At Okanagan Contractors, we believe a good client/contractor fit is built on relationships. This is why we ask every one of the participating contractors questions about who they are and what they are about.
Our introduction blogs are here to help get that relationship started.
This is a Q&A article from our new partner Chris Mclauchlan of Onyx Electric.
Q: Tell us about you and your company.
My name is Chris Mclauchlan and I am the sole owner of Onyx Electric. We are a Kelowna based lectrical company with a strong focus on Residential and Commercial Electrical services. Onyx Electric has been conducting business since 2021 and has seen steady growth thanks to the hundreds of amazing people and businesses we have had the pleasure of helping here in the Okanagan and beyond. As a 3rd Generation Red Seal Electrician, I’m proud to say that I believe this trade runs in my veins and if you ask anyone on our team, they will likely say the same thing. Being that I have family members to look up to in the trade, I take every Project that Onyx is a part of as an opportunity to keep excelling and perfecting this craft that we are so lucky to be in. At Okanagan Contractors, each and everyone of us believe in the same thing, and that is ensuring that clients are educated and informed about the trades they are hiring so that all parties involved achieve a positive outcome.
Q: What do you love or get you excited about in your industry?
There is really nothing to not love. There are ever products, technology, tools and evolving code that keeps myself and my team always on the edge of our seats. It’s not a simple trade, there is math, physics, and some mechanical aptitude that is required. What keeps me the most invested in this trade is technology. I love getting to program Smart Systems into Custom Homes, whether it be Lighting, Window Treatments, HVAC, Security or AV. The outcome and client reaction is always the best, usually it’s days and days worth of computer programming to get these Smart Systems absolutely perfect. That brings me to the next thing I absolutely love about my trade, and that’s getting to see the reaction of clients when we complete a project. There’s nothing better than looking back at all of the hard work, long days, late nights and craftsmanship that you put into a home or business.
Q: Why did you start your business?
There’s no better feeling than being able to put YOUR name on something that you’re proud of. It’s as simple as that. It’s not about freedom. As a matter of fact, I work more now than I did working for an Employer, and I’m completely at peace with that. I go home at the end of the day happy and proud, whether that be after an 8-hour day or 16-hour day.
Q: What are your favorite types of projects?
This may be a repeat, but I’m a sucker for anything that is Tech. I am a Lutron Certified Professional which gives us the opportunity to get into some exciting Lighting Control systems and Automation for Custom Homes and Large Buildings. At the end of the day, I don’t have a favourite or a most hated, we all walk into every project with our heads high and ready to execute with accuracy and pride.
Q: What is one of the biggest misconceptions in your industry?
Like most of the skilled trades, the biggest misconception seems to be that Electricians will blow your Projects budget or charge an excessive Service Charge Fee. There are 200+ Electrical companies in Kelowna, many good, many bad. Vet the people you are hiring and if you are unsure, look no further than Okanagan Contractors.
Q: What is one piece of advice you would give to a homeowner?
Vet the Electricians you are hiring. Check for a Google listing, Google reviews, and a professional Website, and most importantly, make sure they display a Technical Safety BC License number on Vehicles, Business Cards, Websites and all Advertisements, it’s the Law. This license number ensures that the Electrician is registered with the body that inspects our work and is Bonded. It also never hurts to ask for Insurance paperwork and a copy of the Electrical permit (if required for your Project).
Q: How are you different from your competitors?
Our Quality and Transparency, bar none. Myself and my team respect the hard-earned money you are spending on us, that is why we do things right the first time. When it comes to transparency, I believe this should go two ways. Feel free to ask us questions about the work that is going to be completed, and pricing on estimates or even scheduling. On the flip side, if you have a set budget for a project, we need to know about it.
Q: What’s your favourite hobby outside of work?
I’m extremely lucky to have a great group of friends, close family and my Fiance in Kelowna, usually the activities I get up to are accompanied by one of them if not all. You can find me playing Spikeball or Football at the beach in the Summer, keeping fit at the Gym, Hiking Knox, or catching a Hockey Game at Prospera.
Last words?
I am thrilled to be a part of a group of fantastic trades that want the same for their clients as I do for mine. I believe that Kelowna is going to find a great use for Okanagan Contractors and that Okanagan Contractors will continue to earn the business of Kelowna’s friendly faces. If there is anything Electrical that we can help you with, feel free to reach out at any time.
