How Crew Electrical Services Scaled Revenue While Cutting Owner Work Hours

Starting a contracting business often begins with skill in the trade—but scaling that business requires something entirely different: systems, structure, and leadership.

When Calgary electricians Cory and Drew launched Crew Electrical Services, they didn’t start with investors or deep savings. They started with debt.

Like many contractors starting out, they quickly learned that running a business requires more than trade expertise.

In the early years, their biggest challenges were familiar to many contractors:

• Building a reliable client base
  
  
• Managing cash flow
  
  
• Purchasing vans and tools
  
  
• Learning how to run the business side of operations
  
  

Even basic tasks like invoicing and estimating often happened after long days in the field.

When the Business Starts Running You

As Crew Electrical grew, the lack of structure began to catch up with them.

The owners were working long hours, handling everything themselves and struggling to maintain control over operations.

At the time, the company was generating around $2.2 million in revenue, with about 10 electricians plus the two owners—and no office staff to support them.

Despite solid growth, Drew and Cory were stuck in the classic contractor trap:

• Working 50–60 hours per week
  
  
• Managing every task themselves
  
  
• Feeling like the business couldn’t scale further
  
  

They knew something had to change.

Discovering a Blueprint for Growth

The turning point came when Drew heard about Breakthrough Academy on a contractor podcast while driving.

“It came right at a point where we were beating our heads against the wall and realized there might actually be someone who could help and who understood contractors.”

Instead of trying to figure everything out alone, they began implementing systems designed specifically for trades businesses.

Three core operational changes had the biggest impact.

1. Goal Setting & Review (GSR): Creating Accountability in the Field

One of the first systems Crew Electrical implemented was Goal Setting and Review (GSR) with field staff.

GSR meetings provide a structured process where technicians report on job progress, challenges and upcoming priorities.

“Our technicians really crave structure and communication. GSRs give them the ability to clearly communicate issues with their manager.” - Drew

The benefits were immediate:

Improved communication - Technicians and managers now meet regularly.

Better job visibility - Issues are surfaced earlier.

Stronger accountability - Field staff track progress and outcomes.

For a growing service company, this simple process dramatically improved alignment between the office and the field.

2. SOPs: Building Consistency Across the Business

Next came Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) - documented processes for common tasks across the company.

These systems created consistency in areas like:

• Customer interactions
  
  
• Safety procedures
  
  
• Van maintenance
  
  
• Emergency response
  
  
• Software and expense reporting
  
  

For the leadership team, SOPs also solved another problem: constant interruptions.

Instead of answering the same operational questions repeatedly, employees now have clear documentation they can reference.

This saves time while ensuring work gets done the same way every time.

3. Budgeting: Turning Chaos into Clarity

Before implementing financial planning, Crew Electrical operated like many trades businesses. They reacted to numbers instead of planning around them.

“Before setting a budget, it was absolute chaos. We didn’t know if we had enough money for suppliers or payroll.”

Creating their first formal budget changed everything.

With clear financial targets and expense ratios, they gained:

• Predictable cash flow
  
  
• Visibility into overspending
  
  
• Data-driven decision making
  
  

“If anything, the budget has created a clear roadmap for decision making and revenue goals.”

For the first time, they could proactively manage the business instead of reacting to financial surprises.

If you’re ready to take the unpredictability out of your finances, you can grab a copy of the exact budget template Cory and Drew have come to rely on year after year.

The Results: Revenue Growth and a Better Life

Within two years of implementing these systems, Crew Electrical Services experienced significant growth.

Revenue - $2.2M when joining, $4.25M in 2 years.

Staff - ~12 team members, grew to 20 electricians in the field and 4 office staff‍

Time - 50–60 hour work weeks before BTA, to 36–40 hour work weeks.

And the most meaningful result isn’t just financial.

It’s personal. 

“I’m not nearly as stressed out as I was before, and that’s the only metric that really matters to me.”

With systems in place and the right team around them, Drew and Cory now have more control over their time and their company’s future.

How they let go of control and how you can too

Another key shift was building a proper leadership structure.

As the company matured, Drew and Cory began hiring roles that previously fell entirely on their shoulders.

They added:

• A full-time estimator
  
  
• A project manager
  
  
• An office administrator
  
  
• Additional office staff to support operations
  
  

This allowed the owners to focus on higher-level strategy instead of daily firefighting.

They also transformed their hiring philosophy.

Instead of focusing only on technical ability, they began prioritizing values and cultural fit.

This approach helped them attract A-players who thrive in a structured environment.

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What’s Next for Crew Electrical Services?

Looking ahead, the company plans to continue refining its systems and expanding its services.

One potential growth opportunity on the horizon is expanding into HVAC services, leveraging their existing team and infrastructure.

But the core strategy remains the same:

Build strong systems. Hire the right people. And scale sustainably.

Advice for Contractors Feeling Stuck

Drew’s advice for contractors facing the same challenges he once experienced is simple.

“Seek help. Get a coach. Start working on your business instead of in it.”

For Crew Electrical Services, that shift from tradespeople to business builders made all the difference. OIf you’re looking to make the shift that will impact your business and revenue, book a call with us today.

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