Sal Sabia Electric was founded in 1982 by Salvatore Sabia in the garage behind the house he grew up in. His father, Frank Sabia, an electrician for the city of Stamford and his uncle, James Sabia, an electrician for the Stamford Board of Education taught him the ropes, the same ropes he later taught his four sons. After moving to Greenwich in the Mid 80's to raise his 6 children, Salvatore Sabia kept the electrical business going while also trying his hand in the Pizza business and home renovations. Today his four sons (and one daughter) all work for him in some capacity in the electrical business, we sat down with the Sabia family on a zoom call (new normal) to hear more about the business.
Sal Sabia Senior, Owner Sal Sabia Electric, Father to 6 wonderful children and 3 amazing grandchildren and looking forward to more from some of the men in this article.
Frank Sabia, General Manager
Jim Sabia, Foreman
Sal Sabia Jr, Field Supervisor
Dan Sabia, Electricians Helper
How did you get started in the industry?
Sal Sr: I come from a long line of electricians.
Frank: I started reading blueprints when I was 3-years-old in my father’s office. Then I was telling my brother Jim, what jobs we were going on with him the next day. I thought it sounded more fun than preschool.
Jim: I started when I was 15 getting dropped off at the job when I was done with school. It wasn’t always for me so I dabbled in a couple different jobs until I decided to take this job serious and be All IN.
Sal Jr: Well I often tell people that my father needed workers so he kept having children. 5 of the 6 of us have the pleasure for working for him.
Dan: It worked out for everyone else so here I am.
What motivates you?
Sal Sr: My sons.
Frank: Family.
Jim: My motivation is my family.
Sal Jr: The fact that our father goes out every day in the field and still out preforms me gives us the motivation to continue to learn and grow.
Dan: Being happy and seeing myself succeed.
Who has been your biggest influence?
Sal Sr: My father.
Frank: My biggest influence comes from my Grandfather, Frank, who used to pick me up from school and bring me on jobs with him. As time has passed, I have realized that my father inherited his work ethic from him and I am lucky to have inherited a lot of my work ethic from both of them.
Jim: My biggest influence is my dad. To see the way he has worked and continues to still work as hard as he does when doesn’t really have to anymore is inspiring. I have watched and worked next to him for many years now. His knowledge of how things should get done teaches me something every time.
Sal Jr: Our father has always given us so much inspiration. His attitude towards life has shown our family the positives to every situation. Even during these troubling times, he continues to take everything in stride.
Dan: I’ve always been drawn to shoes and fashion. Virgil Abloh is someone that I’ve followed. He’s been changing fashion the past few years.
What advice would you share?
Sal Sr: Quality is as important as quantity
Frank: Never give up, especially when things get tough. In 2008 when the housing market and overall economy slowed I had been working for my father full time for 4 years after graduating from UCONN. At that time, I had a tough choice to make, look for a career outside the construction industry or adapt to the changing times, I choose the latter. I went back to UCONN at night to get an MBA while working for my father during the day, looking back this was one of the best decisions I could have ever made. Be versatile, adapt to changing times and remember, everything’s going to be ok in the end, if it’s not ok, its not the end.
Jim: My advice for the younger generation is to be committed to your employer and the job you have been given. Stay focused on the job at hand. Learn as much as you can from the older generation It will be invaluable to you.
Sal Jr: A great man once said if you don’t have time to do it right the first time, when will you have time to come back to do it again. Try to tackle the issues head on!
Favorite local restaurant and what you order from there?
Sal Sabia Sr: Capital Grill New York Strip with Mashed Potatoes and a glass of Merlot.
Frank: Doppio. It’s a toss up between the Diavolo Pizza and the Chicken Parmesan.
Jim: My favorite restaurant is Tomāto Tomäto in Stamford.
Sal Sabia Jr: That’s a tough one because our town is filled with greats spots depending on what you’re looking for. If I had to choose one go to spot it would have to be the Spread. I love their little plates.
Dan: Joey B’s Hacksaw and Little Pub Buttermilk Crunch Wrap.