This Black Woman-Owned Electric Company Secured Six-Figure Deal with Utility Giant

Detroit Voltage, a pioneering Black woman-owned electrical contracting firm based in Detroit, has achieved a significant milestone by securing a six-figure deal with DTE Energy, the largest electric utility company in Michigan. This deal not only signifies a momentous achievement for the company but also highlights the entrepreneurial spirit and resilience of its founder and CEO, Deana Neely.

Founded in 2016, Detroit Voltage has rapidly emerged as a key player in the electrical contracting industry, offering a wide range of services for both residential and commercial clients. As a certified Woman Business Enterprise (WBE), the company is committed to upholding the highest standards of safety, compliance, and customer satisfaction.

Deana Neely, a licensed electrical contractor with over a decade of industry experience, has been instrumental in the company's success. Her journey into entrepreneurship was inspired by her observations of her ex-husband's work as an electrician and her own experiences working for the city of Detroit.

"I worked in local government for over a decade, and while working in the Buildings and Safety Department for the city of Detroit, I had an opportunity to work with contractors, and so I learned both sides of the counter never really thinking that I would be a contractor," Neely shared in an interview.

Despite initial reservations in a predominantly white, male-dominated industry, Neely pushed forward, leveraging her expertise and connections to establish Detroit Voltage as a force to be reckoned with. The company's success is a testament to Neely's determination and the support she received from organizations like the Great Lakes Women's Business Council, where she found mentorship and camaraderie among like-minded women entrepreneurs.

"I was looking for a safe place where I could get some mentorship," Neely said. "They have been the most amazing organization for me. I mean, they welcomed me with open arms and have helped me along the way."

The recent deal with DTE Energy represents a significant milestone for Detroit Voltage. Under the agreement, the company will install hundreds of electric vehicle charging stations in Detroit, contributing to the city's infrastructure development and sustainability efforts.

"I saw that people didn’t really want to serve the community, and I was more than happy to do so, and so I kind of found that niche and just rolled with it," Neely remarked, reflecting on her commitment to serving her community through her business. As Detroit Voltage continues to grow and thrive, Deana Neely remains focused on expanding her company's impact and empowering other women in the industry.