• Posted: August 5, 2024
• Block Electric, Evans Electric LLC, Michael Evans

Fifty years ago, Michael Evans, Managing Member of Evan’s Electric, LLC, joined the electrical construction industry, continuing a three-generation family legacy.

In 1973, Evans worked his way up from apprentice to general foreman with Block Electric. During this time, the idea of opening his own company never crossed his mind, largely because he was passionate about his work.

Reflecting on the earlier days of his career, Evans loved working at hospitals throughout Chicago.

“It was very diverse in the work you did. One day, you could be working on lighting; the next, you’re installing X-ray equipment,” said Evans.

However, after 9/11, the construction industry faced significant challenges, leading to a slowdown and his layoff from Block Electric. While reassessing his options, his brother Samuel (a former business agent at IBEW Local 134)  encouraged him to consider starting his own business.

After working with several electrical contractors post-9/11, Evans recognized that his industry knowledge, experience, and the support of his family and friends were all he needed to be successful independently. In 2004, he founded Evan’s Electric, LLC, and obtained his MBE certification with the City of Chicago.

Evan’s Electric, LLC, a small minority-owned business, has been successfully operating for 20 years, providing expert commercial and industrial electrical work, utility services, direct boring, green solutions, and comprehensive maintenance programs. Despite its success, it has encountered its share of obstacles.

From the beginning, cash flow has been a major hurdle. 

“We all attend project events that are presented as great opportunities, but more often they are not very good for any of us in the trade construction arena,” said Evans. “Opportunities are only opportune if we are making money, but these same projects are very slow pay and ask that we go far above and beyond our contract, doing extra work that we don’t get paid to do. This makes it harder to get bonding and finances.” 

Evans hopes to see the relationships between construction project managers and contractors eventually evolve in the electrical construction industry.

“We the professional trade contractors are not the bad guys here,” said Evans. “I’d like to see more of a shift towards a fair and reasonable working relationship. We’re not here to compete with anybody. We’re here to work with everybody.”

Small businesses within the construction industry face significant financial challenges due to high overhead costs and delayed payments, often on a 90-to-120-day schedule. Evans is not only focused on his own company’s growth but also on systemic changes that can benefit the entire sector. 

“As a founding member of BCOE, Black Contractors, Owners, and Executives, we’ve worked with HACIA and HIRE 360 to improve conditions for small businesses,” said Evans. “Banks and bonding companies look at consistent payment patterns. A payment schedule of 90 to 120 days is hard to explain. If our businesses could get paid every 30 days, it would enhance their creditworthiness and ability to handle larger, more lucrative contracts, allowing us to GROW!”

Drawing from 50 years of experience in the field, Evans envisions a future that emphasizes inclusivity and collaboration, and most things being fair and reasonable. This is not a new idea.

“I’d like to see more minority and women-owned businesses become more engaged. I would like to see other aspects of the construction industry work with us as true partners to build and improve the quality of life for our city, county, and state,” said Evans.

To future minority business owners, he offers this advice: “First off, I commend every young person for starting a business. Things have changed a lot, and if I were to try to start now, I think I would be hesitant to do it,” said Evans. “I would advise that this is an ever-changing and evolving industry, and you have to change and evolve with it.  Don’t get stuck thinking, ‘This is it, and I can’t change it.’ If you don’t adapt, you won’t survive. Only take on what you can do, and whatever you do, do it well.”

In honor of Black Business Month, Evans suggests that the community can support minority-owned businesses by advocating for CPS to reintroduce shop classes in high schools. If young people don’t know about this industry, they won’t look at us as a possible career.

“Many young people are unaware of the trades and the professional paths available in construction. College is great, but it’s not for everybody,” said Evans. “The trades offer a professional alternative that involves significant math and science skills. We are the boots on the ground that make an idea a reality. It’s not just a job. It’s a profession. This way, we will have a larger pool of talent to draw from.”

Looking ahead, Evans is optimistic about Evan’s Electric’s future. “Evan’s Electric, LLC has a number of intelligent and eager young people working with us,” said Evans. “I’m surprised that, with their abilities, they stay with me on this journey. With them, Evan’s Electric, LLC will continue to move forward and grow.”

Evans also expressed his vision for the company’s leadership.

“I’d like to see Evan’s Electric, LLC continue under the leadership of my son, Michael Evans Jr., and my partner, John Martin. They’ll keep it moving forward, ensuring it becomes a long-lasting company that thrives for 100, 200, even 300 years, and helping others along the way, like all of those who help Evan’s Electric.”

For more information about Evan’s Electric and its services, visit their website.