships in the building trades.

“Henry is committed to outreach and recruitment for BIG-STEP,” said Earl Buford, executive director of the organization.

Buford commended Hurt for his zealous community outreach efforts.

“Henry goes into the high schools, to organizations like the Urban League and community groups to recruit people for our program,” Buford said. “He firmly believes that once you get someone into a career, other problems will take care of themselves.”