My journey in the electrical field began back in 1996 at JSE Electric. At the time, I was a college athlete pursuing basketball, but like many young men, I wasn’t quite sure where my true path would lead. A close friend introduced me to the electrical trade, and when I heard the starting pay was $9 an hour, I jumped at the chance. What started as simply a pay bump quickly became a calling. I discovered not only talent, but the discipline and work ethic to thrive in this field—and for over 23 years I’ve had the honor of working as a field electrician, primarily in the residential world.

What I love most is the transformation—seeing a project go from blueprint to a fully lit home, knowing that the work we do doesn’t just power a house, it enhances how a family lives. That sense of impact has fueled my passion for decades.

Outside of work, I’ve always valued balance. Basketball once gave me that outlet, and today, I found it on the golf course. Golf gives me time to recharge, reflect, and push myself in new ways, a reminder that growth isn’t only professional, but personal as well.

On the personal side, I’m the proud father of a 16-year-old son who just began driving—a milestone that brings both freedom and a fair share of worry!

I am absolutely honored to be nominated to serve on the NARI board. For me, this is more than a professional achievement, it’s an opportunity to give back to an industry that has given me so much. Remodeling your home should be a joyful and exciting experience, and with NARI, homeowners relate to the very best in our profession.

It would be my privilege to serve, to continue pushing this organization forward, and to ensure that NARI remains a trusted leader—uplifting both its members and the homeowners we proudly serve.

Julie Herriges is a third-generation owner of Urban Herriges & Sons, Inc., a family-owned design-build remodeling company serving southeastern Wisconsin since 1972. She has been actively involved with NARI for more than 35 years and has seen firsthand the value the organization brings to remodeling professionals and their clients.

Julie earned her NARI Certified Kitchen & Bath Remodeler designation in 2000 and has held her Certified Remodeler designation for approximately eight years. She previously chaired the Membership Committee and has remained an active committee member for the past four years. She holds an associate degree in architecture and is a Wisconsin Registered Interior Designer.

Today, Julie focuses on sales and leads her company’s design team. She hopes to bring her experience as a remodeler, designer, salesperson, and business owner to the NARI Board while strengthening the organization, supporting its members, promoting certification, and helping NARI remain valuable to future generations of remodeling professionals.

Hello, My name is Ryan McDermid and I am a Marketing Development Manager for Wausau Supply Company. I have been involved in the trades and building industry since 1999. Through my current role I work as a valued resource for contractors, builders, and architects in SE WI. I currently serve on the NARI Foundation Board, member of the outreach and exterior certification committee, and am hopeful to continue growing within NARI by becoming a member of the Chapter Board. I am very passionate about continuing to help students and others in guiding their paths in the right direction throughout the trades. In my time with NARI, I have stepped up to help with the Next Gen Challenge for the Spring Show to make sure that all participating schools have a clear path and expectations to help their students succeed. Outside of work I love spending time with my wife, Marilyn and two sons Grant(8) and Callan(6). I coach my sons basketball teams in the winter as well as bowl twice a week and when the weather breaks you can find me on the golf course.

I feel like I have the drive and ongoing passion to add a lot of value to the Chapter Board and continue to support and grow awareness for NARI Milwaukee.

Nick Obrochta is a U.S. Navy Veteran and founder of Bluejacket Builders, LLC. His career began learning carpentry at a young age alongside his father and grew through military service, the HVAC industry, and more than a decade in facilities maintenance and management. He ultimately returned to his passion for remodeling, building a company grounded in craftsmanship, communication, and community service.

As Chair of NARI Milwaukee’s Outreach Committee since summer 2025, Nick helps connect local high school students with careers in the trades through the NARI NextGen Trades Challenge, which Bluejacket Builders helped launch in 2024. The committee earned Committee of the Year recognition at the 2026 NARI Milwaukee Remodeler of the Year Awards. Nick hopes to bring his practical experience, leadership, commitment to growing the trades, and ideas for unlocking even more value from a NARI Membership to the Board of Directors while also continuing to Chair the Outreach Committee.

Gayle Trudeau is the owner of Picky Painters LLC, a family-operated interior painting company serving the greater Milwaukee area.

Her professional path has been anything but conventional. While raising six children as a single mother in San Antonio, Gayle became an EMT and later spent several years teaching first responder training in the workplace. From there, she entered the world of self-employment as a legal insurance agent, building a career centered around education, relationships, and helping people navigate unfamiliar situations.

After moving to Wisconsin 13 years ago, Gayle first became involved with NARI as an associate member. Her involvement eventually led to an opportunity to join the NARI staff for several years, giving her a unique behind-the-scenes understanding of the remodeling industry, the importance of reputable professionals, and the value of strong relationships between contractors and trade partners.

That experience ultimately helped inspire the creation of Picky Painters. Today, Gayle brings both the perspective of a business owner and a former NARI staff member to the organization. She understands firsthand how valuable NARI can be to a small business when members become involved, build genuine relationships, support one another, and maintain high professional standards.

For Gayle, NARI has never been just about networking. It is about relationships, trust, referrals, education, and being part of a community that genuinely wants to see its members succeed. She is known for encouraging people to get involved, introducing members who should know one another, and showing up wherever she can be useful.

Gayle would be honored to serve on the Board of Directors and hopes to bring her experience, energy, practical perspective, and genuine love of NARI to the role. And after raising six children, running businesses, teaching emergency response, and working in remodeling, she is fairly certain a board meeting won’t scare her.