Paul Lavallee,
OwneR & Operator, Master Electrician

Bringing people together is the cornerstone for most everything Paul does. From grilling for cookouts on his back deck, collecting fine whiskey, and brewing craft beer to supporting live music events and festivals, he is committed to gathering folks to share life.

Paul is a classically trained trombonist who easily moves between his appreciation for Bach, Metallica, Cake, Jared & The Mill, and an entire record collection of obscure bands. Eclectic is a good word here. He plays for the Metropolitan Chamber Orchestra, Dem Bones—a trombone quartet, and Bone Wagon—a brass rock band.

In addition to operating Lavallee Electrical Services, Paul has been the advanced-level electrical instructor at Mississippi Construction Education Foundation for the last five years.

Paul and his wife are remodeling a home in Clinton, and he’s probably grilling a couple steaks tonight.

Chandler Whitney
Director of operationS, Electrician

Chandler’s career started before he was 8-years-old with books about electricity and science. He read them all and turned an old pump house out back into his “laboratory” where he disassembled broken clocks, toys, and radios and used the parts to build and experiment with his own contraptions.

His uncanny ability to see problems and imagine solutions seems to set the beat of his life. Build things, solve problems, share knowledge, repeat.

Chandler holds an English degree from Belhaven University, and his background in electrical, HVAC, information technology, remodeling homes, teaching at a military school, and supplying industries with materials makes for an eclectic skill set.

Chandler founded and operates The Foundry, a non-profit organization that provides mentorship and training in practical, masculine life skills to young men with absent fathers. He also serves as an elder in his church.

Chandler lives in Vicksburg with his wife, Alison, and their three children.

Chambers Bethea
Project Lead, Master Electrician

Chambers is the man everyone needs in their corner when battling a daunting challenge. The bigger the better. He is the person his friends call when they need enforcement in life, on the job site, or on the tennis courts. He shows up, and makes life better for everyone around him.

His background includes six years as a Civil Air Patrol cadet, where he led as the Squadron Cadet Commander and ranked Cadet Captain. He also served in leadership for Child Evangelism Fellowship and Christian Youth in Action, and played collegiate tennis for Hinds Community College. 

His hobbies include—and are mostly limited to—hanging out with his wife and family, playing tennis, and cooking. He is on a bit of a steak streak right now, and there’s no humble to his brag about the steaks coming off his iron skillet these days. He’s a little nerdy, too—he lists studying electrical code as one of his favorite hobbies. 

Chambers and his wife, Chelsie, live in Clinton.

Franklin Champagne,
Project Lead, Electrician

Franklin’s version:
“Oh, I dabble in code and build stuff.”

A LES team member’s version of Franklin:
“Franklin is super smart, probably because he’s been building cool contraptions his entire life, from computers to an electric bike to a wind turbine that charges cell phones. He also has a pretty cool 3D printer that he uses for fabrication. 

He learned the electrical trade faster than anyone we’ve seen, he’s fantastic at troubleshooting issues, and he makes some of the cleanest panels on the crew. We fight over getting him on our jobs—he’s a dream to work with and will do whatever it takes to finish a job well.”

Franklin plays several instruments, including the guitar, bass, and keyboard. He is also studying Business Administration at Mississippi College.

Frank and his wife, Hailey, live in Clinton.

Andrew Jetzel
Motor Controls, Journeyman Electrician

When Andrew talks about his work, he starts by talking about the people he works with. What matters most to him is forging strong relationships and doing life alongside his community. He can work hard, adventure harder, and have a good time, but people come first.

Andrew’s professional background is in electrical engineering and motor controls. As a self-described hands-on learner who also enjoys working out in the field, Andrew developed a passion for the trade side of the electrical industry. He joined Lavallee Electrical, and found his sweet spot in the intersection of electrical and controls, getting his hands dirty, and a strong team community. Andrew’s superpower is his constant dedication to excellence and improvement, and the way he inspires those around him to do the same.

Most of Andrew’s adventures happen outdoors and in the woods hiking, trail running, and deer hunting. He trekked mountains in both North America and Asia, and his next backpacking goals include The Hundred-Mile Wilderness and Mt. Katahdin, the northernmost section of the Appalachian Trail in Maine.

Andrew and his wife, Grace, live in Clinton.

Dan Grete
Electrical Apprentice

Dan has an uncanny knack for assessing a situation, pinpointing the issue, and getting straight to the solution. From his first day on the team, he established himself as a go-getter and fast learner with a great work ethic. He finds the most satisfaction in doing service calls that can be done well and efficiently.

His career path was just as straightforward. Prior to completing high school, he chose the electrical field, connected with the Lavallee Electrical crew, and made arrangements to join the team as a full time apprentice. He graduated and showed up ready to work, and hasn’t slowed down since.

He spends his free time hanging with his girlfriend, friends, and family. Keeping track of his family could be a part-time job on its own. He is the youngest child of ten. At the current tally of 28 siblings, in-laws, nieces, and nephews, he’s on a fast track to surpass Paul’s extended family of 37.

Dan lives in Clinton.

John White
Electrical Apprentice

John began working part-time during his senior year in high school and then joined us full-time as an apprentice when he graduated this year. He’s got a knack for understanding more complex systems and works with the disciplined consistency of an athlete who knows how to train for and play the long game.

On the team, he likes the process of seeing projects come together, and is looking forward to being involved in large, more complex commercial projects.

Outside of work, John enjoys watching movies, spending time with his girlfriend, and powerlifting. He lives in Jackson.

Danielle Krajceck,
Office manager & Scheduling

Danielle is the organized, calendar-keeping, phone wielding dynamo who keeps the Lavallee Electrical Services team on track. She is something of an anomaly for both enjoying the challenge of working under time pressure and her commitment to delivering outstanding customer service. She is especially pleased when clients are wowed.

She developed and honed this blend of talent as the manager of several local Papa John’s Pizza restaurants. Danielle traded directing the production of hundreds of pizzas for her role as a mother of three—she has a son and two daughters—and her responsibilities managing the schedules for this entire crew.

When Danielle isn’t arranging electrical service call schedules like a game of Tetris and keeping up with toddlers, she makes decorative signs, does hand lettering, and enjoys a good TV series—recently “The Good Place” and “Another Life.” And, 15 seasons in, she is too invested in “Grey’s Anatomy” to stop watching now.

Danielle and her husband, Ryan, live in Florence with their children.

Walter Briggs
Warehouse Manager

Walter’s incredible sense of enthusiasm and dedication bubbles over into his work, friendships, and community. It’s his hallmark. He is committed to supporting the people around him through the ups and downs of daily life, and fosters that same sense of support within Lavallee Electrical Services.

Walter carries the same enthusiasm and excitement in his passion for sharing the Gospel and mission work, both locally and internationally, through his church. He serves as a Young Life leader, and usually has an upcoming mission trip or project in the works.

In his free time, Walter spends time with family and friends, perfects his barbecue techniques, and is always down for a game of pickup basketball or flag football.

Walter and his wife, Cherelle, live in Richland.