On April 19, 2006, after nine innings of play, the Tigers were victors over the Oakland A’s 11-4. It was the same day that Carl Evanson launched A Plus Electric. Would his turn at bat as an electrical service company, also lead to a win?
It sure looks that way!
Carl explains “it was a chilly 43 degrees early on that Wednesday morning, and how did I feel?—a bit nervous, but excited. I drove to Bob Evans, sat down with a cup of coffee and a blank notebook, and began to sketch out a client list.”
Carl likes to say his business began out of a closet. “That’s where I stored my equipment. For a while, I was the entire company.” A year into the start-up, he hired his first employee, and then a second. Both are still at A Plus Electric. Today he has 13 electricians in the field, and four people in the office.
What were early challenges like? Carl says “we sacrificed…we took jobs anywhere, anytime, and did what it took, no matter what lay in front of us whether it be some knotty problem, snow or a midnight call. And we’re still the go-to guys because we haven’t let up.”
Looking back over the eleven years, Carl remarks “I am tremendously grateful to our customers and to our team who believe in their work. They perform like the pro’s they are. Our business is built entirely on one customer recommending us to another, and you don’t get referrals unless you deliver.”
A Plus Electric sums up the approach to business this way–quick, quality and affordable. Carl adds “we serve homeowners, companies large and small, and are at construction sites. Our team understands the need to innovate, and we’re very comfortable setting up sophisticated electronics at home or at work.”
Carl remembers that Wednesday in 2006 warmed up—to 71 degrees. “I had filled my notebook with potential customers I planned to call on.” Kelly Fuels was at the top of his list and became the first customer. And if A Plus Electric were a baseball game, what inning is it? Carl smiles, “we’re in the middle of the 2nd with bases loaded, and we’re heading for the playoffs. Stay tuned!”
