Emerging
FINALIST
Michael J. Wright
President and co-founder
William “Glenn” Durie
Vice President-Engineering and co-founder
Andre Uribe
Vice President-Business Development and co-founder
Power Grid Engineering LLC
Frustrated with the quality of subcontract electrical work available, Michael J. Wright and co-workers William “Glenn” Durie and Andrew Uribe became intrigued in late 2005 with the idea of starting their own consulting firm that would fill the quality assurance niche. But the idea of selling quality was unheard of at the time.
Vice President-Engineering and co-founder,
Power Grid Engineering LLC
Wright was passionate about his idea to the point of leaving his management level position and salary to work from home, without a salary, while getting Power Grid Engineering off the ground.
He soon had the duty of telling his boss he would be leaving the company — but wanted to sign up his old company as PGE’s first customer. Wright was successful in landing the contract work he wanted, as well as in negotiating his partners’ departures to stagger their effective dates.
It was not all a bed of roses at first for the new company. With only one customer, PGE had to walk on eggshells at times to maintain its relationship with its sole client.
Even as PGE began to make profits, Wright realized the need to diversify his customer base to ensure success in the future. It took time and effort, but by 2009, results were being seen. Even more impressive is the fact that Wright has managed to grow the company without taking on debt by funding the company organically.
The next challenge was to find qualified workers in an industry with a shortage of experienced candidates. To address this situation, Wright created a family-oriented corporate culture that encourages employee retention. Also, he began holding a series of training seminars that have served as an invaluable recruiting and networking tool. His knowledge and public speaking ability are put to use in that effort. He even opens these seminars to competitors’ employees.
Wright is willing to share his expertise by training the next generation of electrical engineers — and thus gain clients and recruit employees.
How to reach: Power Grid Engineering, www.powergridengineering.com
