The ability to provide employment for others is one key reason Deborah and Curtis Morehead operate Emerald Electrical Services, LLC. As owners of the electrical power and datacom contracting firm, giving back by providing jobs is a way to help people become self-sufficient and develop a trade that will enable them to care for their family is the couples’ thinking.
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| DEDICATED TO HOME—The owners of Emerald Electrical Services, Curtis and Deborah Morehead stand in front of their future office space at 2214 and 2216 Centre Avenue. (Photo by Diane I. Daniels)
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“We’re now at the point in our business that we can help others,” said Deborah.
For the last three years the Morehead’s have been involved with projects throughout the city where they have been responsible for such jobs as conducting fire safety system upgrades, office building power upgrades, office building power, data, and voice upgrades, installing close circuit television systems as well as two-way radio systems.
“We take a lot of pride in the work we have been conducting throughout the city,” pointed out Curtis. “But we are very proud and excited about the contract we have to install the complete electrical system for the Thelma Lovette YMCA in the Hill District.” Emerald Electric is a 50 percent partner in the project with the decade old Sargent Electric Company, a full service contractor.
A former Hill District resident, Curtis said it is exciting and motivating to return to the neighborhood to work on such a significant development. “I was born and raised in Robinson Court and graduated from Schenley High School. “By working in my old neighborhood and being able to employ people demonstrates that working hard breeds results,” he pointed out.
Throughout its existence, Emerald Electrics’ major projects have included the Consol Energy Center which is also in the Hill District and the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. Energy service projects consisted of Good Shepherd Church in Braddock, The IBEW Local Union number five, the Hill District Community Development Corporation and Centre City Tower. Electrical systems maintenance work has been complete for the Housing Authority City of Pittsburgh, the Hosanna House, Inc. in Wilkinsburg, the Turtle Creek Community Center, One Hope Center in the Hill District and the Allegheny County Jail.
Other than the Thelma Lovette YMCA, the Morehead’s identify their work at the David L Lawrence Convention Center as a job they are also proud of. “We first helped with the redesign of the cctv (close circuit television) and door access. “We worked with TranSystems Inc. in the design phase. Emerald then was hired to help install the newly redesigned system teaming up with Dagostino Electronics Services, Inc.,” Curtis said.
Classifying their business as a Union Electrical Contracting establishment, the duo rely on the strength of Curtis’s 34 years of membership in Local Electricians Union #5 and 14 years of teaching experience.
“It is always good to work in an industry that you are familiar with,” said Deborah, president of Emerald Electric. “My husband has the experience. He has taught in the areas of low voltage systems, security systems, data voice and telephone systems, fire alarms, fiber optics and video systems. He also has set up electrical systems on sites from temporary to permanent.” They estimate that it is as a result of his years of experience that they are in partnership with Sargent Electric on the Y project which enables him to serve as supervisor of the job.
Curtis said he was one the first African-American instructors for the joint apprenticeship commission for his Union, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local # 5.
Elated to have recently been accepted as a preferred contractor in the UPMC Supplier Diversity Program run by Tony Silva, they have hopes that such programs and by working on major projects like the Convention Center, Consol Energy Center and the YMCA will assist them in gaining contracts with major companies like PNC and Highmark. “We have been able to build great relationships throughout our industry which has helped and we hope continues to help us to build our business,” they said.
With the goal to become a billion dollar business, Deborah a former West Mifflin native says she will continue to pull from her education in fashion and interior design, experience as a Licensed Practical Nurse and expertise she has from operating a cleaning business for a number of years. “Curtis and I have operated numerous businesses for over 25 years that have taught us a lot,” she emphasized. “One thing we have learned is that partnerships are not for us. We have tried to work with people and realize that not all the time is that a good idea.”
In business to help others, the Morehead’s say they often share their experiences and advice with potential and fledgling entrepreneurs. “We suggest to always follow your dreams and not to give up.” They also emphasize the importance of networking and getting to know people. “Operating as a MWDBE Certified business and being certified with the State of Pennsylvania also has its advantages,” they point out.
“We are proud of what we do and what we have accomplished throughout the years. It was difficult at first, we started by taking baby steps. Our hard work is now paying off. Now as we blossom we are able to help others, and our desire is that we continue to grow and show by example.”
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