By John Crowder, Owner of Vale City Electric
From Rejection to Redirection
In 2013, I was fresh out of high school and doing everything I could to find work. I applied
everywhere — from warehouses to shoe stores, fast food places, and even the local grocery stores. Not a single place called me back.
Even my good friend Matthew Lopez tried to help. He was working a job counting inventory and told me he’d put in a word for me. It actually looked like it might work out. The hiring manager called me for a phone interview. We exchanged maybe two sentences… and then the call disconnected.
She never called back.
That was the last straw. I felt invisible. No experience, no shot. But life had other plans.
The Circle K That Changed Everything
Not long after, my mom and I stopped at a Circle K in Buckeye, Arizona. Just a regular gas
station run. While we were inside, she casually asked the woman behind the counter if they
were hiring.
Before the woman could even respond, a man nearby overheard and jumped in.
“Hey, homie, you looking for a job? I’ll give you one. My uncle owns an
electrical company. It’s legit. I’ll train you to be an electrician and teach you
everything I know.”
His name was Patrick — a complete stranger.
That one moment cracked open a door that had been slammed in my face again and again. I didn’t hesitate. I said yes without thinking. I didn’t look back. I didn’t really have much of a
choice — but more importantly, I didn’t need one.
That moment in Buckeye was when I realized the value of being an electrician. It wasn’t just a job — it was a path. A skill. A future I could build with my own two hands.
A Career I Didn’t Plan For, But Was Meant For
I didn’t grow up dreaming of being an electrician. I didn’t know anyone in the trades. But I
showed up every single day. I worked through the Arizona heat, asked a million questions, and studied code at night while everyone else was sleeping.
What started as a job offer became a calling. I started to understand the deeper value — not just financial, but personal. Integrity. Ownership. Respect.
This wasn’t my plan. This was something greater than me. Some would call it God’s plan.
From Apprentice to Business Owner: Vale City Electric
More than a decade later, I took everything I’d learned — every long day, every challenge, every hard-earned lesson — and built something of my own. I launched Vale City Electric, based right here in Phoenix, Arizona.
We are now one of the very few Black- and Latino-owned electrical companies in the state. And we don’t just exist — we lead. We bring unmatched skill, clean installs, and a reputation that speaks for itself.
We specialize in:
- Custom home wiring and new construction
- EV charging station installations
- Main panel upgrades and full service replacements
- Electrical repairs and troubleshooting
- Commercial tenant improvements
- Design-build custom electrical solutions
We proudly serve Phoenix, Buckeye, Goodyear, Avondale, Chandler, Scottsdale, Surprise,
Queen Creek, and surrounding areas.
Why Representation in the Trades Matters
One of my life’s biggest goals is to show young men who look like me that they don’t have to
chase a dream in sports or entertainment to be successful.
You don’t need a ball or a mic. You need a skill.
A trade can give you freedom. It can build legacy. You can own a truck, lead a crew, build
homes, and put your last name on something that lasts.
We have to change the narrative.
I want to help shift the perspective of what success looks like for Black and Latino men in this country. We’re not just athletes. We’re not just workers. We’re builders, business owners, electricians, project managers — and leaders.
Changing the Game in Phoenix
At Vale City Electric, we show up sharp, communicate clearly, and do the job right the first time.
Whether it’s a full custom home, an EV charger, or a commercial panel upgrade, we bring
excellence every step of the way.
We don’t just follow code — we go above it.
We don’t just work — we leave an impact.
When you hire us, you’re hiring professionals who care about what they do and who they serve.
Looking for a Black Electrician in Phoenix, Arizona?
If you’re looking for a licensed, insured, and experienced Black electrician in Phoenix, Arizona, we’ve got you covered. We handle permitting, inspections, utility company coordination, and all the details — so you don’t have to stress.
From design to finish, we power your project the right way.
Vale City Electric is a locally owned and operated electrical company proudly serving Arizona. We specialize in both commercial and residential electrical work, offering a wide range of services including:
Commercial Tenant Improvements
With a commitment to safety, efficiency, and customer satisfaction, Vale City Electric is your trusted partner for all your electrical needs.
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