A self-proclaimed “21st century Renaissance Man”, James always appreciated the integration of ‘Art & Technology’… ‘Creativity and Craft’.  While earning an Associate of Liberal Arts Degree in Music at Penn State: University Park, as well as an Associates Degree of Specialized Technology in ‘Maintenance Electricity & Construction Technology’ at Triangle Tech: DuBois, James worked many side-gigs as both a musician and an electrician.

    In 2004, James entered the electrical power industry via Reliant Energy’s ‘Mobile Maintenance’ crew, rebuilding coal & gas fired steam turbine generation systems in power-plants throughout PA, NY and OH.  “There is no way to truly gain an appreciation for electricity, and where it comes from, like crawling inside a 280 Megawatt generator stator, climbing into a 160 foot tall boiler, or working on a conveyor belt in several hundred acres of coal yard…”, James says.  “…the inter-operation of such immense systems is simultaneously impending, and enlightening.”

    James relocated to Colorado in 2006, where he took a position as an Industrial Maintenance Technician in Lexmark’s Toner Manufacturing facility for a period, before deciding to step back into the realm of Electrical Construction.  After experience with Multi-Family Residential, Commercial and Institutional electrical work, James’ affinity for art and technology lead to an interest in Theatrical Lighting & Control Systems.  Working first for ‘the Opera Shop’ in Denver, James became well-versed and capable with a variety of theatrical systems.  He then moved to ‘Westview Productions’ where he became competent in the rapidly developing lighting & control systems for Energy Management, covering a broad spectrum of building types, sizes and applications.  James integrated systems into many projects, including the 23-story Xcel Energy building in downtown Denver, numerous Denver Public Schools, Vale resorts facilities, Rocky Mountain National Park Visitors Center and many other projects throughout Colorado, as well as Arizona, Utah and Oregon.

    In 2010, James created Progressive Energy Concepts LLC, where he added ‘Commercial & Residential Building Energy Consulting’ to his oeuvre of professional capabilities.   Having earned his ‘Certified Building Analyst’ title from BPI, James learned about various heating and cooling systems, as well as the other many aspects of building energy efficiency.  During this time, James integrated control systems on Fort Carson Army Base, the 750,000+ sq.ft. University of Colorado Hospital expansion, and a number of other projects.

    After deciding to return to his native roots in Western Pennsylvania in 2013, James accepted a position with Eaton Corporation, traveling the United States as a Field-Service Representative and Control Technician.  Projects he participated in during that time include the Superior Court Building in NYC, VA Hospital Admin Building in New Orleans, Penn State Beaver Stadium, and the Detroit Airport Parking Facility.

    In late 2014, James became the Controls Specialist at Architectural Lighting Sales where he was involved with the Design & Sales aspects of the Lighting & Control Industry.  This involved extensive design work for engineering firms, project management for commercial electrical & general contractors, and serving the needs of end-users like UPMC, Penn State and the Allegheny Health Network.  James was involved with the design of the Carnegie Science Center Addition, integration of wireless lighting controls for Uber’s self-driving vehicle testing site, and the dimming system for the Jambo Grill at the Pittsburgh Zoo, among many other projects.

    James founded West PA Systems in the summer of 2017, as a D.B.A division of West PA Productions LLC.  James looks to his experience and expertise to grow West PA Systems, following the company mission “to provide superior commercial & residential electrical contracting, maintenance and upgrade services to our clients, while embracing modern technologies for homes and business in the 21st century.”