Andrew James, the founder of Industrial Light and Power, is a dedicated professional whose journey into the electrical field and electrical engineering was strongly influenced by his upbringing and work experience. His father, an aerospace electrical engineer, played a significant role in sparking Andrew’s early interest in the field. Raised around the concepts of electrical theory and applications, Andrew developed a natural curiosity for how things worked electrically. He officially entered the electrical sector during his time in New York City, where he gained hands-on experience working for an electrical contractor and earned his journeyman card.
From those foundational experiences, Andrew’s career took shape, and his focus narrowed to the commercial and industrial sectors. The absence of “normal” residential work in New York City meant that Andrew’s experience was predominantly in large-scale commercial and industrial projects which included underground electrical infrastructure, complete renovation and electrical upgrades on 50-100 year old buildings to ground up electrical installation on new high rise commercial buildings. This exposure provided him with the skills and expertise to manage complex electrical systems, which laid the groundwork for his future business endeavors.
Since moving to Pahrump in 2010 and establishing Industrial Light and Power, Andrew has overseen numerous significant projects. His company has been responsible for installing sports lighting systems for many of Pahrump’s parks, including Simpkins Park, Ian Deutch Park, and Petrack Park. Andrew and his team have also been involved in dozens of ground-up construction projects, such as skilled nursing facilities in Las Vegas and commercial/industrial building projects all over Southern Nevada. While much of their work is visible in public spaces, Industrial Light and Power has a considerable client base in the industrial sector, including several high-profile, confidential projects in Las Vegas and surrounding areas.
Although Andrew is deeply immersed in the commercial electrical field, his commitment to personal growth led him to pursue further education. After working for years as a journeyman, he obtained his master electrician’s license. But it didn’t stop there—two years ago, Andrew earned his master’s degree in Electrical Power Systems Engineering. He describes this achievement as more of a personal goal than a career necessity, explaining that it was driven by his desire to command the same respect as the electrical engineers with whom he works. “I wanted to do it for me,” he explains, “so if I ever have to confront somebody who thinks I don’t know what I’m talking about, I can pull that out and say, ‘Actually, I have my degree in electrical engineering.’”
Andrew’s role in his company is vast, encompassing design, project management, and everything in between. He is not just responsible for designing projects and ensuring they meet industry standards; he also handles scheduling, procurement, and managing his team. “I do everything from layout to design to ordering materials to hiring and firing,” he says. Since his wife’s recent passing, Andrew has been training his daughter to take over the office management role, a task that his wife previously handled.
One of the most challenging aspects of Andrew’s work is balancing multiple projects, often with short notice and limited resources. “There’s no rhyme or reason sometimes,” Andrew says of the project timelines. Jobs can go from being unclaimed for a year to suddenly needing to start the next day, requiring Andrew to juggle schedules, crews, and materials. However, his dedication to delivering quality work shines through. “The biggest key that I’ve found in customer service is not to over-promise and under-deliver.”
Safety is another top priority for Andrew. With multiple crews working on various sites—sometimes as far away as Reno or Las Vegas—he remains vigilant about the risks his employees face. “My biggest concern is safety for my guys and making sure the work is done safely,” Andrew says. His company’s zero-injury rating with OSHA is a testament to his commitment to maintaining a safe working environment.
As the electrical industry continues to evolve, Andrew has noticed the growing impact of energy management systems and automation on his projects. Although energy-efficient solutions such as LED lighting are now industry standards, the next big advancements seem to be in building automation. Andrew is particularly excited about the potential of these systems to control everything from lighting and access control to HVAC systems in large buildings. “You can control an entire building’s systems from a central automation system, and with that technology improving every year that’s extremely cool.”
Despite the technological advances, one of the most pressing challenges Andrew faces is the ongoing supply chain issues caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Lead times for materials, particularly for items like panel boards and switch gear, have significantly increased. “Before COVID, lead times were 90 to 120 days, and now it’s 400 days,” Andrew notes, adding that there is little explanation for why delays continue long after the pandemic’s peak.
For those considering a career in the electrical field, Andrew offers encouraging advice. He emphasizes the rewarding nature of the work but also acknowledges the hard work and dedication required. “The power always has to go on,” he says, reminding young people that the electrical field is a secure and vital occupation. Whether working as an electrician or pursuing a career in electrical engineering, Andrew underscores the importance of having a genuine interest in learning and growing in the field.
Industrial Light and Power continues to grow, and Andrew remains open to mentoring the next generation of electricians. His company hires apprentices, offering them hands-on experience under the supervision of journeymen. “I try not to be super hard on apprentices, but I expect them to show up on time and be ready to learn,” he says. For high schoolers or anyone interested in entering the field, Andrew encourages them to start as an apprentice and absorb as much as possible.
Andrew’s journey with Industrial Light and Power highlights the value of dedication, expertise, and a hands-on approach to every project. As his business continues to thrive in Pahrump and beyond, Andrew remains focused on providing top-tier service, ensuring safety, and delivering reliable, innovative electrical solutions. For those interested in learning more about Industrial Light and Power or exploring apprenticeship opportunities, Andrew encourages anyone to reach out. You can contact Industrial Light and Power through their website at industriallightandpower.com, by sending an email, or by calling their business line at 📞 775-990-4604. While Industrial Light and Power is not yet currently serving residential customers, prospective commercial/industrial clients and apprentices alike are welcome to inquire and discover more about the company’s wide range of services.
