• Posted: August 20, 2026
• Black Business Month, Chicago Electrical Contractors, Commercial Construction, electrical construction, electrical contractors, Electrical Contractors in Chicago, Leadership, Workforce Development

For the past 20 years, LiveWire Construction has demonstrated what is possible when skilled craftsmanship, strong leadership, and a commitment to people come together. As one of the respected Chicago electrical contractors, the company has grown from a small startup into an industry leader, completing complex commercial, energy, and infrastructure projects throughout Illinois.

The company’s 20th anniversary also coincides with Black Business Month, making this milestone an opportunity to recognize both Live Wire Construction’s impact on the electrical industry and its commitment to creating opportunities for future generations.

Founded by CEO Shon Harris, LiveWire Construction was built on a vision that extended far beyond electrical work.

“It’s really not just about doing business or being an electrical contractor. It’s about what has LiveWire meant to the industry in Chicago in construction over these last 20 years. Is it a better industry because we’ve been here? Did we add value? Did we add folks that have come into this industry because we ushered them in or we brought them in or because they were able to pick up some skills that would add value to the industry? I think we’ve done that.”

Over the past two decades, that vision has helped create careers, strengthen communities, and contribute to some of the Chicago area’s most recognizable projects.

Building Opportunity Through Determination

Like many successful businesses, LiveWire Construction began with a simple goal.

Harris originally wanted something many tradespeople understand well: steady work.

As an electrician, he experienced the uncertainty that often comes with project-based construction work. Starting his own company was an opportunity to create greater stability while building something meaningful for himself and others.

He also recognized an opportunity to increase representation within the construction industry.

“I wanted to represent black contractors, specifically because we are underrepresented… I wanted to build something that my community could be proud of,” said Harris.

That mission also came with a responsibility Harris felt from the very beginning. As a Black business owner in the construction industry, he understood that his company would often be judged before the work even began. Rather than allowing those expectations to define LiveWire Construction, he made it a priority to consistently demonstrate the professionalism, expertise, and quality his team brings to every project.

“There’s an expectation that we may not do so well,” said Harris. “But it’s an assignment to us that we have to do well and that we have to do great. Every time we show up, we have a mission to demonstrate Black excellence, that we know what we’re doing and we deserve to be here. Whether you think so or not, whether you agree or not, we will demonstrate that we deserve to be here.”

That commitment to excellence has remained part of LiveWire Construction’s culture throughout its 20-year history. It continues to shape how the company serves customers, develops its workforce, and creates opportunities for future generations.

Launching a business was far from easy. Shortly after opening its doors, the company’s first general contracting customer went out of business, eliminating the financial resources Harris had invested to get started.

Rather than giving up, the team adapted.

Through economic downturns, the 2008 recession, supply chain disruptions, labor shortages, and countless other challenges, LiveWire Construction continued moving forward by learning difficult lessons about financial management, customer relationships, and resilience.

“One of the biggest things is learning who to trust and when to trust one another, hold one another accountable, and just refuse to give up regardless of how much money is in the bank and how many contracts are in front of us,” said Harris.

Those experiences became the foundation that helped shape the company into what it is today.

Delivering Meaningful Electrical Construction Projects

As one of today’s experienced Chicago electrical contractors, LiveWire Construction has completed projects that extend far beyond traditional commercial electrical work.

Among the projects Harris remembers most are the Pullman Porter Museum, along with the multiple projects for Chicago Public Schools, City Colleges, Chicago Park Districts, Water Reclamation District, multiple projects on the University of Chicago campus, ComEd and Peoples Gas renovations, Northwestern and Advocate Hospitals, Bally’s Casino, EPC solar developments, and most recently the Obama Presidential Center. Each project reflects the company’s continued growth while supporting communities throughout the region.

For Harris, however, the significance of many projects goes beyond their size.

The Pullman Porter Museum project remains especially meaningful for its historical significance to Black workers and organized labor.

“It represented so much to the community at large. That’s something I love being a part of and having our name on,” said Harris.

In recent years, LiveWire Construction has expanded beyond electrical contracting into engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) services, while continuing to grow its capabilities in renewable energy, mission-critical infrastructure, utility projects, and even larger industrial and commercial construction projects.

That evolution allows the company to serve owners directly while continuing to deliver the high-quality craftsmanship customers expect from experienced Chicago electrical contractors.

The Value of Union Training

LiveWire Construction’s success is closely tied to its partnership with IBEW Local 134 and the union training that helped shape Harris’ career.

His journey began as a summer helper before entering the apprenticeship program, where experienced mentors invested time in developing both his technical knowledge and leadership abilities.

Throughout his career, contractors and mentors recognized his potential and challenged him to continue learning.

“That small summer helper opportunity turned into kind of what you see before you now,” said Harris.

Harris credits those experiences with preparing him to eventually build his own company and to create similar opportunities for others entering the industry.

He believes IBEW Local 134 continues to demonstrate how investing in people strengthens both the workforce and the communities it serves.

“Look at what happens when you invest in communities and when you invest in training folks from different communities and different backgrounds. We are the fruits of their labor,” said Harris.

That philosophy closely reflects Powering Chicago’s mission of developing highly trained union electricians who deliver safe, reliable, and high-quality electrical construction throughout Chicago and Cook County.

Leading Through People

While LiveWire Construction continues expanding its services, Harris believes people remain the company’s greatest accomplishment.

Many employees who joined during the company’s early years have grown into project managers, executives, business owners, and industry leaders. Others have built families, purchased homes, and continued developing successful careers within the organization.

“I’m proud of what LiveWire has been able to put out into the industry and into the workforce,” said Harris.

Today, LiveWire Construction also reflects the diversity that Harris envisioned when starting the company.

Employees represent numerous backgrounds, cultures, languages, and perspectives while working toward common goals.

The company intentionally creates opportunities for collaboration, mentorship, and relationship building through activities that strengthen its workplace culture.

That commitment has become one of the defining characteristics of the organization over the past two decades.

Looking Toward the Future

After 20 years of growth, LiveWire Construction continues looking ahead.

The company has expanded into specialized business units focused on commercial and industrial construction, utilities and infrastructure, and renewable energy solutions. It continues pursuing opportunities in data centers, battery storage, renewable energy, utility electrical, and other mission-critical markets that will shape the future of electrical construction.

For Harris, the goal is no longer simply to grow a successful electrical contracting business.

It is creating an organization prepared to meet the changing needs of the construction industry while continuing to invest in people. “Our people are our Power, and that power is what will energize LiveWire’s future”, said Harris. 

Advice for the Next Generation

When asked what advice he would offer future electricians, project managers, and construction professionals, Harris’ message was straightforward.

“Don’t take shortcuts because they don’t pay off in the end. Learn the long math. Do the hard work. Listen more than you speak. Master the fundamentals. Never stop learning,” said Harris.

He also emphasized the importance of protecting one’s reputation.

“When you have no money, when you have nothing, when you’re against all odds, what you have is your reputation. That is currency that no one can take from you,” said Harris.

As LiveWire Construction celebrates its 20th anniversary during Black Business Month, its story serves as a reminder that investing in people, embracing opportunity, and committing to excellence can create lasting impact for employees, customers, and communities alike.

Powering Chicago congratulates LiveWire Construction on 20 years of success, and we look forward to seeing how the company continues to build stronger communities and shape the future of electrical construction across the Chicago region.

Planning your next project? Use Powering Chicago’s Find an Electrical Contractor tool to connect with qualified union electrical contractors serving commercial, industrial, institutional, healthcare, transportation, and infrastructure projects throughout Chicago and Cook County.