Big State Electric staff

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Real took an interest in the electrical apprenticeship program and worked for Fred Clark Electrical Contractors for four years.

“Then I returned back to Big State and I have been here ever since,” he said.  “I worked out in the field as a journeyman electrician, foreman and superintendent, and then moved into the office as project manager-estimator, then slowly started buying stock in the company.  In 2004 I bought the stockholders out.

“I have been real fortunate. The past stockholders were all real good people and took me in and taught me the business.”

Today Big State has grown to about 165 employees and opened an Austin branch in Jan. 2009, with an additional 15 employees.

Real credits the company’s success and growth to the employees.

“I have to brag on our team of people that make this company strong.  Our people are really dedicated and loyal, and I commend all of our project managers, the foremen and all our guys out in the field, all the way down to apprentices.  They work hard and do what it takes.”

Big State moved the San Antonio operation from the original location on Euclid to the present location on North St. Mary’s Street in 1998.   “We bought this building and expanded and thought we had plenty of room here, but we are full,” he said.  “I just bought a lot behind us for future expansion.”

The Austin branch gives Big State flexibility in changing markets.  “I have noticed over the years that when Austin is up San Antonio is down and visa versa. San Antonio is just an hour drive and we can keep our guys busy bidding both of those markets.

“Right now we are just establishing ourselves in Austin and building relationships.  I have very high hopes that that office is going to grow.”  Real’s goal is the Austin office will mirror the San Antonio office in size.    

Big State Electric, Ltd. is a commercial and industrial electrical contractor.  –kf

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