2025’s 30 Under 30 EC&M Electrical All Stars: Kaitlyn Shands

Kaitlyn Shands

Job Title: Estimator

Company: Amteck

Location: Dyersburg, Tenn.

Age: 25

Years on the Job: 2

Interests: Reading, sketching, traveling, going to concerts, going to the gym, spending time with her family, working on personal vehicle projects, and being outdoors hiking, fishing, and riding in side-by-sides

Kaitlyn Shands’ dad, who worked on the civil side of construction, molded her work ethic and her passion for challenging herself and doing creative problem solving.

“I love working with my hands, and I’m constantly searching for ways to expand my knowledge and skills,” said Shands, who was born and raised in west Tennessee.

Dyersburg State’s Engineering Systems Technology program set the foundation for her role as an estimator, and building transformers ignited her passion for the electrical industry. Through the program, she learned to easily identify parts and pieces of different systems and how they fit and work together.

Shands came into the industry with little electrical knowledge, and it pushed her out of her comfort zone.

“I was a young mom going to school full-time and working full-time in a male-dominated industry,” she said. “In two years, I have become independent in my estimating and finished my degree while earning eight certifications.”

Because the electrical service industry is so fast paced, her days as an estimator often vary, and she spends time in the office and the field. For example, she completes take-offs, analyzes current or future job data, speaks with suppliers, and reaches out to potential customers. Her favorite part of the industry is seeing a project through from design to finish.

“As an estimator, you power every project from the start,” she said. “Seeing the projects all the way through provides a sense of pride knowing you had a part in that.”

Currently, she is working on projects for a large food producer and an automotive supplier. 
“Estimating powers each of these projects by finding the customers the most efficient solutions through accurate material and labor calculations,” Shands said.