There’s a certain grit that comes from working with your hands, braving extreme temperatures, and knowing that a single misstep could mean life or death. It’s a grit not everyone understands, but those who do carry it like a badge of honor. For years, I’ve been fascinated by the stories of those who build their lives from the ground up, literally and figuratively. That’s why when I crossed paths with Sam Pherwani, I knew his story was one worth sharing.
Sam isn’t your typical entrepreneur. He’s an electrician at heart, someone who started his journey in the blue-collar trenches and climbed his way up through sheer determination and hard work.
His journey took him from the Middle East and Central Asia, through Canada—“that’s who gave me my identity, my nationality, and education”—and eventually to Boca Raton, Florida. Along the way, he transformed from an electrician to an instrumentation controls engineer, then to an electrical engineer, instructor, auditor, and finally, an electrical entrepreneur. It’s a path less traveled, but one that offers a wealth of lessons for anyone willing to listen.
From Wrench to Wisdom: Sam’s Journey Through the Trades
Sam’s path wasn’t the typical climb up the corporate ladder. Instead, it was a rugged trek through the trenches of the blue-collar world. While others chased the Silicon Valley dream or fast-tracked their way into management, Sam embraced the tough, hands-on work that many avoided.
He recounted how many of his classmates “defected into computer software because there was a boom at that time… the exponential growth of the Silicon Valley startup.” Others got business degrees and “directly bypassed the blue-collar layer to kind of tell people like me what to do.”
But Sam took a different route. “I had a bit of a school dropout,” he admitted. “Went to work as a technician, and I actually appreciated those blue-collar days. Came back, finished a degree, and really still stayed in that blue-collar mentality.”
He described the physical hardships vividly: “You’re up with machines, with instruments. You have a radio. It’s either minus 30 with a minus 40 wind chill, or you’re in Bakersfield, California, in an arc-rated suit, and you can’t work in the afternoon; it’s too hot, so you work night shifts.”
“Industrial-level electrical work is hard-ass work,” he emphasized. And he wouldn’t have had it any other way.
Key Takeaways from Our Discussion
- Embracing the Blue-Collar Mentality: Sam valued the hard work and physical demands of his trade, which gave him a unique perspective and work ethic that set him apart.
- The Importance of Grit: Facing harsh conditions, from freezing winds to scorching heat, Sam developed a resilience that served him throughout his career.
- Staying True to Yourself: Despite pressures to take easier paths, Sam remained committed to his chosen field, which ultimately led to his entrepreneurial success.
Igniting Change: The Birth of a Global Safety Mission
But Sam’s story isn’t just about personal perseverance; it’s about a deeper calling to address a critical issue that many overlook. Witnessing the dire consequences of inadequate electrical safety around the world sparked a fire in him that couldn’t be ignored.
“As I’ve moved from teaching at Berkeley Lab in California to Shermco, one of my mentors had a bunch of these gruesome videos of fatalities,” Sam recalled. “A lot of them in China, India, South America—people are clueless. They don’t know what they’re doing.”
While some might dismiss these tragedies as unfortunate accidents or even Darwinian eliminations, Sam took them to heart. “Why not come up with a committee that can proactively take those cryptic standards that are just sitting in books and make an inexpensive offering to the have-nots of the world?” he pondered.
This question led to the formation of the Electrical Safety Industry Practices Actions Committee (ESIPAC). “We believe that safety and good quality electrical engineering, like healthcare, should be universal, should be available to everyone.”
What I Learned from His Experience
- Recognizing a Global Need: Sam saw firsthand the lack of electrical safety in economically depressed areas and decided to do something about it, rather than just talk.
- Turning Passion into Purpose: He co-founded ESIPAC to make electrical safety knowledge and resources accessible to those who need it most, bridging a critical gap.
- Overcoming Obstacles: Despite challenges like limited funding, lack of awareness, and even skepticism from peers, Sam remains dedicated to his mission.
Reflections from the Interview
Our conversation left me reflecting on more than just the technicalities of electrical work. It was a lesson in perseverance, purpose, and the impact one person can have when they channel their experiences into meaningful action.
One thing that struck me was when Sam mused about what he’d tell his younger self: “Have more fun. Don’t burn your life on work. Just party more. Just go date that girl. Ask her out.” It was a candid admission that even the most dedicated among us need balance.
He also shared a thought-provoking perspective on education and risk: “Risks are inherent for any entrepreneur, and I find that education actually takes you away from risk. The more alphabets you pile ahead of your name, the less risk you wanna take because you wanna be compensated for your education.”
Here’s What I’m Taking Away
- The Value of Hard Work: There’s no substitute for the lessons learned through hands-on experience. It’s the backbone of real expertise.
- Purpose Over Profit: True fulfillment comes from pursuing what you’re passionate about, not just what pays the bills. Sam exemplifies this in his mission with ESIPAC.
- Don’t Wait to Make a Difference: If you see a problem, take action—even if it’s a small step. Waiting for the perfect moment often means missing the moment entirely.
- Networking Matters: Building relationships can open doors you didn’t even know existed. Sam’s connections led him to opportunities that shaped his career.
- Embrace the Journey: Enjoy the process, not just the destination. Life isn’t just about the end goals; it’s about the experiences along the way.
Final Thoughts
Talking with Sam reminded me that it’s never too late to pivot, to take your hard-earned wisdom and apply it to something bigger than yourself. His dedication to making the world a safer place, one circuit at a time, is nothing short of inspiring. If you’re feeling stuck or unsure of your path, maybe it’s time to look at where you’ve been to figure out where you’re going.
Sam’s story is a powerful reminder that challenges are opportunities in disguise. Whether it’s braving extreme conditions, facing industry shifts, or tackling global issues like electrical safety, the key is to keep moving forward. As he put it, “You can live in mediocrity. You’ll still be intelligent but have a good time towards the end.”
CONNECT WITH SAM PHERWANI:
Website: https://sonsucontrols.com/ | https://esipac.online/home