Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, April 11, 1991 TAG: 9104120466
SECTION: NEIGHBORS PAGE: W-4 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: LINDA LOVINGOOD/ SPECIAL TO THE ROANOKE TIMES & WORLD-NEWS
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
"It's simple in that I'm a craftsman with a trade that's in demand. It's complex because every time you think you've got it under control, a problem comes up. It's just one problem right after another."
Randolph began Randolph Electric Co. in 1988 as R.M. Randolph Electrical Contracting. Each year since, the company's gross sales have increased 15 percent. Last year Randolph grossed approximately $50,000 and he expects an even better 1991.
He earned his associate degree in electrical engineering technology from Virginia Western Community College in 1970 and worked in electrical jobs for a number of companies in the Roanoke Valley, including ITT and General Electric. In 1983, Randolph was among the 150 GE employees who were laid off.
His brother, an electrician for the city of Roanoke, was always doing a number of electrical jobs on the side for family and friends. Randolph began helping and "it just got out of control."
The brothers were in business together for a few years until they parted ways.
"I was the one who managed the business and did all the work, but my brother was president of the company and he still worked full-time for the city. The situation just didn't work out," Randolph said.
Randolph went to work for another electrical contractor until he was able to get his own master electrician's license, which would allow him to go into business for himself. In his previous company, his brother held the license.
With 86 companies listed in the Roanoke telephone directory, the electrical contracting business is extremely competitive. Add to that number the several contractors who are not listed in the phone book and those who are doing business without a license.
Randolph said he had to "buy" his way into the market by setting a low hourly fee. His competitors were charging up to $40, so he charged $12. Now that his business is better established, Randolph said customers are willing to pay him $30 an hour "without batting an eye." Because of low overhead - the company operates out of Randolph's home and he employs only one helper - he still is able to underbid his competitors.
Being black, he said, if anything, has been an advantage because "black people usually hire a black electrician." With only three black electrical contractors in town, Randolph figures he gets about a third of that work.
When business is slow, he uses newspaper advertisements, fliers and word of mouth to drum up business.
"Either you've got too much work or not enough, too many staff or not enough. In the last three years I've worked harder than I ever have, and I'm making less money than I ever have."
But Randolph likes being his own boss and not having to punch a time clock. While he averages a 50-hour work week that often includes Saturdays and Sundays, he enjoys the flexibility of setting his own hours.
by CNB