• Posted: February 20, 2025
• better construction, Electrical contractor mentorship programs, Electrical Contractors Association mentorship, Maron Electric mentorship initiative, Mentorship in electrical contracting, Minority contractors in electrical construction, Small Business Mentor-Protégé Program, Supporting minority-owned electrical firms, Training and development in electrical contracting

Mentorship plays a vital role in shaping the next generation of electrical contractors, and Maron Electric is leading the charge through an innovative initiative designed to support and develop minority-owned firms. As part of the Electrical Contractors Association’s Small Business Mentor-Protégé Program, Maron Electric is providing emerging contractors with the guidance, expertise, and access they need to grow and thrive in the competitive electrical contracting industry.

Hands-On Experience in Major Chicago Projects

From the iconic Goodman Theatre in the Loop to the Sankofa Wellness Center in Garfield Park, some of Chicago’s most significant projects are now being built with the expertise of minority contractors who have gained invaluable experience through the Electrical Contractors Association’s Small Business Mentor-Protégé Program.

For Alberto Rocha, owner of Rocha Electric Company, this opportunity has allowed his firm to install lighting retrofits and electrical upgrades at the nearly 100-year-old Goodman Theatre—an achievement made possible through mentorship and collaboration.

At the Goodman Theatre, these opportunities for minority contractors align with the organization’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.

“It’s really integral to our mission at the Goodman… it’s important for us to use those vendors,” said Rees Grant, Director of Operations, Goodman Theatre.

Meanwhile, Calvin Payne, owner of Simply E&C, is leading electrical work at Sankofa, a full-service community and wellness center that marks a major milestone for the neighborhood.

“And it’s the first building being built in 40 years in that area,” said Payne.

At Sankofa, the program’s impact extends beyond the job site, creating opportunities that support both the contractors involved and the surrounding community.

Carl Fields, Project Superintendent at UJAMAA Construction Inc., a minority-owned general contractor, takes pride in seeing companies like Simply E&C gain a foothold in the industry.

“It gives me satisfaction to see someone who looks like me… Calvin is building his brand and doing an amazing job at doing that,” said Carl Fields, Project Superintendent at UJAMAA Construction Inc.

The Power of Mentorship in Electrical Contracting

Opportunities like these are becoming more common for Rocha Electric Company and Simply E&C,  thanks to the Small Business Mentor-Protégé Program, where experienced electrical contractors—like Maron Electric—help up-and-coming firms navigate the complexities of the industry.

Michael Lee, CFO of Maron Electric, emphasizes the unprecedented level of access provided to mentee companies.

“There is not one department in this organization that they don’t have access to. We currently have one of their estimators from each of the companies working with our estimating department. I’ve been directly involved with Rocha in terms of accounting. They have access to every level of this organization, including the president,” said Lee.

Through this program, Rocha and Payne have overcome challenges that many small contractors face, including estimating and purchasing, business development, and financial management.

“There were various issues Rocha Electric Company faced, one being estimating, the second being purchasing, third, business development where we faced contracting issues,” said Rocha.

For Payne, daily project management and financial tracking were key areas where mentorship provided valuable support.

“Keeping track of daily reports, keeping track of daily spending, and certified payroll. We make sure we record everything that we do with the job,” said Payne.

A Commitment to the Future

For Maron Electric, mentorship is a driving force behind developing skilled electrical contractors and ensuring an industry’s strong, thriving future.

“I’ve been in the electrical industry now for 21 years, and I have a lot of knowledge in the accounting department. So for me to be able to impart that knowledge and to help the Rochas and the Simply E&C’S of the world is very fulfilling,” said Lee.

Rocha and Payne have received life-changing mentorship, not just for themselves but also for their employees and the communities they serve.

 “The partnerships really meant the world to me. But not just to me but to the 30 employees Rocha Electric has. It means the world because we know that there is a mentor there to support us,” said Rocha.

As the industry continues to evolve, mentorship programs like this will be crucial in empowering the next generation of electrical contractors, ensuring that more firms have the resources and support needed to succeed.

 “Trust in yourself with something you want to do. Do it. These programs will come to you, and many opportunities will come. So don’t look back when it’s something that you really want to do,  said Payne.

The impact of mentorship in electrical contracting is clear—and now you can see it in action. Watch Episode 14 of The Power of Better to hear directly from Maron Electric, Rocha Electric Company, and Simply E&C as they share their experiences and the power of mentorship. Subscribe to our YouTube channel to stay up-to-date with the latest episodes and see how the electrical industry is evolving through innovation, collaboration, and mentorship.