Today we’d like to introduce you to Jacob Tijerina.
Hi Jacob, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
I started my electrical career at the age of 22 and was looking for a solid career to provide for my family. Fortunately, my brother was in the electrical field and told me about it. So, I eventually applied for the Electrical local union 716. I took their aptitude test and was interviewed and then selected. I started their apprenticeship program, which is 5 years long, and in the process, you can become a license journeyman electrician. They help prepare you for the test throughout the 5 years. To be a licensed journeyman at the time it required 8000 hours of on-the-job training which is achieved in about 4 years. You have to pass the state license exam also. So, after a couple months in trade, I really knew this is what I wanted to do. So, I set a goal that I wanted to not just be a licensed Journeyman but a Master electrician. Which as a master electrician you can open your own Electrical company. So, I dedicated my time to learning the craft working overtime putting in a lot of hours to hit the 8000 mark. Before I knew it, I achieved my hours and got my journeyman license before my 5th-year apprenticeship school. I then graduated the apprenticeship program and was on to my next step. I continued to work a good amount of hours because the master license exam required 12000 hours and 2 years as a licensed journeyman. I eventually hit my 12000 hours and my 2-year mark as a journeyman. I took my master test and passed. It only took me a total of 6 1/2 years to become a master electrician which is generally a short time. I now have started my business and love what I do.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It had its ups and downs there’s times contractors wouldn’t have a lot of jobs which would end up in cut hours or layoffs. I was laid off a few times which was stressful because it would somewhat hinder my goal. Also, now you’re looking or waiting on a call for work. You also had some contractors they wouldn’t treat workers well. All the reasons I wanted to open my own company.
We’ve been impressed with Inphaze Electric, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I offer a variety of electrical service. I specialize in trouble shootings, home standby generator system, lighting upgrades, electrical panel replacement/upgrades, and additions. What sets me apart from others is my commitment to quality work, safety for my clients knowing their electrical work is done the right way. I’m most proud of seeing my customer happy helping their vision come to life and keeping their homes safe electrically.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
I feel like it was my motivation and dedication to wanting to learn and be the best at my job. To wanting to give my family a great life. I always challenge myself to get better at my craft and always set goals to keep elevating myself to the next level.
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