A Family Affair for Small Business Month
Energen Power Group Breaks Ground for Union Contracting in Boston
As National Small Business Month ends, NECA Boston turns its spotlight on Energen Power Group, a woman-owned, family-run electrical contracting firm that’s quietly but powerfully disrupting norms in the New England construction by proving the value and competitiveness of union shops in some traditionally nonunion markets. Dealerships.
Founded in 2023 by siblings Eileen and Joe Harkins, Energen Power Group is a certified Women Business Enterprise (WBE) and a proud union signatory with IBEW Local 103. With over 40 years of combined experience, the Harkins siblings took the leap into ownership, bringing their expertise to a range of projects from life sciences facilities to automotive dealerships.
One notable project is a four-month, multi-phase project at a dealership in Norwood on the auto mile, in partnership with general contractor Construction Source Management "We're at the tail end of phase one of the project," Joe explains. "Next, we'll head down to the showroom, which they want to keep open while construction is going on. That's always a challenge."
Energen's success in dealership rehabs underscores the firm's ability to compete on cost, efficiency, and craftsmanship. “For us to break into this market and secure consistent work is a real positive,” Eileen says. “These car dealerships and the general contractors that work with them are starting to notice our value—and that we can compete and perform better than our competition in what has been traditionally, an open shop market. It’s been working out for us.”
Energen credits Local 103 and NECA's support and commitment to providing solution to secure as much work as possible in this competitive market. "We are proud to be working with a reputable general contractor that is willing to work with us to get the job done," Joe says, adding that car dealerships are "a great market for Local 103 to get into, and hopefully Energen can play a part in that."
At its core, Energen is a family business, and that ethos drives its growth strategy. "We come from a union family. My father was in IBEW Local 103. We've got three brothers who are 103 veterans. Joe and I reached a point in our careers where the time was right to combine our experience and take that big leap into ownership. Neither of us wants to let the other one down," Eileen reflects. "It's been a great experience so far."
Despite the challenges many small businesses face in their first year, Energen has not only survived but thrived, pushing boundaries and expanding opportunities. Their success underscores the vital role small businesses play in driving economic growth and job creation.
Energen’s story reflects the spirit of Small Business Month, reminding us that supporting our small contractors is essential for a robust and inclusive construction industry and economy. Their story is proof of the power of family, expertise, and determination in building a better future for our communities.
