ADMIT IT, YOU HAVE AN INQUIRING MIND, AND YOU WANT TO KNOW ABOUT THE TEAM DESIGNING YOUR DREAM HOME. WE UNDERSTAND THE INCLINATION. SO WE DECIDED TO BRING YOU SHOP TALK CONVERSATIONS WITH THE TALENTED PROS DESIGNING, BUILDING, & OUTFITTING YOUR PARK CITY HOMES.
OLSEN ELECTRIC
KRIS OLSEN, VICE PRESIDENT/OWNER
Olsen Electric is Park City’s longest-running electrical firm. The company was founded by Mark Olsen in 1983, eight years after he moved to Park City from Michigan. Kris Olsen, who is Mark’s son, took over daily operations and management in 2016 when his father semi-retired. Kris’ goal has been to carry on his family’s legacy of professionalism and quality workmanship.
WHAT SERVICES DO YOU OFFER?
We service commercial and residential builds, new construction as well as remodels. We specialize in high quality lighting control systems, power management systems, and overall upgrades.
WHAT GEOGRAPHIC AREA(S) DO YOU SERVE?
90% of our work is done in the Park City area. We also serve clients in the surrounding Summit and Wasatch Counties, including those in Heber, Francis, Woodland, Kamas, Peoa, Coalville, and Hideout.
WHEN DID YOU KNOW THAT YOU WANTED TO GO INTO CONSTRUCTION AND WHAT MOTIVATED YOU?
Truth be told, I didn’t know what I wanted to do when I grew up, but when you’re the boss’s son, you go to work! I honestly did not expect to develop a passion for the trade, but that’s what happened. I enjoy working in different spaces, meeting varied needs, solving unique challenges, and discovering ever evolving, cutting edge products. But most of all, I love working with my father. Learning from him and carrying on his legacy are the things that matter most to me.
HOW DO YOU SEE YOUR FIELD CHANGING IN THE NEXT FIVE TO TEN YEARS?
Electric work has changed dramatically since I took up the trade 27 years ago. Not only how we wire a home or business, but also the products we use to do it. Right now, Ketra and Josh Ai are making our smart homes even smarter and more automated. And I believe that this development in technology is only the beginning. From battery powered grid autonomy to automatic indoor environment control, new products are making it an exciting time to be an electrician.
WHAT PROJECT(S) ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT RIGHT NOW?
We are currently upgrading a remodel with a full Lutron lighting control system, including Ketra and Rania lighting. We are adding the most advanced power management devices, utilizing surge protection and power filtering through a double conversion UPS Device. And installing Josh Ai to automate the lighting, audio/video, and window shades throughout the home. Instead of a generator for backup power in the event of an outage, we are prewiring for a battery backup system called BrightVault. The owner asked for the “latest and greatest” and Olsen Electric is happy to deliver just that.
“I enjoy design and problem solving. Both require me to come up with creative, sometimes unconventional, ideas.”
– KRIS OLSEN
WHAT PROJECT(S) ARE YOU THE MOST PROUD OF?
Of all of the projects I’ve completed, two stand out that I’m most proud of. The first house was designed commercially and we had the task of both wiring it and designing all of the electrical systems. We are very proud of the conduit work we did and of bringing in Lutron to control the home’s systems. Second is an agricultural project in Woodland. We distributed miles of wire throughout the property to power a large water feature, in addition to all of the other electrical requirements across the entirety of the property. Again, it was a system we designed ourselves. To see any project go from design to fruition, and to be part of the process, is truly exciting and gratifying.
DO YOU HAVE FAVORITE PRODUCTS YOU PREFER OR ARE KNOWN FOR?
My favorite product is Ketra, by Lutron. Lutron has revolutionized lighting! There are other brands trying to compete, but they are not as efficient or high quality. Ketra allows an owner full control of their lighting – not just on/off or dim. Now, you can choose the color temperature, select any color in the RGB spectrum, full dimming range down to a true 0.1%, and you have more scene options and adjustability to lighting than ever before. Lighting really can change your life, or at least how you see it.
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT YOUR LINE OF WORK?
I enjoy design and problem solving. Both require me to come up with creative, sometimes unconventional, ideas. I get to test my knowledge and use my experience, factoring in design, style, building technique, and products, to ensure a quality result that stands the test of time.
HOW DID YOU GET YOUR START?
I was born in 1983, the same year my father founded Olsen Electric. Fifteen years later, he told me it was time to go to work. I’ve been a licensed electrician, designing, installing, and programming lighting control systems, for 25 years now.
IF YOU WEREN’T IN YOUR FIELD, WHAT WOULD YOU BE DOING?
I can’t imagine being anything other than an electrician. I love this work.
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT LIVING AND WORKING WHERE YOU DO?
I was born and raised in Park City. The town itself has changed so much since my childhood here, but the spirit and sense of community remain. I have been spoiled by Park City’s beauty and outdoor recreation. I love leaving my house and being just a few minutes from a biking trail or a few steps from a bus to take me to the ski resort.
FAVORITE TRIP YOU’VE EVER TAKEN?
I recently travelled to Hawaii for my wife’s birthday. I toured Pearl Harbor (a bucket list item of mine) and jumped out of a helicopter into the ocean. I had an accident last year that resulted in many days in the hospital, multiple surgeries, and relearning to walk. Being able to celebrate my wife, with our son, and to share an extraordinary adventure in a breathtakingly beautiful place meant the world to me.
whj SHOP TALK
