Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Joaquin Arreola. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Joaquin, thrilled to have you on the platform as I think our readers can really benefit from your insights and experiences. In particular, we’d love to hear about how you think about burnout, avoiding or overcoming burnout, etc.
I avoid burnout by staying deeply connected to my purpose and keeping a balance between hustle and strategy. I’ve learned to systemize my work — breaking big projects into smaller, trackable steps, organizing my crews, and using tools like HubSpot and Slack to streamline communication. That structure keeps me from feeling overwhelmed.
I also make time for the gym; training hard helps me reset mentally. I treat workouts the same way I treat business — with consistency and discipline. When I notice stress building up, I shift focus to progress rather than perfection and remind myself why I started: to grow my business, help customers, and build something long-term.
In short, I overcame burnout by creating structure, staying physically active, and focusing on meaningful progress instead of just nonstop grind.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I run AP Power & Design, an electrical contracting business based in Los Angeles that focuses on EV charger installations, service upgrades, and commercial electrical work. What’s exciting about what I do is that every project is different — one day I’m wiring a multi-unit building from the ground up, the next I’m helping a homeowner modernize their panel or install a fast charger for their new car. I enjoy the technical side of the trade just as much as the business side — designing clean, efficient systems and building long-term relationships with clients.
What makes my brand special is the level of care and communication we bring to every job. I built my company around the idea that customers deserve both quality work and transparency — from the first call to final inspection. We focus on showing up, explaining things clearly, and treating every project like it’s our own property. That’s what keeps people calling us back and referring us to their friends and neighbors.
Right now, we’re expanding our EV charging division, adding new generator inlet and service call programs, and planning to open a dedicated branch for commercial projects. We’re also working on more content to educate homeowners about electrical safety, upgrades, and energy efficiency.
At the end of the day, my goal is simple — to build a brand that stands for trust, craftsmanship, and innovation in the electrical field, and to inspire younger electricians coming up behind me to take pride in their work and run their businesses the right way.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back, the three biggest things that helped me grow were discipline, communication, and problem-solving.
Discipline was the foundation. In this trade — and in business — showing up consistently is everything. There were times I didn’t have much work coming in, but I still got up early, worked on my systems, followed up on leads, or learned something new about the code or marketing. If you treat every day like it matters, the opportunities start to add up.
Communication made the biggest difference with customers and crews. I learned that most issues in construction come from miscommunication — whether it’s about expectations, timelines, or design details. I started explaining things more clearly to clients and keeping them updated throughout the process. That built trust and helped my brand stand out.
And problem-solving is what keeps you valuable. Every project has surprises — missing conduits, last-minute changes, or coordination with other trades. Instead of getting frustrated, I learned to slow down, think through the options, and find clean, code-compliant solutions. That mindset is what separates good electricians from great ones.
For anyone just starting out, my advice is to focus on learning the trade well, but also learn business and communication. Watch how successful people handle customers, pricing, and follow-ups. Develop good habits early — show up on time, keep your word, and take pride in your work. The skill will come with time, but character and consistency are what really build your reputation.
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
One of the people who’s been most helpful in my journey is John Akhoian, the founder of Rooter Hero. Watching how he built his business from the ground up really motivated me. He showed me that success in the trades isn’t just about being good with your hands — it’s about leadership, systems, and how you treat people. Seeing how he built a brand that stands for professionalism and growth helped me shift how I think about my own company.
Beyond that, I’ve learned a lot from working alongside other skilled electricians and from facing challenges firsthand. Every tough job, every delay, and every client interaction taught me something new. But John’s story stood out to me because it reminded me that you can scale a trade business while still keeping integrity, quality, and customer trust at the center.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Apelectricla.com
- Instagram: Electrical.ap
Image Credits
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