Employees of Sol-Tek Solar, the solar design and installation business that is part of Westech Systems, take a group photo. Photo contributed

Part of the journey for anyone in business is building a good reputation with clientele and the community as they grow, but eventually those lucky enough to stay in business until retirement must consider the legacy they wish to leave behind.

Fresno-based Westech Systems bills itself as the Central Valley’s largest electrical contractor. It is celebrating 25 years in business this year.

Founded in 1997 by owner and CEO Helder Domingos, Westech has more than 230 employees and has generated more than $50 million in revenue.

The full-service electrical contractor provides integrated planning, design, construction and management services with experience in various industries including health care, multi-use living, commercial, residential, solar and underground utilities.  

In 2007, the company expanded with Sol-Tek Solar, providing full service solar design and installation to businesses, general contractors and homeowners.

 

Domingos, born on Pico Island in Portugal, has called the Central Valley home for more than 40 years. After decades of building a professional reputation in the business community, he has also completed a succession plan for Westech systems.

His plan will include three other long-time employees of the company: CFO Jeri Swenson, Vice President of Purchasing and Logistics Matt James and Vice President of Engineering Santiago Rendon.

After majoring in industrial technology from Fresno state, Domingos worked as an electrical engineer for Howe Electric for 15 years before teaming up with former Westech President Larry Troglin to start their own company.

Eventually, others will be added to the succession plan, Domingos said.

Domingos said that if a company can survive its first five years in business, it’s likely to survive the next 20.

“After the first five-six years you start getting established with vendors and clients, and it becomes a much easier and enjoyable process going forward,” Domingos said.

About five years ago, Domingos started thinking about a succession plan. It’s very important for him that the company keeps on going after he has retired, to keep the name alive and continue to support the workers that helped build the company over the years.

Domingos said he plans to continue working for the next five years, setting up the reigns for the next generation of leaders to take over the company.

While considering who was to take over after he retired, Domingos wanted someone with foresight — and a person who can establish and maintain relationships with clients.

“My No. 1 concern is having someone with vision — someone that can take the company to the next level,” Domingos said.

It is Domingos’ role to make sure the next leaders will maintain Westech’s legacy and prepare them for their future roles.

Domingos said he has never had a micro-managing style, which he credits for helping the company grow. He said he hires the best people and encourages them to do their best work.

“All the managers know their roles, all the people in the company know their roles. I’m just the maestro of the band. I set the vision and where we are going and let the managers work on that vision and the pieces that make it work,” Domingos said.

Even after his retirement, Domingos said his heart will always be with the company, and after 25 years in business, it has a story to tell.

Once retired, he has plans to do some more golfing, travel with his wife Cindy, and enjoy time with his grandkids — and still stay in touch with the business, providing help whenever he can.

“We are looking forward to the next step in our lives,” Domingos said.