Looking Back at Where I Started
When people meet me today, they see a business owner, a Master Electrician, a husband, and a father. They see someone who has built a successful company and established a career in the electrical trade. What they do not always see is the road that brought me here. My journey was not a straight line, and there were times when my future looked very uncertain.
I grew up in the Lewiston-Auburn area of Maine. Like a lot of kids, I loved basketball, skateboarding, and spending time outdoors. I came from humble beginnings, and life was not always easy. My parents divorced when I was young, and my father struggled with alcoholism. Those experiences affected me in ways I did not fully understand at the time.
As I got older, I found myself making poor decisions and spending time with the wrong crowd. I was not focused on building a future. I was simply getting through each day without much direction. I did not graduate high school, and there were moments when it felt like I was headed down a road that would not lead anywhere good.
Finding a New Direction
Everything started to change when I attended a career center in Lewiston. At that point in my life, I was searching for guidance. I knew I needed something different, but I was not sure what that would be. That is where I was introduced to the electrical trade.
In 2014, I began working on solar installations in Massachusetts for a roofing company that was entering the solar industry. I started as a helper with very little experience. What I did have was a willingness to work hard and learn.
Every day brought new challenges. I learned how to work with tools, solve problems, and contribute to a team. The more I learned, the more confidence I gained. For the first time in a long time, I felt like I was moving in the right direction.
Learning the Value of Hard Work
One of the things I appreciated most about the trades was that effort mattered. If you showed up every day, paid attention, and worked hard, people noticed. There was a direct connection between what you put into the job and the opportunities that came your way.
As I gained experience, I took on more responsibility. I eventually worked my way into a foreman position and continued developing my skills. The trade rewarded consistency, and that was exactly what I needed at that stage of my life.
Showing up every day and working harder than everyone else became a mindset for me. I realized that success was not about being the smartest person in the room. It was about being dependable, staying committed, and continuing to improve.
Building a Career Through Education
One of the biggest lessons I learned is that education does not stop when you leave school. In many ways, my real education started when I entered the trades.
I continued learning every chance I got. I asked questions, studied the craft, and worked alongside experienced electricians who taught me valuable lessons. Eventually, all of that effort led to earning my Master Electrician license in the state of Maine.
That achievement meant a lot to me because I knew how far I had come. There was a time when I had very little direction. Now I had built a career based on knowledge, skill, and hard work.
Even today, I believe success means continuing education. I read constantly and look for ways to improve myself both professionally and personally. I never want to stop learning because growth is what keeps us moving forward.
The Role Faith Played in My Journey
My faith has been one of the most important influences in my life. Looking back, there were many moments when things could have turned out very differently. By the grace of God, I was able to overcome many of the struggles and mistakes from my younger years.
Faith gave me perspective during difficult times. It reminded me that no matter how far off course someone may be, there is always an opportunity to change direction and build a better future.
Today, my Christian faith remains at the center of my life. It influences how I treat people, how I run my business, and how I approach challenges.
Why the Trades Can Change Lives
I believe the skilled trades offer incredible opportunities for people who are willing to work hard. Not everyone needs to follow the same path. College can be a great option, but it is not the only path to success.
The trades provide a chance to learn valuable skills, earn a good living, and build something meaningful. They offer opportunities for growth, leadership, and entrepreneurship. Most importantly, they give people the chance to create a better future for themselves and their families.
I know this because that is exactly what happened to me.
Moving Forward
Today, I own Rocky Coastal Electric and continue working toward new goals every year. My wife, my children, and my faith motivate me to keep growing and improving. I still believe that success is about moving forward, even when progress is not always obvious.
When I look back on my journey, I am grateful for the second chance I was given. The trades helped me find direction when I needed it most. They taught me valuable skills, introduced me to incredible people, and gave me the opportunity to build a life I am proud of.
If there is one thing I hope others take away from my story, it is that your past does not define your future. No matter where you start, it is possible to change your life through hard work, continuous learning, faith, and perseverance. The trades gave me that opportunity, and they may be able to do the same for someone else.