OAKHURST — Chris and Tara Gallen, a husband-and-wife electrical team serving California’s mountain communities, has steadily gained a reputation for skill, dedication, and customer-focused work. Recently welcomed as new members of the Oakhurst Area Chamber of Commerce, Gallen Electric has become a valued part of the local community.
A Journey of Experience & Skill
Starting in Bakersfield in 2005, this electrical team brought years of experience in residential, commercial, and industrial electrical work. In 2014, they temporarily left Bakersfield to take on a volunteer project in New York. There, they gained expertise in managing the electrical needs of a large-scale, multi-story educational campus. This experience taught them valuable lessons in team leadership, commercial construction, and collaboration. When they returned to California, they settled in Oakhurst, looking to establish their business and build local connections.
They faced initial challenges in growing their network in the area.
“When we moved to Oakhurst, we only knew one person and didn’t know if re-starting an electrical business was something we could float in the time it takes to get that going,” they shared. “However, at the end of last year, we opted to go back to this full-time, and we have been busy and loving it ever since.”
Unique Paths into the Electrical Field
Photo of owners and operators, Chris and Tara Gallen, hard at work.
Moreover, both Chris and his wife, Tara, entered the field with a distinct story. Chris’ interest began after a workplace accident as a mechanic working on wind turbines, sparking a determination to understand electricity.
Chris said, “I really needed to understand what happened because I became afraid of it. I was able to get put onto an electrical crew where I worked, and that began me down the path of really learning how it works.”
Additionally, Tara began her career by volunteering to help build places of worship on the East Coast, where she advanced her skills in electrical work across various domains, including lighting, security, and HVAC controls.
“This is an industry that has very few women in it, and she loved the challenge,” stated Chris. “She enjoys learning all aspects of this field and helping share her knowledge with customers as well.”
A Customer-Centric Approach
Today, their business specializes in service upgrades, a common need in the older homes of the mountain communities. Additionally, they bring a vast skill set in diagnosing and repairing electrical issues. They are also committed to energy-efficient solutions, such as lighting and solar system maintenance. Although they don’t typically install new solar systems, they’re well-versed in maintaining and troubleshooting existing ones. Moreover, they provide homeowners with the knowledge to maximize their investments.
“One big thing, I think, based on feedback, is that we explain what we are doing to our customers unless, of course, they just want it done and don’t care!” Chris explained. “But we most really like to understand what we are doing and how things work. It’s fun to share that.”
Committed to Staying Small & Focused
In addition, the couple has chosen to remain a small operation without employees, preferring a personal, hands-on approach. This model aligns with their long-term vision: to be known locally as the trusted team for electrical work without growing into a large company.
Photo of Chris and Tara Gallen.
“We honestly have no desire to become a large company,” Chris stated.
He continues, “We hope to remain a small team that does really good work and that people want to continue working with us over the years.”
When needed, the team serves all the mountain communities, including areas extending into Yosemite. Their focus remains on serving their home area, a place they appreciate for its people and surroundings.
All in all, this husband-and-wife electrical team provides both technical expertise and a commitment to quality. Furthermore, as they continue to grow their business, they aim to build on their reputation and strengthen their word-of-mouth network within the Oakhurst area.
Contacting Gallen Electric
