Building People, Building Futures: The Haslem Legacy at UBTech
When you believe in people, you build more than a business—you change lives. That belief has guided Brad and Karlene Haslem since 1998, when they launched what would become BHI, operating out of a one-bay shop with eight employees and an unwavering vision: put people first, and success will follow. The Haslem Legacy Foundation’s recent gift to Uintah Basin Technical College reflects that enduring commitment to investing in people and community.
The Haslems’ story began as high school sweethearts at Uintah High. After marrying in the fall following Karlene’s first year at Brigham Young University, they returned to Vernal when their first child was on the way. Brad worked in the electrical trade while Karlene managed their growing household. Through years of sacrifice—tight budgets, time apart, and the demands of raising four children—they built a foundation rooted in faith, family, and hard work.
In 1998, Brad founded BHI, building on his experience as a master journeyman electrician. From day one, Karlene was equally instrumental to the company’s foundation—keeping the books after retiring from Uintah County School District and bringing the same steadiness to the business that she’d brought to their home. Together, they built a business culture centered on creating opportunities for their people.
Their four children—Brett, Josh, Erik, and Megan—were involved in the business from its earliest stages, helping wherever they were needed and learning the value of hard work firsthand and the dignity of skilled trades.
As the company grew, Brad supported the next generation’s ideas and began a leadership transition in 2008 that culminated in his retirement in 2015. Today, BHI employs a talented workforce across the nation, providing comprehensive services in infrastructure, construction, electrical, and telecommunications. The company has expanded far beyond its early focus on oil and gas electrical work, yet its core purpose remains unchanged: to provide opportunities for people that bless lives.
It remains a family business: Erik serves as CEO, Brett as COO, and Megan’s husband, Adam Brown, as executive vice president. Josh pursued dentistry and runs a practice in Vernal. Of the eight original employees, several are still with BHI—a point of pride for the family.
Despite consultants suggesting it would be unfeasible to run a company of this scale from rural Utah, BHI’s headquarters remains in Vernal.
“We are proud of being from Vernal,” said Erik Haslem. “We have some of the most talented teammates in the industry, and they live in the Uintah Basin.”
Culture is the constant. At BHI, teamwork, reputation, growth, and service aren’t just words on a wall—they’re the framework for every decision. Leaders at every level embody these values, participating in quarterly training and never considering themselves above the work. When executives visit job sites, they pitch in alongside the crew.
That commitment to people has earned recognition: BHI has been named a Top Workplace in Utah by The Salt Lake Tribune for five consecutive years (2021–2025).
“What makes this recognition so meaningful is that it comes directly from our people,” Erik explains. “For five years running, their voices confirm that BHI is where people grow, contribute, and belong. That’s the true measure of success—not awards on the wall, but a culture where people are proud to bring their best every day.”
Their tagline says it best: “We Build America.”
Service has always been part of the picture. After retiring in 2015, Brad and Karlene served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Long Beach, California.
Closer to home, the family created the Haslem Legacy Foundation to focus their giving on education, communities, and the arts. Their donation to UBTech reflects that focus—and their gratitude for the skilled trades.
On October 9th, the impact of their generosity became visible in a lasting way. At the Robert H. Williams Classroom Building on UBTech’s Vernal Campus, the North Wing was officially unveiled as “The Haslem Legacy Foundation Wing”—a tribute to the family’s enduring commitment to education and the Uintah Basin. The naming honors not just a gift, but a legacy of belief in people and place.
Since 2015, BHI has partnered with Uintah Basin Technical College to promote fulfilling careers in technical fields. The company is passionate about advancing technical education and closing the “trades gap.”
“We need to change perceptions about trade careers,” Erik says. “These aren’t fallback options—they’re pathways to excellent living, meaningful work, and building the infrastructure our country depends on. The skilled trades offer incredible value and potential to improve lives.”
For the Haslem children, the gift celebrates their parents’ legacy, inspires others to give back, and strengthens the local pipeline of talent. It’s an investment in the next generation of builders, electricians, and technicians who will shape the Basin’s future.
Throughout BHI’s nearly 30-year history, one constant has been Karlene Haslem. Erik is quick to point out that the story is as much about his mother as his father.
“My mom is the foundation of our family,” he says. “She raised four children, supported our employees, kept the books, and modeled the quiet steadiness that supports everything we do—in business and community life. Dad gets a lot of attention, but this success story is built on both of them, equally.”
The Haslems’ roots run deep in the Basin. They have 13 grandchildren, ages 5 to 20, and treasure Sunday family dinners with everyone close by. When they find spare time, Brad and Karlene spend as much time as possible with family. It’s a rhythm that reflects what they value: faith, family, work, and place.
“The family’s generosity is more than a gift—it’s a statement of belief in the future of the Uintah Basin,” said UBTech President Aaron K. Weight. “They’ve built a company right here at home, proving greatness grows in rural Utah. Their investment in the Uintah Basin’s college ensures others have the same opportunities. Their legacy will inspire generations.”
Over 200 attendees gathered on October 9th to celebrate the unveiling of the newly named “Haslem Legacy Foundation Wing,” located in the North Wing of the Robert H. Williams Classroom Building at UBTech’s Vernal Campus. In recognition of the Haslem Foundation’s generous support for student scholarships, the event culminated in a joyful confetti release marking the momentous occasion.
The Haslem family celebrates together at UBTech’s unveiling event on October 9th, joined by parents Brad and Karlene Haslem in recognition of the newly named Haslem Legacy Foundation Wing.
Guest of honor Brad Haslem, founder of BHI and President of the Haslem Legacy Foundation, speaks during the unveiling ceremony at UBTech’s Vernal Campus last week.
