• Posted: March 24, 2026
• better careers, better communities, Electrical construction leadership in Chicago, Electrical Contractors in Chicago, IBEW Local 134, Women electrical contractors in Chicago, women's history month

Strong leadership in electrical construction is built through experience, accountability, and the ability to navigate challenges over time. Peggy Hrindak, President and CEO of Phoenix Business Solutions, has spent more than two decades doing exactly that.

For Women’s History Month, Powering Chicago is proud to highlight Peggy Hrindrak, owner of Phoenix Business Solutions, for her leadership and expertise in building a successful electrical contracting business and helping shape the future of our industry.

From Field Work to Leadership

Hrindak’s path into electrical construction was built through hands-on experience and steady career growth. Her career in the industry began with field work in telecommunications, where she gained a foundational understanding of the trade before transitioning into the union sector.

“In the early ’90s, I used to climb poles for Spanol Communications. I used to install their cable TV and run the lines from the houses to the poles,” Hrindak said.

After leaving telecommunications, she transitioned to property management in Hyde Park, overseeing building operations and construction. From there, she joined a local electrical contractor and quickly advanced. 

“I started out as a receptionist and worked my way up. I was overseeing 80 technicians on a daily basis,” she said.

The experience gave Hrindak valuable insight into the operational side of electrical contracting and prepared her for the next step in her career. In April 2000, she launched Phoenix Business Solutions. Today, Phoenix Business Solutions is a premier woman-owned electrical contractor. By employing IBEW Local 134 electricians, the company provides the specialized expertise required for complex low-voltage system installations across the region.

Building a Company Through Challenges

Running an electrical contracting business over the past two decades has required persistence and adaptability. Like many companies in the construction industry, Phoenix Business Solutions has navigated economic cycles, industry changes, and complex projects.

“Over the years, there have been numerous learning experiences. You have to make sure you are maintaining your relationships, creating new relationships, and keeping a consistent cash flow,” Hrindak said.

One project that stands out in her career involved building automation and temperature control work at Northwestern University’s athletic field in 2017. When unexpected issues arose regarding specific electrical card classifications required for the project, Hrindak decided to proceed with completing the job despite the significant financial impact. 

“Phoenix has always completed our projects,” she said. 

Hrindak’s resilience was tested even further during that time, as she is a five-year breast cancer survivor. She attributes the strength she used to navigate her health journey to the same persistence required to succeed in the construction industry.

Leading with Integrity

For Hrindak, leadership begins with integrity and accountability. 

“Make sure you keep your integrity. Set an example for your employees,” she said. 

She also emphasizes the importance of treating every team member with respect. 

“You treat everyone with respect. I don’t care if you are pushing a broom or you’re a CEO of a company,” Hrindak said.

That philosophy has helped shape the culture at Phoenix Business Solutions and build long-term relationships within the company. 

“I’m very proud of the culture in my company,” she said.

Women in Electrical Construction

When Hrindak first entered the industry, the landscape looked very different. Over time, she has seen meaningful progress as more women pursue careers in electrical construction. 

“When I began my company, it was still an old-school mentality. However, this has evolved over the years,” she said.

She also believes women bring valuable strengths to the industry. 

“I feel women contractors are very meticulous and detailed in what we do,” Hrindak said. 

Through decades of experience, Hrindak hopes her work has helped pave the way for the next generation.

“I’m hoping it was me and other women like me who helped pave the way for the young women coming up now,” she said.

Advice for the Next Generation

After over 20 years leading a company in the electrical construction industry, Hrindak encourages future professionals to focus on integrity, relationships, and leadership.

“Be a leader, not a boss,” she said.

She also believes dedication and effort ultimately determine success. 

“What you put into it is what you’re going to get out of it,” Hrindak said.

Powering Chicago: Supporting the Industry

Stories like Hrindak’s highlight the opportunities available across electrical construction in Chicago and the impact strong leadership can have throughout the industry. Through the partnership between the Electrical Contractors’ Association of Chicago and IBEW Local 134, Powering Chicago continues to invest in better construction, better careers, and better communities across the region.

Looking for a qualified electrical contractor for your next project? Use Powering Chicago’s Find a Contractor Tool to connect with trusted signatory contractors across Chicago and Cook County.