Jim Karales

Jim Karales

Damage Prevention Manager Southeast

jim.karales@sam.biz

Jim Karales has over 20 years of experience providing damage prevention and utility construction services across various industry sectors. His expertise includes all aspects of damage prevention, including locating, watch and protect, remediation, excavator interventions, auditing, and inventories. He also has extensive experience in utility installation, maintenance, and emergency response.

As a Damage Prevention Department Manager at SAM, Jim oversees multiple field crews and office technicians while working closely with clients to enhance their damage prevention programs. His experience spans a wide range of projects involving natural gas, electric, telecommunications, water, and other utilities. His focus on quality and on-time performance ensures that clients can provide their customers with reliable, uninterrupted service.

Jim is a well-respected subject matter expert in the damage prevention community. He is recognized as a collaborative leader who keeps facilities protected and projects moving forward. He is also actively involved with multi-state damage prevention councils, advocating for best practices and industry advancements.

Jim’s favorite core value is Safety. He believes that protecting people, infrastructure, and the environment is the foundation of every successful project. His commitment to fostering a culture of safety ensures that both SAM’s teams and clients can operate with confidence. Outside of work, Jim is passionate about industry education and enjoys engaging with peers to drive innovation in damage prevention