At just 23 years old, most people in the electrical industry are apprenticing, still exploring their career paths, or figuring out which direction to take. Not many are launching their own business, running a fully licensed electrical operation, creating educational YouTube content, and building a brand with more than 80 five-star reviews.
But that’s exactly what Jacob Palmer, owner of Palmer Electrical in North Carolina, has done.
In this episode of Home Service Headquarters, Jacob sits down with host Jack to talk about building his business from the ground up, why residential service work is his sweet spot, and what it’s really like to be a young business owner in a rapidly changing electrical industry. His story is equal parts inspiring and incredibly practical — a roadmap for anyone considering the trades or thinking about starting their own service business.
Falling Into — and Then Committing to — the Electrical Industry
Like many business owners we feature on Home Service Headquarters, Jacob didn’t grow up expecting to become an electrician. In fact, he describes it as something he “fell into” — not in an accidental way, but in a right place, right time moment that aligned perfectly with what he was naturally good at.
Before his electrical career even started, Jacob worked a string of jobs:
- A roller rink employee (where he helped install a sound system — his first real taste of hands-on work)
- A FedEx package handler
- A draw bench and crane operator at an aluminum tubing factory
It wasn’t until his mom hired an electrician who happened to need extra help that Jacob realized electrical work might be the right next step. He had a love for physics, a strong technical mind, and solid customer service experience — the perfect mix for the trade.
He started his apprenticeship in Charlotte, NC, where he learned state electrical code, customer communication, troubleshooting, and residential service work. After a few years, he recognized an opportunity: With enough experience and a state license, he could run his own shop.
He studied hard, took North Carolina’s licensing exam (and passed on the first try), and Palmer Electrical was born in February 2024.
Inside Palmer Electrical: One Man, One Truck, One High Standard
Today, Palmer Electrical is a one-man residential service business operating out of Jacob’s North Carolina shop. And that “one-man” structure? It’s intentional.
Jacob loves the simplicity, control, and high standards he can keep by running the business himself, at least for now. Without employees to manage, he gets to focus on delivering clean, code-perfect electrical work that makes customers feel taken care of from the moment he walks in the door.
He’s not opposed to growth. In fact, he sees employees and multiple trucks in his future. But right now, operating solo allows him to:
- Maintain incredibly high workmanship standards
- Provide consistent customer experiences
- Turn down work that isn’t the right fit
- Create his popular YouTube videos
- Build the foundation of the company he envisions later
And speaking of growth, the difference between day one and today is massive. He started Palmer Electrical working out of a Toyota Highlander and now he has a fully wrapped service truck, a dedicated shop space, and an online presence that continues to fuel a steady flow of customers.
Being a 23-Year-Old Electrician in a Changing Industry
Being young in the electrical industry comes with both challenges and advantages.
The Challenges
Jacob encounters skepticism more than most. Customers ask more frequently for licenses, proof of insurance, and verification. Many simply don’t expect a 23-year-old to be their electrician, much less the owner of the company.
The Advantages
That skepticism quickly disappears once customers see his professionalism, knowledge, and tidy workmanship. And in a surprising twist, being young actually helps:
- It becomes a memorable part of the customer experience.
- It sparks word-of-mouth referrals.
- It differentiates his brand naturally.
- It generates curiosity and conversations.
- It encourages people to support a small business owner building something early in his career.
Jacob’s age isn’t a detriment. It’s a story, a hook, and a reason people root for him.
How Palmer Electrical Generates Its Work and Why Reviews Matter So Much
Fourteen months in, Jacob’s lead generation is split evenly across three sources:
- Organic Google search
- Social media and community groups
- Word-of-mouth referrals
His 80+ five-star Google reviews make him stand out even more.
His secret?
You have to ask.
Jacob learned early in his career that customers rarely leave reviews unless something goes wrong. So he made reviews a standard part of his close-out process, backed by the confidence that he provides five-star service every time.
“When you know you delivered a five-star experience,” he says, “asking for a review isn’t scary. It’s natural.”
Why In-Person Estimates Still Matter
In a world full of remote quoting, Jacob believes strongly in the power of in-person estimates. And he makes a compelling case:
- You can’t truly see electrical conditions over the phone.
- In-person visits reduce surprises and callbacks.
- Customers get to meet the person who’ll be doing their work.
- It increases trust and booking rates.
- It helps you filter out customers who may not be a great fit.
For Jacob, the personal connection is just as important as the technical accuracy.
Can Electrical Work Be a Side Hustle? Jacob Says, "Not Really."
Our recurring segment, Can It Side Hustle, usually opens the door for creative possibilities.
But Jacob gave one of the more grounded answers we’ve heard:
Electrical work isn’t a great side hustle at the beginning.
The licensing, insurance, compliance, and skill requirements are too significant for someone trying to dabble on evenings and weekends. However, he notes, experienced electricians sometimes shift to side-hustle work later in their careers when licensing and knowledge are already in place.
The State of the Electrical Industry and Advice for New Electricians
Jacob also touched on a concerning trend: in North Carolina (and across the U.S.), the number of licensed electricians is dropping. At the same time, demand is rising.
That means opportunity.
So, what advice does he give to someone considering the electrical trade?
- Set a goal early. Don’t drift through the trade without direction. Decide if you want to pursue licensing, management, or business ownership.
- Put your head down and get the experience. Mistakes are part of learning; repetition is part of mastering.
- Start studying the code book now. No matter the state, the licensing exam is hard, and state code is the majority of it.
- Take the jump when the opportunity comes. Waiting for the perfect moment delays growth. Jacob’s career accelerated because he was willing to try something new.
Final Thoughts
Jacob’s story isn’t just about being young in the electrical industry — it’s about being intentional. Saying yes to the opportunity. Doing excellent work. Building a reputation. And carving out a path that others can follow.
At 23, he’s already a standout electrician, a thoughtful business owner, and a creator shaping the next generation of tradespeople through his content.
We’re excited to see where Palmer Electrical goes next — and we’ll be cheering him on when we record the follow-up episode in a few years with more trucks, more subscribers, and even more stories to tell.
Where to Follow Jacob Palmer
Jacob’s YouTube channel, Palmer Electrical, has grown alongside his business. He films his work, breaks down electrical concepts, and shows the day-to-day life of a service electrician. For apprentices, DIY-curious homeowners, and other electricians, his content is a goldmine.
📺 YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PalmerElectrical
🌐 Website: https://www.palmerelectricalservices.com/
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Have an idea for an episode or want to get your business story featured on the show? Reach out to us at homeserviceheadquarters.com.
