TAP's PARTNERSHIP WITH IBEW 617 UNION CONTRACTORS

At The Acceleration Project (TAP), we believe small businesses thrive when given access to expert guidance, actionable tools, and a network of support. That belief came to life through a 2024–2025 collaboration with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 617 (IBEW 617), a San Mateo–based union committed to helping members succeed in a rapidly evolving industry.

Small union contractors are on the frontlines of local economic growth, yet often lack the tools and infrastructure to scale their businesses. To address this gap, TAP partnered with IBEW 617 with a clear goal: to help union-affiliated entrepreneurs build profitable, resilient businesses equipped with the strategies and support needed for sustainable growth.

CHALLENGES:

To support small union contractors navigating a shifting industry, TAP and IBEW 617 launched a targeted Deep Dive consulting program. This model pairs two TAP consultants with each business owner to provide high touch, customized support over several weeks. Together, TAP and IBEW worked directly with three electrical contractors: Leyder Electric, Bee Daly Electric, and All Phase Electrical to identify pain points and build roadmaps for sustainable growth.

Each contractor came to TAP with a shared goal: to grow sustainably while supporting their families and contributing to California’s clean energy future.

COMMON CHALLENGES INCLUDED :

• Limited experience with financial forecasting and strategic planning

• Uncertainty around accessing capital and managing cash flow

• Lack of operational efficiency and backend systems

• Difficulty managing overwhelming demand without a framework to prioritize projects or align work with long term goals

• Personal challenges balancing entrepreneurship with family responsibilities

DELIVERABLES :

Through a structured, multi-month consulting model, TAP delivered hands-on support in finance, operations, marketing, and strategic growth planning. Each Deep Dive included:

• Guidance on outsourcing and software programs and implementation to scale operations

• Cash flow forecasting tailored to project pipelines

• Break-even and pricing analysis to preserve margins and guide bidding

• Market and customer segmentation sizing to refine strategic direction and develop financial forecasting scenarios 

• Task prioritization frameworks to streamline admin and operations

• Clear, actionable growth plans aligned to long-term goals

​TAP consultants brought deep business expertise and a collaborative spirit, tailoring solutions to meet the specific needs of each contractor.

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT : ALL PHASE ELECTRICAL

Founded in 2012 by Carlos Najarro, All Phase Electrical started as a one-man operation. As the business grew, Carlos brought in his sister, Karen Najarro, to support operations, billing, and customer service. Together, they built a trusted name across the Bay Area, but recognized they needed stronger business tools to support continued growth.

At intake, All Phase Electrical sought help with:

• Formal cash flow forecasting

• Division of responsibilities between co-owners

• Desire to expand into solar projects without financial clarity

• Defining their marketing or customer acquisition strategy

With TAP’s Deep Dive support, the team:

• Adopted a monthly cash flow model aligned to their project pipeline

• Used a task framework to clarify team roles and boost efficiency

• Built a solar break-even analysis to support clean energy expansion

• Created a marketing plan worksheet to guide long-term brand growth

CONSULTANT REFLECTSIONS : A WIN FOR VOLUNTEERS TOO

TAP’s model creates meaningful experiences not only for small business owners, but also for its highly skilled volunteer consultants:

“Since retiring, I’ve felt like my brain was atrophying. TAP changed that. I’m using my business and finance brain again.”

— Samantha Garbus, TAP Consultant

“TAP allows me to give back to the community. Everyone is so professional and knowledgeable. It’s rewarding on all fronts.”

— Lizette Dubacher, TAP Consultant

​“Our work with Bee Daly was a great example of TAP’s approach in action. We gave them practical tools they could use immediately, and the transformation was measurable.”

— Jim Stern, TAP Consultant

ROOTED IN PARTNERSHIP, WIRING FOR THE FUTURE

As California accelerates its investment in electrification and decarbonization, union contractors are essential to getting the job done. Yet many small, independent businesses need stronger systems, tools, and guidance to grow responsibly.

TAP’s collaboration with IBEW 617 proves what’s possible when small business consulting meets workforce development. With the right support, these entrepreneurs are building sustainable businesses—and a better future for their families and communities.

INTERESTED IN PARTNERING WITH TAP?

If your organization supports small business owners in construction, trades, or clean energy, TAP can help you expand your impact.

Fill out our partnership interest form

Or email us at info@theaccelerationproject.org