Located in Las Vegas, NV, Live Electric is a commercial and industrial electrical contracting company offering a full range of high, medium, and low voltage electrical contracting services. Heather Avila is the President and CEO of Live Electric, and when she launched the company from her kitchen table in 2014, she found herself fighting an uphill battle.
Heather discovered that many companies were inclined to hire larger, more established contractors for their jobs. She also found that she needed to prove herself as a woman in a male-dominated field.
Spark of Determination
Against these odds, Heather has elevated her business to become one of the top electrical contracting companies in Nevada. Her continued growth has earned her not only the respect of her industry peers, but numerous awards and accolades for the business.
These recognitions include the Nevada SBA 2022 Woman Owned Small Business of the Year award and the Southern Nevada Building Trades Union 2023 Skilled Contractor of the Year award.
One of the best examples of Heather’s resilience is the way she responded to the COVID-19 pandemic. During this challenging period filled with project delays and cancellations, Heather maintained her staff and took the time to earn additional certificates, further her education, and focus on branding and marketing strategies.
Currents of Business Growth
Under Heather’s leadership, Live Electric emerged from the pandemic stronger than ever.
In 2023, Heather was in search of financing to support the company’s growth and connected with Community Reinvestment Fund, USA (CRF). In working with CRF, Heather received an SBA Express Line of Credit loan to help fund payroll and union contributions for larger construction projects.
“Without access to these funds to help us with payroll, we would not have been able to bid on or win these larger projects,” Heather said.
“I have also been able to develop a genuine relationship with my lending team. Having that relationship with my lender is the difference between feeling like a tiny fish in a big sea of predatory lenders and being a valued customer with a trustworthy and reputable lender.”
CRF is honored to work with Heather and Live Electric. This growing business has a profound impact on the surrounding community as it provides high quality electrical contracting services, creates jobs, and advances charitable endeavors. We can’t wait to see what’s next for Heather and Live Electric!
