Kalvin Torres

When Kalvin Torres started Spark Electric in 2003, he wasn’t focused on rapid growth or large contracts. He simply knew he wanted to work for himself.

“I was tired of working for somebody else,” he says. He gave his two weeks’ notice, took a leap of faith, and got started.

Spark Electric began as a residential service business, taking on local jobs and building relationships through hands-on work. Over time, the company adapted as markets shifted, expanding beyond residential work and eventually moving into government contracting, where it has remained for the past decade.

Today, Spark Electric works primarily on government and multifamily projects, serving as both an electrical contractor and, in some cases, a prime contractor. The company manages power distribution, warehouse lighting, interior buildouts, and commercial renovations, while also coordinating HVAC work across complex job sites.

“We see ourselves as problem solvers,” Torres says. “Our job is to help customers move projects forward and get things done the right way.”

As Spark Electric entered the government contracting space, the company connected with UCEDC’s APEX Accelerator after attending a Union County Means Business event. Through the APEX Accelerator, Spark Electric received early-stage guidance and ongoing support navigating the procurement landscape. The APEX team implemented a customized bid-matching strategy aligned with the company’s capabilities, NAICS codes, and target agencies, helping Spark Electric focus on well-matched, high-value opportunities while avoiding misaligned pursuits.

As a result of the increase in government work, Torres grew his team to support the administrative demands of larger projects. Adding project managers and office staff allowed the business to operate more efficiently and pursue opportunities more strategically.

“You worry about balance,” he says. “But having the right people in place freed me up to focus on bringing in work and growing the business.”

Over the past ten years, Spark Electric has experienced steady growth tied largely to government contracting. Since connecting with the APEX Accelerator, the company has secured 58 government contract awards totaling $84.4 million across multiple agencies.

Despite the scale of the work, Torres remains focused on preparation and follow-through. “A lot happens behind the scenes,” he says. “We’ve never walked away from a project. No matter what, we get it done.”