By Gloria Austin
Staff Writer
When the bulb flickers, the tiny light in your head clicks on. Don’t wait until you are without power to know who to call for an electrician. Blake McCarthy, master electrician, opened his own business, MCR Electric a year ago in the Shiretown.
“I have been working with local contractors throughout the year,” he said. “I am building my clientele and building my reputation in Houlton as best as I can.”
Contributed photo
OPEN FOR BUSINESS — Blake McCarthy, master electrician, is the owner of MCR Electric in Houlton and is ready to help residents and commercial customers with all their electrical needs.
McCarthy grew up in Bridgewater and played on the gold ball winning team of 2006 and 2008 for the Central Aroostook Panthers. He graduated from Northern Maine Community College with a two-year electrical construction and maintenance degree. He achieved his journeyman’s license after 4,000 hours on the job with a contractor in Caribou before moving to Houlton. In addition to meeting his journeyman’s requirements, McCarthy completed 4,000 more hours to attain his State of Maine master electrician license.
“I believe I may be one of the youngest in the state to have a master’s license,” he added.
MCR Electric is qualified to meet all residential and commercial needs and McCarthy is licensed and insured. He is capable of rewiring older residences as well as wiring new construction. McCarthy can install everything from generators and lighting systems in your home to major service work in commercial buildings.
“I can tackle just about anything,” he said. “I am trying to advance efficiencies for households and businesses, helping customers with newer technology or products as they become available.”
McCarthy is married to Natasha Ritchie and they reside in Houlton. McCarthy hopes his work ethic, honesty and workmanship will draw and maintain customers.
“Customer service is number one,” he said. “When I leave a job, I want the customer to feel comfortable and know I have done my best. I try to exceed their expectations of workmanship, promptness and ability to work with their scheduling.”
McCarthy wants to be among the first names called on for electrical services.
“I am finding customers who may have had a previous experience with electricians on getting a quick response or just connecting with someone,” he explained. “My commitment will be to get to people on time and be upfront if I can or cannot make an appointment.”
This winter, McCarthy has worked six days a week, between eight to 12 hours a day.
“My customer base is constantly expanding. At this point, my concentration has been mostly residential and I have been very busy. I am expanding into the commercial more and more,” he said.
McCarthy was going to study accounting out of high school, but changed his mind, and entered the electrical field.
I always loved doing electrical work when I was younger and have been hooked ever since,” McCarthy added.
McCarthy is hoping potential customers will give his small business an opportunity to help them, by calling
227-6930 or emailing
blakemcr@gmail.com.
