Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris Below.
Chris, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I started working full time at 15 years old. I had always dreamed of purchasing my own car and my father insisted I earn it. My dream came true at 17 when I purchased a 1977 Camaro Z28. I went on to graduate from Furr High School on the East Side of Houston. Shortly thereafter, I began working at Houston Lighting & Power Company (HL&P).
After college difficulties, I dropped out of the University of Houston. I started working in a warehouse at the P.H. Robinson Generating Station located in Kemah, Texas for HL&P. From there I moved on to manage the main distribution warehouse. My main responsibility was to supply the generating stations with spare parts and consumable products. I spent the next 13 years honing my people skills, learning how to motivate and lead others to achieve goals. In 2001 HL&P renamed its power generating division to Texas Genco. I was promoted to a role in investment recovery for this company. I developed business skills, contract administration, environmental health and safety experience, and project management skills.
I left Texas Genco in 2005 to start my own consulting company, Chris R. Below & Associates. My business worked with numerous companies providing project management services, contract administration and electrical equipment decommissioning. I ensured their projects were completed safely, accurately, on time and under or at the budget. This is where I learned not only how to do business, but how to do good business. In 2013, I started Utility Asset Buyer, LLC (UAB) located in Channelview, Texas. We decommission oil-filled electrical equipment for the electrical power industry. UAB has worked with utility companies all over the nation, the largest of which is in the Midwest, a territory covering over 36,400 square miles.
In 4 years, UAB has transformed from just a scrap hauler that worked outside of live substations to a major service provider that works inside those same live substations. We also complete turnkey projects that transform old substations back into usable greenfield.
My story is one of a fighter striving to achieve his dream of being a business owner. I had limitations and weaknesses but used each career opportunity I had to better myself. It’s proven that you can achieve anything you want, despite your limitations, with hard work and perseverance. A prime example; a college dropout, a minority business owner in an industry that lacks diversity. I didn’t have education or relationships to help jump start my career. I worked manual labor jobs to support my family. My story is truly rags to riches. I used what God gave me, learned from every opportunity, built upon everything presented to me, and trusted myself enough to go out on my own. The key is learning to use all God-given talents fully and holly. Always strive to learn and develop.
I’m married and have 2 children.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
As a college dropout, I didn’t have education or relationships to help jump start my career. I worked manual labor jobs to support my family. As a small minority business owner, it has been a challenge establishing credit with banks and equipment providers.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Utility Asset Buyers story. Tell us more about the business.
We decommission oil-filled electrical equipment for the electrical power industry. We specialize in transform old substations back into usable greenfield. We are known for our quick response, quality service, our dedication to safety and environmental stewardship.
What makes me the proudest is transformed the company from just a scrap hauler that worked outside of live substations to a major service provider that works inside those same live substations.
What set us apart is we take possession of the old equipment at the substation, our clients can count on us to manage their old obsolete equipment responsibly, while they concentrate on their core business of delivering electricity and not waste time and resources on scrap.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
Luck had nothing to do with my business success, it was hard work, perseverance and my faith in God.
Contact Info:
- Address: 14923 Peachmeadow Ln, Channelview, Tx 77530
- 935 East St. Clair Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202
- Website: www.UABRecycling.com
- Phone: 281 382-8570
- Email: [email protected]
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