Eli Greenway, an electrician with a rich background forged since the age of 18, has successfully transitioned from a skilled tradesperson to a thoughtful business owner. His journey offers a powerful blueprint for anyone looking to build a thriving electrical services company in South Carolina.
A Foundation in Expert Electrical Work and Diverse Experience
Greenway’s professional path began in industrial electrical work, laying the groundwork for a broader skill set. He diversified into areas like appliance repair and house building, considering himself a “well-rounded and dynamic electrician.” This varied background instills profound confidence, allowing him to tackle diverse projects and provide exceptional electrical services. He expresses a profound satisfaction in his work, recognizing his place among a small percentage of the population with his level of skill and dedication to quality in electrical contracting.
Navigating the Business Landscape for Electricians: Challenges and Strategic Insights
Starting his own electrical business, Greenway faced a steep learning curve in areas like estimating and customer service. He observed that many skilled technicians struggle with business management, especially customer service—an area where his company distinguishes itself. He noted that the growing demand and limited competition for electrical services in South Carolina have made it an opportune time for his electrical company, GreenGo Electrical Services.
The Pillars of Business Growth: Administration, Systems, and Delegation for Electrical Contractors
A critical insight for Greenway has been the realization that he “cannot wear all of the hats.” He identifies the need for a “really good administrator” as the top priority for his electrical company growth with GreenGo. While he enjoys fieldwork, he recognizes the necessity of delegating other tasks to avoid “dropping the ball.” Balancing the demands of work with a family of eight further underscores the importance of efficient delegation and leading from the trenches to earn the respect and loyalty of his team.
Greenway highlights the need to create robust systems to ensure smooth operations. He references the concept of working “on the business” rather than merely “in the business,” emphasizing the strategic development of comprehensive SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) and accountability for his team to ensure clarity and consistency as the company expands.
Vision for the Future: Controlled Growth and Superstar Talent in the Electrical Trade
Looking ahead, Greenway envisions his company operating smoothly with a dedicated administrator and a team of eight to ten electrical technicians, viewing this as a “nice size.” To achieve this, he plans to continuously push marketing efforts for his electrical business, like his website and SEO for electricians. A key component of his strategy involves hiring “superstar” technicians who possess strong technical skills alongside excellent sales and people skills, recognizing that onsite sales conversions are crucial in the electrical trade.
Core Values: Pride, Learning, and Relationships in Electrical Services
Greenway believes that continuous learning and pride in one’s work are essential. He reinforces the value of doing the job correctly by recounting an anecdote where a customer returned after a cheaper competitor’s poor workmanship, underscoring the importance of quality.
Known as a “people guy” and a “talker,” Greenway excels at building relationships quickly with customers. He champions open-mindedness in conversations, understanding that valuable insights can be gained from diverse perspectives. This philosophy extends to networking, where he notes the “priceless” value of relationships with other successful tradesmen and small business owners.
Even in an increasingly digital world, Greenway maintains a preference for physical notebooks for organization, considering his notebook his “mind” and an aid in managing his distraction. This detail offers a glimpse into his personal work style and commitment to organization.
