I joined the union in 2012, with no clue what the future would bring. I was accepted into the apprenticeship and, after three years of schooling, graduated and became a journeyman electrician.
As time went on, I felt capable of more. I started trying to sell work for my employer. In my first week, I sold so much that my boss asked me into his office. I thought I might get a raise or some appreciation. Instead, I was asked why I was selling and why I was doing his job. I was completely blindsided—and realized it was time to go out on my own.
After that meeting, I went home and talked it over with my wife. We decided to take a chance, and I started studying. After many months of studying and working, I passed my master’s exam. I thought that was the hard part. I didn’t yet know it was only the beginning.
I spent months wondering what came next: How would I provide for my family? Would I be able to pay the bills? I sent countless emails and called everyone I knew. My wife and I had just welcomed our first child, so the pressure felt even higher.
Then one company responded: Drees. I had no idea at the time what a meaningful opportunity it would become. Drees gave me room to grow and learn. We went from wiring one house a month to 15, and grew from four people to 26 in two years. It was a relief—and a chance to prove to myself that we could do this.
Now I’d love the opportunity to bring that same care and commitment to our community and continue growing A&J Electric.
