The United States is still the best place in the world to become your own boss. Electrical contractors who have made the decision to become their own bosses and start their own businesses take the risk because they want to be independent employers of their own. Being independent has no boundaries, no discrimination, and no age limits. Working for yourself provides a sense of pride, motivation, and the fulfillment that comes from building something you can be proud of and providing a good living for your families and those of your employees.

Being a small business owner is difficult, as 22.5% close during their first year. Only half of all companies survive after five years. If they make it more than 10 years, they are survivors and should have achieved success in their own way.

Do not brave these waters alone. You have the backing of 3,600 IEC members who face the same challenges you do every day. You have a top apprenticeship program, business coaching, and private forums that can help your business grow. With IEC, you have something that is rarely found in business, a friend.

The merit shop is at stake and it is time for all contractors to be educated on how the new laws put into effect will impact your businesses. Knowledge is power and education is the key to success. Now is the time to be involved with your chapters and educate yourselves and your apprentices. An often-forgotten benefit of IEC is our presence on Capitol Hill. If you learn of a law that could directly impact your business, reach out to IEC through your local chapter or Jason Todd, our lobbyist. He is your voice in Washington, D.C. and has a proven track record of advancing our interests.

Someone once said the grass is greener on the other side of the fence. The fence has nothing to do with it. The grass is greenest where it is watered. Let us not lose what we have worked so hard for – our independence is most valuable.

We are IEC!