By Jessica Borders
Times West Virginian
FAIRMONT —
Dan’s Electric, which focuses on small jobs, can take care of “about anything that people need done in and around the home.”
Owner Dan Hart, a licensed and insured electrician, started the business in April. He runs Dan’s Electric out of his home in Grafton and said his truck also serves as his office because he’s on the road a lot. So far, he’s done work in Fairmont, Grafton, Bridgeport and Clarksburg and is willing to go other places.
Hart, who does all the labor himself, has a business license as a handyman electrical contractor, a Journeyman’s electrical license through the Office of the State Fire Marshal, and also a Fairmont city license that allows him to work in city limits. He said he strictly follows the National Electrical Code.
Hart said the biggest part of his business is home repairs, such as installing light fixtures, ceiling fans or electrical outlets. If a person is getting ready to sell their house, Hart can come in after the home inspection and make the necessary repairs in the kitchen, bathrooms or other areas.
He has upgraded several service entrances and put in circuits for washing machines, dryers and ranges. He has also wired generators for power outages, done swimming pool hook-ups and installed landscape lighting.
Hart gives free estimates, and charges a $25 minimum for his services.
He has worked in the electrical industry for about 35 years, with experience in both the industrial and residential sides. He got started in the trade with a maintenance program in 1976 and has stuck with it all his life.
“I just really enjoy it,” Hart said. “For one thing, I like doing things in a manner that I know (are) going to be safe. Everything’s proper and people don’t have to worry about having problems with it.”
He said this work is challenging, and he gets to do something new every day.
In addition to running Dan’s Electric, Hart holds a full-time job at the UCAR Carbon Co. plant in Anmoore.
Hart said he had always wanted to start a business of his own, and he finally decided to take the plunge and establish Dan’s Electric as a way to supplement his retirement. He is now beginning to build his client base and hopes to be able to work three to five days a week once he retires.
“It takes a good bit of time to establish a business,” he said. “That’s what I’m working toward is building the business. It’s a slow process.”
Hart is already getting a few repeat customers and is working to get his name out and earn people’s trust. He enjoys meeting people on the job and making new friends.
“I’m starting to get really busy,” he said.
For more information, call Dan’s Electric at 304-282-6324 or e-mail dhart10@comcast.net.
E-mail Jessica Borders at jborders@timeswv.com.
