Berlinghoff Contracting Inc. was founded over 20 years ago by Tim and Viviann Berlinghoff. It is located in the heart of Pine Plains, NY, and provides all aspects of electrical service for both commercial and residential properties, Kohler generator sales, and service for all generator makes and models.
“Tim had worked in the electrician field for years and always wanted to start his own business. At the time, in the aftermath of 9/11, not wanting to travel too far for work and wanting to stay local with a young family at home, Tim decided that it was time to start his own business,” Viviann explained.
“We do fastidious work. Our electricians love what they do and are the best in the region. We have a team of 13 local, hard-working individuals, each with a dedication to quality work and to making your project, big or small, a success. From a full-time staffed office to a fleet of ten vans and trucks, we strive to be our customers’ electrician and generator contractor of choice,” Viviann shared.
She went on to explain, “We are a full-service electrical contractor with experience in residential and commercial wiring. We were established in 2003, and have grown to be the trusted electrical contractor serving Dutchess, Columbia, and Greene Counties and beyond.” They proudly boast a client list that is full of repeat clients, and as anyone in business knows: a repeat client is often the best client.
Valuable lessons learned and the growth of the business
When it comes to the most valuable lessons that Viviann and Tim have learned while running their business, Viviann said that the primary one is creating a great team between all of the employees and owners.
The second is to work and grow with your clientele for their wants and needs. “Also growing organically – growing with the industry and what it calls for in this location,” Viviann added.
She also emphasized the importance of getting word out about training people and growing a trade-based company such as theirs, along with the talent in such a business. “Finding young talent and cultivating that young talent is pivotal!”
When discussing the growth of Berlinghoff Contracting Inc., Viviann said that their growth is centered around hiring and training the technicians that they have. “One of our strengths is keeping people for a long time,” Viviann explained. “We also pride ourselves on working with our employees and furthering their education and skill set, whether that be for them to learn more skills or get additional certifications. We are all about giving people more responsibilities and encouraging them to grow and to learn.”
“Our belief is that as employers we have a responsibility to take care of our employees to not only retain them, but also to help them grow and to support them. It is for this reason that we offer our employees health benefits and 401(k) plans, which sets us apart. We not only offer our employees a living wage, but we also provide benefits,” Viviann explained.
She went on to add that they strive to be flexible with people. “We work four ten-hour days, and we don’t do overtime. Being more flexible with people affords them more time with their families and in their lives, this also increases efficiency and makes people sharper at work. This approach has made a big difference for our business,” Viviann explained.
Paying it forward
When it comes to paying it forward, we’re all here reading this issue because of Viviann’s suggestion to cast a spotlight on young entrepreneurs. So when it came to discussing young businesspeople in our region, Viviann had a lot of enthusiasm and thoughts on the subject.
“The advice I’d give anyone starting out would be to really take your time and build a strong team. Attitude over aptitude every single time, because you can always train with the right attitude,”she explained.
She went on to share how important trade-based businesses are in today’s day and age: “Trade-based businesses need to concentrate on the younger generations, and it’s pivotal for the older generation that’s on their way out to pass on their knowledge in a healthy and kind way. It is the responsibility of the existing and established businesses to introduce their trade to the next generation in a supportive way so that their industries can keep going.”
Viviann believes that there are amazing opportunities for young entrepreneurs in our region but admitted that starting up can also be challenging. “Folks in the trade sector are often tradesmen and women, and not necessarily business people. But that shouldn’t be a hindrance. Even if you’re not necessarily a businessperson, realize that you can build the other parts, the business part, by taking classes or working in other industries to be strong in both. If you hate the office stuff, hire the right people, learn through classes, or learn the software necessary. The right tools and or employees can empower people to go forward and to automate the things that might be challenging at the onset. By doing so, they can focus on the things that they’re really good at.” •
Find Berlinghoff Contracting online at berlinghoffelectric.com.