JDE & Associates Testimonials

Recently we changed our class evaluation form that we ask all students to complete after their class is complete. We always ask permission to use both the evaluationa and any testimonial they may provide. We have included the testimonials that we have that permission on this page. We never pass out full names or contact information. If you would like we can share the entire evaluation from these students for you to get an idea of the material we teach. Contact us using our contact form on this website and we will can forward those class evaluations to you.

Adam (Colorado)
Webinar Fundamental Estimating completed in 2005

Jim transformed the way I view estimating and the way I run my business. Jim comes from a strong commercial background, bidding jobs that run into the millions. I run a small residential service company, but the tools Jim gave me work whether you’re bidding a million dollar job or a $500 dollar job. Any contractor struggling with bids, MUST CALL JIM

David (California)
Class Fundamental Estimating completed in October, 2007

I had the pleasure of attending a training seminar put on by James. At the time I had three young estimators each with less than 6 months experience that I was developing. The seminar reinforced all of the moral, ethical and common sense principals I was trying to instill. I have stayed in touch with James and enjoy his insight into our industry. Thank you,

Seth (Colorado)
January 5 to February 28, 2008

After taking the estimating course I am a lot more organized and confident when performing a take off. Thank you JDE & Associates.

Dave (Michigan)
February 5 to March 31, 2008

Signed up to learn the basics of electrical estimating, this class was just what I needed. The communications was great. Jim spent plenty of time working with me to make sure I understood the process.

Laura (Texas)
October 29, 2008 to February 28, 2009

Mr. Duff was timely in weekly phone calls, and upbeat with a fun personality. His knowledge in the trade is superior and he has the ability to teach with real-life applied practice and experience. I would recommend this course to the motivated individual who wants to advance in their electrical career or to gain more knowledge in the electrical trade. Estimating allows you to view a potential job from an employer’s perspective when pricing, and to understand why all components i.e. overhead, profit, and labor burden are vital when the estimate is put together.

Jimmy (Georgia)
March 15 to June 15, 2009

Had one on one with the instructor and discussed a vast array of topics – all pertinent.

Bob (Nebraska)
June 6 to August 8, 2009

Without any doubts, the estimating and project management courses were very educational and informative. Being new to the electrical contracting industry, I lacked the estimating fundamentals that are so essential for survival in this industry. I had read and studied several electrical estimating books before I took this course and never gained the knowledge I needed to confidently estimate a job. JDE & Associates provided me with a wealth of knowledge and information to properly estimate and manage electrical projects. They gave me new hope and confidence in electrical estimating and project management. Plus, a great education.

Robert (Minnesota)
July 7 to October 22, 2009

Jim Duff is a one of a kind Estimating and Project Managing trainer. I was fortunate to find Jim via an internet search. It was like finding gold!!!! I was new to the world of electrical estimating and I was feeling very overwhelmed. Jims' estimating course really gave me a good starting point and more confidence to start estimating more projects. I have also hired Jim to teach me about project managing. He has a very broad knowledge of the electrical industry and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend him to someone who is serious about furthering their knowledge about the electrical industry.

Justin (Colorado)
December 2 to March 3, 2010

Mr. Duff’s class was challenging and very informative. This class really opened my eyes to area’s I hadn’t considered in terms of estimating and management of jobs. The class was fun! I enjoyed it!!

Chris (St. Claire, MI)
December 23, 2010

I wish that I was a great originator of salient prose so that I could properly describe the respect that I have for the expertise and integrity I have noted while working with Jim Duff. In all of my years in the industry, I have never met anyone that holds such a keen insight into the craft of estimating, project management and electrical contracting. Ever since taking his class almost four years ago, I know that I can still contact him with whatever questions or concerns I may hold about a particular project. Whether it is a rudimentary question that may have slipped my mind, or a complex question that requires research, he has never let me down. I am more confident and consistent in my estimating, only because of the knowledge that I have gained through my alliance with Jim Duff. Although I am the only estimator in the company, I have always felt as though I had an estimating partner that I could turn to when I am seeking some direction. I'm sure that it is self-evident that I would highly recommend any service provided by Jim Duff. Whether someone has been in this industry 25 minutes, or 25 years like me, you will learn tricks and techniques from him that you will not find from any other source.

- Course taken was, Fundamental Estimating in Warren, MI in April, 2007

Travis (Alaska)
December 2010 to January 2011

It’s nice to know there is someone that is extremely knowledgeable and is willing to share their experience with people (not just for profit), I highly recommend this course. Great job Jim and thanks again, you have made a difference in the way I run my division!

- Course taken was, Contractors Guide for Success – Project Management Home Study

Will (Michigan)

We have taken the electrical estimating and project management classes offered by JDE and Associates and are currently working with Jim to fine tune our business. They bring a wealth of knowledge and new ideas to the table. The reference materials alone are worth the price of the course.

Chet (Connecticut)
December 2010 to February 2011

I highly recommend Jim to anyone looking to hone or improve their estimating skills. His sessions are tailored to show each individual student his or her weaknesses. Jim goes far beyond the standard teaching syllabus.

Mark (Arkansas)
July 2011 to October 2011

I took Jim’s Fundamental Estimating class with absolutely no experience in the electrical trade. He was totally prepared for a student with my lack of experience and tailored the instruction to accommodate my level of understanding. He is a gifted instructor who delivers the course material in a high energy, professional manner. I would recommend this class to anyone wanting to improve their personal productivity, improve their electrical estimating skills and improve their career in the electrical contracting industry.

Jackie (Philadelphia)
July 2011 to October 2011

Thia was a great and fun course, I enjoyed it very much. I am walking away with the confidence to better my career in the electrical industry. I am going to miss it very much.

- Course taken was, Home Study Fundamental Estimating.