Tony Mateo

Job Title: Electrical Safety Advisor

Company: The Happy Outlet, LLC

Location: Carson City, Nev.

Age: 24

Years on the Job: 5

Interests: Motocross and bike riding

As the son of an electrical engineer, Tony Mateo has always been fascinated by electrical work and remembers visiting his dad’s projects as a child.

Born and raised in California, he began his electrical career in Washington state at a residential electrical company called Castle Electric. Most of his training was done in the field, but he also completed a few CITC classes to learn the theory. After four years, he relocated to Nevada, where he now works for The Happy Outlet.

For the last two years, he has attended training sessions three days a week, covering client relationship building and technical training.

“My company’s structure has given me the ability to thrive in my current position and grow rapidly in technical knowledge,” he said. “Every day is an opportunity to learn. I go into work every morning with that mindset.”

In his current position as the electrical safety advisor, he is responsible for building relationships and educating clients to help them make informed decisions about their home’s electrical system. During his service appointments, he conducts an initial diagnostic test of the electrical system and then provides estimates for the necessary work.

Since he moved up to a service manager position, he has helped teach classes, monitor workflow, conduct meetings with techs, and ease field anxiety on job sites. Right now, he is focused on working with his team to build the company's culture.

“It’s showing up with a good attitude, participating in training, being in uniform, having your van stocked, and going the extra mile for the community,” he said. “All of these things are a complete group effort.”

To help to be more efficient, he’s now learning how to use AI and implement it into the organization. Currently, he’s testing AI software that the company is implementing as a tool to improve productivity.

“AI can’t replace skilled technicians or the personal touch that comes with service work; however, it is incredible at processing information,” he said.

In the future, he hopes to still be living the same open-growth mindset.

“I want to learn how to be an excellent mentor as a service manager, and over the course of the next 10 years, I’m hoping to face many challenges that allow me to learn and improve.”

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