DeMartini Electric is on the eve of celebrating its 20th anniversary of operation in Sonoma. Owned and operated by Scott and Tina DeMartini, the company specializes in all types of indoor and outdoor electrical work, residential and commercial, from homes to restaurants to wineries. The company’s work ethic and attention to detail has led to its role as the City of Sonoma’s Electricians for the past 18 years, and derives from DeMartini’s maxim to always “work hard and stay positive.”
Scott DeMartini wanted to be an entrepreneur for as long as he could remember. As a kid growing up in Sonoma, he sold Hot Wheels. As a teenager, he developed a window-washing business. At 19, he began working for various electrical outfits, where he quickly distinguished himself and rose to leadership positions. He soon realized he was in a unique position to realize his dream of self-employment, so he went to Anthony Schools for contractors and worked his way up. “My goal was to learn every aspect of the electrical trade,” said DeMartini. He struck out on his own in 1989, at the age of 25, becoming one of the Bay Area’s youngest entrepreneurs.
Sonoma has grown in size and population since DeMartini Electric’s inception. Scott remembers knowing nearly everyone in the Valley 20 years ago, and because that type of rapport with the community is no longer feasible, he has grown conscious of the need to advertise more these days to let people know who he is. One of the key skills the DeMartinis have gleaned from running an independent company is the ability to adapt, and what has enabled them to stay grounded is their relationship and family.
“We’re fortunate to have good communication and a strong foundation as a couple,” said Tina DeMartini. After her career in real estate was negatively impacted by the recent economic downturn this past year, Tina took what could have been considered a crisis as an opportunity to focus even further on the customer service of DeMartini Electric, in which she became more prominently involved. “The response has been great,” said Scott, “People love talking to her.”
Reflecting over their decade together and their company’s 20 years as a business, the DeMartinis can’t help realizing how far they have come and how much they have grown. While the drive and ambition to make it was an important contributor to their early path to success, “the focus changes when you’re in business as a family to a more personal view of things,” said Tina. The outstanding relationship they’ve always enjoyed with the community has become an even greater source of appreciation, and as Scott makes clear, a good thing they want to pursue into the future: “We’ve been here for 20 years, and we’re going to be here for 20 more,” said DeMartini.
DeMartini Electric, Sonoma 707.939.1332
