Owning his own business is the challenge he craves

Having grown up in an entrepreneurial atmosphere where his father owned his own business, and encouraged him to be an entrepreneur, Stephane St. Denis always knew that he would one day be a business owner. That day arrived a little earlier than he has always anticipated, when he recently launched Ionic Electrical Contracting.

Throughout his career, Mr. St. Denis has enjoyed the many aspects of what the trade has to offer, however he would eventually find himself hungry for a new challenge and would change paths, but always remained in the electrical profession. Now he believes he has found what he’s been looking for – the challenge of operating his own business in the electrical industry.

“Quality workmanship and fair pricing is what I stand for,” said Mr. St. Denis. “I enjoy the work I do. I take pride in the work I do. And I appreciate that I am able to make a living for myself and my family in this field.”

Mr. St. Denis is a master electrician with experience working on commercial job sites, Hydro One substations, residential developments, custom homes and home renovations. Ionic Electrical Contracting services include new construction, renovations, re-wiring of existing homes, service upgrades, installation of generator back-up systems, pool/hot tub hook-ups, fire alarm systems, and even home inspections.

Research shows that the leading cause of electrical fires is due to faulty wiring. Additionally, 20% of Canada’s house fires are related to electrical issues. Mr. St. Denis firmly believes that electrical work is not a hobby or a handyman’s job. He believes that, as a homeowner it is imperative to ensure that your electrical work is upgraded and handled by a professional.

“If you need to turn off your lights and unplug your fridge to run your toaster, then there is a problem in your electrical system,” said Mr. St. Denis. “You should have an electrical contractor come in and inspect as much of your system as possible. A little attention and upgrade work may save you from experiencing a fire in the future.”

A licensed electrical contractor has worked in the electrical trade for eight years (five of which would be an apprenticeship plus a minimum of three years working as a licensed electrician). He or she must also pass the master’s examination and be registered through the Electrical Contractor Registration Agency/Electrical Safety Authority. Always check to ensure that your electrical work is being handled by a licensed professional.

“Licensed professionals in the trades are in demand,” said Candy Pollard of the Cornwall Business Enterprise Centre. “It is a benefit to our communities that we have individuals such as Mr. St. Denis who have the entrepreneurial spirit and drive required to open their own business. We wish him much success.”

Ionic Electrical Contracting can be found online at www.IonicElectricalContracting.com, and you can also find them on facebook.

Entrepreneurs in Action
Entrepreneurs in Action is an initiative by the Cornwall Business Enterprise Centre to profile small to medium-sized businesses that have recently opened in Cornwall, S.D. & G. and Akwesasne. To see all of the current profiles, please visit the Cornwall Business Enterprise Centre website.

About the Cornwall Business Enterprise Centre
The Cornwall Business Enterprise Centre helps small business owners and entrepreneurs succeed in Cornwall, Stormont, Dundas, Glengarry & Akwesasne by offering information, tools and support during the start-up and growth stages of business operation. The Centre also offers seminars, workshops and networking opportunities that are designed with the entrepreneur in mind. Please visit www.BusinessEnterpriseCentre.ca for more information.

The Cornwall Business Enterprise Centre is operated by Cornwall Economic Development in partnership with the Ontario Ministry of Economic Development and Innovation.