How a Woman Electrician Built Opportunity in the Trades
7/15/202612 min
From leaving a corporate office to leading one of the region's growing electrical contracting companies, Sabrina Westfall shares how choosing an unconventional path transformed her life. As founder of J. West Electric, she reveals what it takes to succeed in the skilled trades, overcome barriers in construction, and build a business that creates opportunities for others. She discusses leadership, confidence, hiring the right team, and why electrical contracting offers lasting career security in an AI-driven world. This episode explores entrepreneurship, women in construction, and the mindset required to build a meaningful legacy while inspiring the next generation to challenge expectations and pursue rewarding careers.
Key Takeaways
- Leaving comfort behind often creates the biggest opportunities for growth.
- Leadership is about building a team that can succeed together, not just winning projects.
- The skilled trades offer long-term career opportunities that technology cannot easily replace.
- Confidence grows by challenging yourself and stepping outside your comfort zone.
- Creating opportunities for others is one of the most meaningful forms of legacy.
Notable Quotes
- "I love the trades."
- "I just stepped out of my comfort zone and tried it."
- "I really enjoy creating opportunities."
- "Get out of your own way and try new things."
- "The more confidence we have, the more we're able to do and open doors for other people."
Clips
Transcript preview
First 90 secondsSabrina Westfall· Guest0:00
I love the trades. As soon as I got in, it was, it was a little dirty, it was a little grimy- Mm-hmm ... it was cold and it was hot, but I really loved just, you know, getting in and, and, you know, being a little dirty and being creative more than anything.
Speaker 3· Soundbite0:10
Sabrina Westfall is a master electrician, entrepreneur, and the founder and CEO of JWest Electric. She helps businesses and communities power large scale construction projects while inspiring the next generation to pursue rewarding careers in the skilled trades.
Sabrina Westfall· Guest0:25
I really enjoy creating opportunities. It's been life-changing for me, but also to other people. We have about 30 electricians. I care about them and I value them. So I wanna find jobs that set the whole company up for success. I was usually the only woman, a lot of times the only woman of color on a job site. So hopefully I can be an inspiration to others.
Angelina· Host0:44
It spans the globe like a super highway. It's called internet. Elvis Presley.
Speaker 3· Soundbite0:52
All right. So here, today Apple is going to reinvent the phone.
Angelina· Host0:56
It's not over until I win. The Living Your Legacy podcast. For those who live to leave a legacy.
Speaker 3· Soundbite1:05
That's extraordinary. The impossible. Oh, that is sensational.
Angelina· Host1:11
Jordan. Open. Chicago with the lead.
Speaker 3· Soundbite1:15
Usain Bolt is the fastest man on the planet.
Angelina· Host1:18
You can live your dreams. Welcome to the Living Your Legacy podcast. I'm Angelina, and I'm here today with Sabrina Westfall. Hi, Sabrina.
Sabrina Westfall· Guest1:25
Hi, Angelina. Thank you for having me.
Angelina· Host1:27
Of course. [laughs] Uh, so Sabrina, you filmed your episode