Big Red, Bigger Heart

A Las Vegas electrician builds more than circuits—he’s wiring stability, trust, and humanity into every job.

The sharp hum of a power tool fades in the distance as AJ wipes the sweat from his brow, crouched in the corner of a garage somewhere in Las Vegas. It’s another scorching day in the desert, but he’s focused on the details, where the homeowner parks, how the kids run through the garage, and how to make a car charger install not just functional, but perfectly placed. “It’s never just about the wires,” he says. “It’s about listening.”

In a city known for flashing lights and towering casinos, AJ’s company, Big Red Electric Company, operates with a quieter kind of brilliance: one rooted in integrity, communication, and care. This is not just another electrical contractor. This is one man’s mission to rebuild trust in trades, starting one outlet, one family, and one conversation at a time.

From Casino Gigs to Community Commitment

Before Big Red lit up Las Vegas homes, AJ was working on some of the city’s largest landmarks as a union electrician under IBEW Local 357. For over a decade, his days were spent in the bowels of casinos and massive construction sites, where hundreds of workers came and went like moving parts in a machine.

“You’re a number in those environments,” he recalls. “A job might need 200 electricians, and when it winds down, they let people go. There’s rarely a heads-up. You just hear rumors.”

That lack of stability wore on him, especially after a gut-wrenching layoff came just as his wife was pregnant with their first child. With insurance set to expire before the baby was born, AJ had to make a choice: wait for another job to come around, or build something of his own.

“I asked for a transfer for the first time in my entire career. They still laid me off,” he remembers. “That lit a fire under me. I knew I had to create something better—not just for my family, but for other tradespeople too.”

Big Red Electric Company was born from that resolve. And true to its name, it’s bold, clean, and no-nonsense.

Built on Communication, Not Just Code

AJ didn’t launch Big Red because he dreamed of being his own boss or making millions. He launched it because he believed people deserved better, both the customers and the workers.

“I wanted to build a business that looks out for the people who actually build the job,” he says. “We’re the ones breaking our bodies every day. We deserve transparency and respect.”

AJ’s early days in business were full of trial and error. As a trained electrician, he could wire a panel in his sleep. But setting up a website? Posting on Instagram? That was a new world.

“I built the website myself. No background in computers,” he says, laughing. “It wasn’t easy, but I wanted to show people we’re legit. That we care. I even post before-and-after photos of jobs because I know people need to see them to trust it.”

Trust is a word AJ returns to often. And it’s not just a marketing line. It’s a foundational pillar of everything he does.

“When someone invites you into their home, that’s sacred,” he says. “They need to know you’re licensed, bonded, background-checked, and just a decent human being.”

More Than Just Outlets and Panels

Today, Big Red Electric Company handles everything from GFI outlet repairs to full commercial remodels. Whether it’s a car charger, panel upgrade, tenant improvement, or backyard hot tub hookup, AJ treats each job like it matters deeply because it does.

“It’s easy to say we all do quality work,” he admits. “But what sets us apart is how we listen. If someone wants a charger in their garage, I ask: Where do you park? Do you use this area for storage? Do you have kids running in and out? I tailor every install to the person’s life.”

That mindset extends to planning ahead. AJ doesn’t just meet the minimum code. He overbuilds, futureproofs, and thinks ahead so clients don’t have to call again for a second fix later.

“I had a customer getting a jacuzzi, and instead of just installing a standard disconnect, I turned it into a subpanel. Now they can add lighting or a smoker later without extra work. That’s value.”

“Let Me Be Real With You…”

The heart of Big Red isn’t the tools or trucks. It’s AJ himself. And it’s in conversation that his character shines brightest.

“I put a really big emphasis on communication,” he says. “If we can’t communicate, we shouldn’t work together. Even if I’m not the right fit, you need someone who truly hears you.”

He laughs as he compares electrical work to assembling IKEA furniture with a partner. “If you’ve ever done that, you know communication is everything.”

He’s also the first to admit what he doesn’t know. “If I could spell, I probably wouldn’t be an electrician,” he jokes. “But I’m learning every day. I wear all the hats: marketing, sales, and admin. I’m not perfect, but I’m always improving.”

In the next six to twelve months, AJ hopes to expand the company with a few carefully selected service trucks. But he’s not rushing.

“I’m going to be picky. It’s not just about skills; it’s about character. If I’m putting someone in your home with my name on their shirt, they need to be excellent humans, period.”

Loved by Locals, Trusted by Word of Mouth

In a town where contractors are often chosen by chance or flashy ads, Big Red stands out for its word-of-mouth loyalty. Most new clients find AJ through Facebook or through glowing recommendations.

“I always clean up when I’m done,” he says, grinning. “I know that should be a given, but customers are always surprised. I treat their homes like I’d want mine treated.”

And that reputation has paid off. “When someone gets a new car or hot tub, they remember the electrician who made it easy, clean, and convenient. That’s how I grow by doing the work right the first time.”

His website, bigredelectriccompany.com, lists all services clearly, and his social links are right there too. He keeps everything updated himself—imperfectly, perhaps, but with sincerity and intention.

“There Are No Shortcuts”

As we wrap up the conversation, AJ reflects on what he wants people to know.

“There’s no shortcut to this,” he says. “You have to do the work. Whether you’re starting a business or hiring a contractor, don’t cut corners. Make sure they’re licensed and bonded. Get permits. Communicate clearly. And if you don’t vibe with someone, even if the price is right, walk away. Most failed projects come from bad communication.”

Short-term, AJ has a simple goal: take his wife out for a well-earned night on the town. Long-term? Keep building a company that stands for something, and give other tradespeople the same stability and respect he once needed.

“Every human should strive to do better,” he says. “That’s what I’m doing here. One job, one wire, one connection at a time.”

Find Big Red Electric Company at bigredelectriccompany.com, or follow them on Facebook and Instagram @bigredelectriccompany.

This feature is part of The Business View Journal’s Local Spotlight Series — your trusted source for discovering the best small businesses in your community.