Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Deana Neely. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Deana , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Often outsiders look at a successful business and think it became a success overnight. Even media and especially movies love to gloss over nitty, gritty details that went into that middle phase of your business – after you started but before you got to where you are today. In our experience, overnight success is usually the result of years of hard work laying the foundation for success, but unfortunately, it’s exactly this part of the story that most of the media ignores. Can you talk to us about your scaling up story – what are some of the nitty, gritty details folks should know about?
The journey of Detroit Voltage from our very humble beginnings to where we stand today as a successful electrical contracting firm has been a testament to years of hard work, resilience, and a commitment to our core values. While it might seem like an overnight success to outsiders, the reality is that our growth has been a gradual and strategic process.
In the early days, our focus was on establishing a solid foundation. We began by assembling a team of skilled professionals who shared our vision and values. Our commitment to safety, quality, and customer service became the cornerstone of our identity. Building a reputation for reliability and excellence within the metroit Detroit area was crucial during this foundational phase.
Recognizing the importance of community engagement, we actively sought opportunities to contribute to the underserved areas of Detroit. By aligning ourselves with community needs and collaborating with local organizations, we not only provided essential electrical services but also became a trusted partner in the community. This not only enhanced our brand but also created a positive impact that resonated with our clients.
As the demand for sustainability grew, we strategically positioned Detroit Voltage as a leader in supporting renewable energy projects and electric vehicle infrastructure. This decision not only aligned with our values but also tapped into a growing market trend.s Our dedication to environmental responsibility not only attracted like-minded clients but also positioned us as leaders in the industry.
No scaling journey is without its challenges. We faced obstacles ranging from economic downturns to labor shortages. Each challenge was an opportunity to learn and grow. Our ability to navigate these challenges with resilience and a focus on our long-term vision proved to be instrumental in our continued success.
Throughout our journey, we’ve encountered numerous impactful moments that have played a pivotal role in our growth. These include forming a strategic partnership with our local utility provider to install electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, securing a position as a Google Small Business Partner, and participating in a fireside chat with the CEO of Google at the Summit of the Americas—an esteemed global event. Additionally, we were proudly featured in several global Google campaigns and took part in JPMorgan Chase’s national Make It Happen Campaign. Our commitment to service excellence has not gone unnoticed, as we’ve received multiple awards and recognition. Notably, our contributions to the community have also been acknowledged. Each of these milestones served as fuel for our determination, validating the hard work and strategic decisions that brought us to these significant points in our journey.
Our commitment to continuous learning has been a driving force behind our growth. Whether it was investing in technology, staying informed about industry trends, or seeking feedback from clients, we embraced a culture of improvement. This mindset allowed us to refine our processes, enhance our services, and adapt to the evolving needs of our clients.
In conclusion, the story of Detroit Voltage’s scaling journey is one of great strategy, community impact, sustainability commitment, innovation, overcoming challenges, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Our growth is not an overnight success story, but rather the result of years of hard work, strategic decision-making, and an unwavering dedication to our values and mission.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I embarked on my career in local government at the age of 18, dedicating over a decade to the Building Safety & Engineering Department for the City of Detroit. Little did I know, this would become a fertile training ground for me. During my tenure, I worked with inspectors, city officials, and contractors on a daily basis. Eight years into my work there, I crossed paths with an electrician, and our connection quickly evolved into love. After welcoming two children back to back, we decided that, due to rising childcare costs, I would transition into the role of a stay-at-home mom while supporting my husband’s business. This arrangement continued for about nine years.
During this time, I delved into researching Federal contracting opportunities. Convinced of the potential, I proposed the idea of starting my own business to pursue Federal contracts, with the plan of subcontracting to my husband. He supported the idea, and I subsequently became a licensed electrical contractor, giving birth to Detroit Voltage. However, three months after starting the business my husband unexpectedly left, leaving me a single mom with two young children and a new business.
I prayed for guidance and decided to press on with the business. This seemed like the only way to maintain some semblance of freedom to actively participate in my children’s lives. I hustled hard to generate business, networking tirelessly. After almost four months of no clients the temptation to quit increased. Finally, I secured my first job and from that point, business took off, and within the first six months, I had generated six figures in revenue.
In the second year of operation, I participated in pitch competitions, winning both DTE Energy and New Voices/Essence, bringing in a total of 15K in three weeks. This capital injection became instrumental in growing the business and increasing its visibility.
An unexpected opportunity arose when Google sought small businesses in construction to establish a digital presence. After applying and interviewing, I was chosen for personal mentoring by Google. They flew in from their headquarters, and together we crafted a strategy, delving into the effective use of digital tools, Google ads, and analytics. My success in implementing these strategies led to an invitation to become a Google small business partner and eventually being featured in a global ad campaign and being showcased on their website to date (as of this publication).
Google also selected my business as the representative from the United States to attend the Summit of the Americas in Los Angeles. At the summit, I participated in a globally televised panel discussion on “Enabling Entrepreneurship and Small Business Growth Through Digital Transformation” with none other than the CEO of Google, Sundar Pichai. Just recently I was featured in the JP Morgan Chase national Make it Happen Campaign.
I currently serve as a mentor in the Great Lakes Women’s Council MentorWe Program, where I have the privilege of imparting my insights and growth strategies as a woman business owner to other female business owners. This role allows me to contribute to the development and success of entrepreneurs in the program. I am also in the final stages of writing a book to teach women how to seamlessly launch a construction business (learn more at www.deananeely.com). This remarkable journey reflects the resilience and determination required to overcome unexpected challenges and transform adversity into success.
Can you open up about how you funded your business?
I bootstrapped my business when I first started. However, in the second year of operation, I learned how to pitch and I took part in two pitch competitions one for DTE Energy our local utility provider, and New Voices/Essence, I won both. This success translated to a significant influx of 15K within three weeks, playing a pivotal role in expanding the business and enhancing its overall visibility. I also learned to apply for grants winning over 100K in 1 year and earning the affectionate title of grant Queen.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
Building my reputation was a multi-faceted effort that involved a commitment to exceptional service, community engagement, and a focus on sustainability. Starting in local government equipped me with a solid foundation and understanding of industry intricacies. Transitioning into entrepreneurship, I leveraged my background to establish Detroit Voltage as a reliable and innovative electrical contracting firm. Actively engaging with the community and contributing to underserved areas created a positive impact, fostering trust and recognition. Winning prestigious pitch competitions and partnering with influential organizations like DTE Energy and New Voices/Essence not only injected crucial capital into the business but also significantly elevated its visibility. Embracing sustainability and becoming a Google small business partner further differentiated Detroit Voltage, contributing to a reputation built on quality, innovation, and a genuine commitment to community and environmental responsibility.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.detroitvoltage.com www.detroitvoltage.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/detroitvoltage, https://www.instagram.com/deana_neely
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/detroitvoltage
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/detroitvoltage
Image Credits
Robin Gamble