Executive Spotlight: Get to Know James Gyuras
1. Describe a typical workday (or your morning routine starting with breakfast).
The day begins with a cup of coffee, followed by watching a mini-series while completing 7,000 out of the daily goal of 10,000 steps. The commute to the office takes about 1.5 hours, during which phone calls are made until arriving at the office. Upon arrival, if there is no scheduled meeting, a check-in with everyone in the office is conducted. The tasks for the day include reviewing estimates, answering emails, consulting with Senior Vice President Dan Link, conducting job safety walks, or addressing company needs.
2. Did you imagine yourself doing this as a child?
I did not. I always wanted to be an electrician. I attended four years of trade school at Gwynn Park Sr. High, joined Local #26 I.B.E.W. 39 years ago, and graduated from my apprenticeship in 1989. I was on my way.
3. What was your journey to get where you are today?
I graduated from an apprenticeship, became a journeyman, and worked for Truland Service for 23 years. As a journeyman, I later became a service truck driver managing small projects in Washington, D.C. I transitioned into project management in 1998 after multiple recruitment attempts to the office. My project management career began at Inova Fairfax, where we continue to do business. I have held positions as director of construction, project executive, vice president, and five years ago, I became the president of VarcoMac.
4. What is the origin of the name VarcoMac?
In 1984, Dave McDaniel founded the company initially named Mac Electric. To pursue small government set-aside work, he appointed his wife, Sunny Varjus, as the president and renamed the company VarcoMac. The new name is a combination of their last names.
5. What are you most excited about in the next six months? Any exciting new projects?
We are currently experiencing another period of growth. We have 830 electricians, and with a large backlog of work, we will be increasing to over 1,100 electricians. Additionally, we are relocating to a larger prefab shop in April- a facility that is three times the size of our current one. I am particularly interested in the two healthcare projects we are working on. These projects have been in development for three years and are the result of over 20 years of relationships and trust with our clients at Inova. The two projects are underway and are expected to be completed in 2027, with peak manpower reaching 200 workers sometime in mid-2026.
6. What big changes have you seen over the many years you’ve been in this company and in your role?
When I began my role as project manager, agreements were often made verbally or with a handshake. Now, significantly more documentation is required for our daily business operations. Additionally, the shift from face-to-face meetings to virtual meetings represents another substantial change.
7. What is the secret to building a strong company culture?
It begins with the people involved. (Vice President of Operations) Dan Link and (Senior Vice President of Operations) Dave O’Donnell have been associates of mine for over 30 years, while I have known (Senior Vice President of Service Electrical) Mike Fones for about nine years. Each individual is driven but approaches goals in different ways. Despite this, there are shared objectives regarding the development of the company's culture.
8. Do you have any passions or hobbies outside of work?
I enjoy golfing and spending time with my family, including my two grandchildren.
9. Ski vacation or beach vacation, and why?
Beach vacation, definitely. I can't ski, but I love the beach and snorkeling.
10. March Madness is approaching; do you have any favorite college basketball teams?
I have always been a fan of the University of Maryland, particularly during the era of Buck Williams, Albert King, Len Bias and their teammates. I have favored them ever since.
