Joe Scerbo: An Electric State of Mind
By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter
LIVERMORE — Growing up, Joe Scerbo wasn’t the best at working with his hands, but when it came to securing a career in the trades, his mental aptitude more than compensated. “Honestly, I would have been a carpenter, but I couldn’t swing a hammer without bending the nail,” he laughs. “Still, I knew I wanted to go into a trade after high school, so I decided to focus on electrical. I did a two-year Electrical Construction and Maintenance program in my home state of New York, following which I started working in the field.”
Not long after, Joe made a big move both professionally and residentially. “I was all set to begin a telecommunications program at Utica College in New York, but then I took a trip to California and fell in love with it,” he remembers. “I went back home, packed up my tools and drove across the country. I found a job right away and spent the next 10 years working for a number of different companies, including seven years with the electrical workers’ union. In 2000, I got my electrical license and started my own company soon after.”
Since founding Gentec Services, Inc. in 2003, Joe has continued to expand upon the scope of his company’s capabilities. “When we first started, it was just me and an apprentice doing electrical work,” he explains. “About five years ago, we started an HVAC division, and just last year we got into home security and automation, so we’ve really come a long way.”
Today, Joe says his favorite part of his job is developing relationships with his employees and clients alike. “I love seeing my employees reach new goals and take their careers to the next level, as well as be able to provide for their families. I also enjoy getting to know our clients and forming long-term relationships with them.”
A resident of Livermore (where he lives with his wife, Pamela, and their two daughters), Joe expresses his appreciation for the mild Bay Area climate. “Being from New Jersey, I moved here specifically for the weather. Being a tradesman is tough to begin with, and being out in bad weather makes it even harder, so it’s a real blessing to work in a moderate climate. Plus, I love to barbeque, so the good weather helps with that, too.”
In regard to his life and career, Joe cites a favorite scriptural passage to explain his central philosophy. “I get my philosophy from 1 Peter 4:10, which reads, ‘Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others.’ I feel it’s important that I’m not only using my abilities to make money, but to help others as well, including my clients and employees.”
When asked the first thing he’d do if he were to retire tomorrow, Joe simply replies that he wouldn’t. “I don’t see the purpose of retiring. I enjoy running my business and plan to keep doing it as long as I can. I suppose one day I might take the opportunity to relax and travel more, but the idea of retiring completely just doesn’t appeal to me.”
Ask Me Anything!
Q: What’s your favorite sports team?
A: The San Francisco Giants.
Q: What was your first car?
A: A 1974 Chevrolet Monte Carlo.
Q: What’s your favorite local restaurant?
A: Crustacean in San Francisco.
Q: The Beatles or the Rolling Stones?
A: The Rolling Stones.
Q: If you could talk to anyone living or dead, who would it be?
A: My Grandpa Scott. He was around for the better part of my young life, and now that I’m an adult, I’d love the opportunity to ask him some questions about life.
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