After leaving Montana State University in the spring of 1979, Richard started his career in the electrical industry as an Electrician’s Helper in an underground uranium mine in central Wyoming.  Expanding on the industrial experienced gained in Wyoming, Richard enrolled as an electrical apprentice employed by commercial electrical contractors working primarily on military installations and historical renovations. 
 

     In 1984 Richard was one of the founding partners of D & N Electric, Inc. located in Bisbee Arizona where his duties included all estimating and project management for the commercial division.  Richard has also spent time working in the HVAC industry installing and servicing Heating, Air Conditioning and Ventilation equipment as well as serving as a boiler plant operator. 

Continuing in the electrical industry, Richard has fulfilled duties as a Project Manager, Chief Estimator, Division Manager and General Manager for electrical contractors on projects ranging from a few thousand dollars to several million dollars.  Richard also maintains a State of Georgia Non-Restricted Electrical Contractors License (#EN210691).  In addition to utilizing over 25 years of continuing education and field experience, Richard uses modern day technologies such as AutoCAD to bring complete design build capabilities to Byrd Electric Service, Inc.