Electrical Company Sparks Growth with Local Resource

Strong Tower Electrical Contractor, LLC of Polk County

Felix Vega, an experienced electrician in the Northeast Polk County region, decided after eight years of working for some of the biggest electrical companies in Florida, that he wanted to start his own business – Strong Tower Electrical Contractor, LLC of Davenport – and build a legacy. He saw the COVID-19 pandemic as a way to make the shift and become his own boss.

However, he knew having experience in the trade was not enough to grow a successful business. Vega needed a resource that could help him build a flourishing company for his community. He found the Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at the University of South Florida (USF), a resource that could do just that.

“The reason I reached out to the SBDC at USF is because I did not know the right steps that I was supposed to take to open my business,” Vega said.

He communicated his needs in business and finance to business consultant Gregory Manning, an experienced business owner himself. Manning is based at the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce and meets with clients as needed at the Northeast Polk Chamber of Commerce, in Haines City.

The two mapped out the financial plans for the first quarter and Vega was surprised that with Manning’s assistance, success followed at a faster rate than expected.

“Greg helped me with my business plan and financial plan for the first quarter, and we exceeded in the first month,” Vega said.

Although Vega’s business is thriving, he says he will continue to work with the Florida SBDC at USF moving forward, specifically for, “marketing, financial planning, and taxes.”

He also recommends that other small business owners take advantage of the Florida SBDC at USF and all that it has to offer.

“I would encourage any small business to reach out to the SBDC to help them with their business,” Vega said. “They are no cost. They have supported me in growing my business.”