At Preferred Electric, a Horwitz Company, strong leaders are measured by the teams they build, the example they set, and the way they help others succeed. As an Electrical Foreman, Josh Dehn brings that mindset to every jobsite, leading with a positive attitude, a focus on safety, and a genuine appreciation for the people he works alongside. With more than two decades of experience in the electrical field, he’s built a career by embracing new challenges, continually learning, and creating an environment where his teams feel supported, respected, and empowered to succeed.
Leading By Example
Since joining Preferred Electric, a Horwitz Company four years ago, Josh has witnessed first-hand the growth of the team during that time. Today, he oversees the day-to-day operations of the jobsite, coordinating Preferred crews, planning work activities, managing project schedules, and ensuring materials, equipment, and manpower are in place. While the role comes with a lot of responsibility, it allows him to work on the types of projects he enjoys most, including a current facility upgrade project at DuPont FilmTec involving electrical infrastructure, control systems, and equipment installations.
When reflecting on a project that stands out in his career, Josh points to the University of Minnesota Territorial Hall, a project combining infrastructure modernization with improvements to indoor air humidity. The work enhanced the facility’s performance and reliability while supporting its long-term operational needs. Leading a crew of nearly 30 electricians through an aggressive construction schedule required proactive planning, clear communication, and the ability to adapt as priorities shifted. Coordinating a project of that scale while keeping work moving safely and efficiently made it one of the most rewarding experiences of his career. Rather than shying away from the pressure, Josh thrives in fast-paced environments where every day brings a new challenge. “I like being challenged,” he says. “The more complex the project, the more satisfying it is to see everyone come together and get it done.”
Growing Stronger Together
While Josh enjoys the challenge of complex projects, it’s the people who make the work most fulfilling. Whether leading a crew or working alongside teammates in the field, he values the relationships builds on every project and appreciates being part of a team where collaboration and support are engrained in the culture. “Watching Preferred Electric’s team continue to grow is exciting. It’s creating new opportunities to take on larger, more complex work while drawing on the experience and knowledge of the greater team,” he states.
For Josh, leadership is about creating an environment where people feel supported and respected while making safety a priority every day. He believes one of the most important responsibilities of a foreman is looking out for the people around him and leading by example. That mindset also shapes the advice he shares with newer electricians, noting that “as the leader, always have a positive attitude and just be nice to everybody,” he says, a mindset that has shaped one of the biggest lessons he has learned throughout his career. Construction is a field where there is always something new to learn, and Josh believes curiosity and humility are essential to long term success. He reminds others, “Don’t be afraid to ask questions if you don’t know something. There’s a lot to learn in this field, and you don’t have time to learn it all.”
Beyond the Jobsite
Outside of work, Josh enjoys spending as much time outdoors as possible. Whether he is hunting, fishing, or boating on Minnesota lakes, he appreciates any opportunity to be outside with family and friends. One thing many people may not know about him is that he also works as a part-time fishing guide. For more than 20 years, he has spent evenings and weekends helping guide fishing trips alongside a longtime friend. Sharing his passion for fishing with others has become a rewarding way to spend his time outside of work, allowing him to introduce people to the sport and help them enjoy Minnesota’s lakes. Much like his role on the jobsite, Josh enjoys helping others learn and enjoy the experience along the way.
Looking Ahead
After more than 20 years in the electrical industry, Josh continues to embrace opportunities to learn, lead, and take on new challenges. Whether he is coordinating complex projects, mentoring younger electricians, or helping his crew work safely and efficiently, he remains committed to doing the job the right way. His steady leadership, positive attitude, and dedication to the people around him continue to make a meaningful impact on every project and every team he is part of.
