BUILT ON EXPERIENCE.
POWERED BY PURPOSE.
My name is James Connelly, and I founded Enlightened Electric LLC in 2025 with my wife, Ashton, and my sister-in-law, Stephanie. We’re a family-run company serving Charlotte and the surrounding areas, focused on craftsmanship, clear communication, and doing the job right the first time—every time.
From the time I was eight years old, I’ve been fascinated with electricity. My father owned a service station, and I made my first “circuits” by connecting light bulbs to car batteries on the shelf—I learned about overcurrent protection pretty quickly! As a teenager working in the garage, I discovered the satisfaction of working with my hands. Troubleshooting—and the thrill of solving electrical problems—came soon after.
Those early lessons became a foundation of my workmanship and pride, inspired by my father’s mottos- “anything is possible” and “do the job right the first time- every time.”At 18, I earned the nickname “Sparky” for my energy and competitive spirit. I studied environmental biology at Queens University, but ultimately felt called back to the trades—back to something tangible. A loss in the family pushed me to choose a path where I could grow, build, and serve with purpose.
I began as an apprentice in high-end residential remodels and pools. The work was demanding but rewarding, and I threw myself into it. My love for the trade, delight in learning, and good old-fashioned work ethic allowed me to grow in a variety of roles and experiences within the electrical field. Soon I was leading jobs, taking after-hours service calls, and expanding my experience into multi-family, commercial, and industrial electrical work. Over the years, I’ve worked everywhere—from Charlotte high-rises to muddy pool trenches, industrial facilities, and some pretty funky crawlspaces, too.
Throughout my career, one thing became clear: electrical failures and lack of maintenance often go hand in hand. My dad, Jim Connelly—a longtime building inspector and licensed thermographer—inspired me to start this business with a focus on doing better.
Today, we’re working together to raise awareness around electrical maintenance and safety in our communities. We’re a full-service electrical contractor and love doing it all, but our foundation is electrical maintenance—because prevention, preparation, and precision make the difference between a temporary fix and work that lasts. .
Life's a circuit....between what is and what can be. By connecting careful communication, intention, and hard work—together we can illuminate the power of possibility.