Today we’d like to introduce you to JOEL MATES.
Hi JOEL , it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My journey into business ownership was deeply personal. My son was born with a rare and serious skin disease called epidermolysis bullosa (EB), which requires extensive daily care, frequent medical appointments, and a great deal of flexibility from our family. His condition changed my perspective on work and life and ultimately motivated me to work for myself. I wanted the freedom to be present for my son while still building something meaningful and creating a secure future for my family.
That decision led me to start Sunday Electric. The early years were challenging, especially financially. Like many new business owners, I dealt with inconsistent cash flow, rising expenses, and the pressure of trying to support my family while reinvesting nearly everything back into the company. There were plenty of stressful moments when I questioned whether I had made the right decision, but those challenges forced me to become more disciplined, resourceful, and intentional about how I ran the business.
Thankfully, the company has experienced excellent growth. Much of that has come from treating people well, doing quality work, communicating honestly, and building strong relationships with our customers and community. What began as a way to create more flexibility for my family has grown into something I am incredibly proud of. We are continuing to expand, create opportunities for others, and build a company with a strong reputation and a long-term future.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely has not always been a smooth road. One of the greatest challenges was balancing the demands of running a small business with caring for my son. At one point, our family relocated to the Bay Area for an entire year so he could receive specialized treatment. For several years after that, I was also flying with him to treatment nearly every week while still trying to manage the company, serve our customers, and keep everything moving forward.
I also had to learn the financial and administrative side of owning a business through experience. I encountered some tax issues early on—not because I was trying to avoid my responsibilities, but because I did not yet fully understand everything involved in operating a growing company. Working through those issues taught me the importance of having good systems, knowledgeable professionals, and a much stronger understanding of the numbers.
Another challenge was changing my own mentality about how a contracting business should be run. Some of the traditional methods I had learned were no longer enough. I had to become open to new technology, modern business practices, better communication systems, and more efficient ways of managing customers and projects. That evolution was uncomfortable at times, but it has been one of the biggest reasons for our growth.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about SUNDAY ELECTRIC?
Sunday Electric is a full-service electrical contracting company serving homeowners and businesses throughout the Portland area. We handle everything from smaller service calls, repairs, lighting, and electrical upgrades to remodels, new construction, commercial projects, and complete electrical installations. We especially enjoy projects where quality craftsmanship and thoughtful design are important.
What sets us apart is that we have worked hard to create a more modern contracting experience. The electrical industry has not always been known for great communication or customer service, so we focus on being responsive, organized, transparent, and easy to work with. We use current technology to provide clear estimates, scheduling, project updates, and invoicing, while still maintaining the personal relationships and accountability of a locally owned small business.
We want customers to feel comfortable with the people working in their homes or businesses and confident that the job will be completed correctly. We take pride in doing clean, professional work, communicating honestly, and finding practical solutions rather than simply selling the most expensive option.
From a brand perspective, I am most proud that Sunday Electric feels approachable and recognizable while still representing professionalism and high-quality work. I wanted to build an electrical company that did not look or operate like every other contractor. Our brand reflects who we are: hardworking, creative, dependable, and connected to the community.
More than anything, I want readers to know that Sunday Electric is a family-built company with a meaningful story behind it. We care about the reputation we are building, the people we serve, and creating a company that our employees, customers, and community can be proud to support.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
The quality that has contributed most to my success is my work ethic. My parents came to this country in the 1980s and built something for themselves from the ground up. Watching their determination, sacrifice, and resilience while I was growing up had a lasting impact on me. The work ethic they instilled in me is tangible—it is part of who I am and how I approach everything.
Seeing what my parents created gave me the drive to build something of my own and continue what they started. I am extremely persistent, and I do not quit when things become difficult. I am willing to adapt, learn from my mistakes, and keep showing up until I find a way forward. At the end of the day, I genuinely believe I will outwork anyone—and I say that with a little humor, but I also mean it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sundayelectric.net
