A Family-Owned Electrical Company Built on Integrity and Lasting Relationships
Since 2019, we've proudly served homeowners, businesses, and builders with dependable electrical solutions rooted in honesty, professionalism, and quality.
Our Roots
From Helpers to Owners: The David East and Chris Laws Story
Southern Lights was not born in a boardroom. David East and Chris Laws started their careers as electricians' helpers, learning the trade from the ground up before deciding to build something of their own. That hands-on foundation shapes everything we do today. When you hire Southern Lights, you're working with people who have done the work themselves and understand what quality craftsmanship truly looks like. Blair East joined the team full-time in 2021, bringing management and strategic leadership to the company after supporting its early growth while studying at the ECU Brody School of Medicine. Together, this family-first team has built a trusted reputation from its headquarters in Farmville, NC, proudly serving homeowners, businesses, and contractors throughout Eastern North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia.
Our Values
A Family-First Electrical Company Built on Integrity
At Southern Lights, we treat every client and every teammate like a neighbor. That is not a slogan; it is how we operate on every job site. We are a family-first electrical company, and that culture shows up in the care we put into each project, the transparency we bring to every conversation, and the accountability we hold ourselves to long after the work is done. We are licensed, bonded, and insured, and we back that up with five consecutive Platinum Winner awards for Electrician of the Year from Community Votes Greenville (2021 through 2025) and accreditation from the Better Business Bureau. Whether we are working on a residential repair, a commercial build, or a Generac generator installation, our standard does not change. Affordable prices and quality craftsmanship are not trade-offs here; they go hand in hand.
Common Questions
What People Ask About Southern Lights
When was Southern Lights Electrical Construction founded, and who started it?
Southern Lights Electrical Construction was founded in 2019 by David East and Chris Laws. Both founders began their careers as electrician's helpers and worked their way up through the trade before launching the company together. That background gives the business a practical, ground-level perspective on electrical work that larger or less experienced contractors often lack. Blair East joined the team full-time in 2021 to support management and operations, completing the core family leadership structure the company still operates under today.Is Southern Lights Electrical Construction licensed, bonded, and insured?
Yes. Southern Lights Electrical Construction is fully licensed, bonded, and insured. This means clients are protected from liability on the job site and can have confidence that the work meets professional and legal standards. For homeowners and business owners, hiring a licensed, bonded, and insured contractor is one of the most important steps in protecting your property and ensuring that electrical work passes inspection and complies with local codes.What areas does Southern Lights serve?
Southern Lights is headquartered in Farmville, NC and serves clients across a tri-state region that includes North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia. The company does not operate a public storefront or walk-in location, but the team travels to residential and commercial job sites throughout the region. If you are unsure whether your location falls within the service area, reaching out directly is the best way to confirm availability for your project.Has Southern Lights won any awards or recognition for its electrical work?
Yes. Southern Lights has earned the Platinum Winner award for Electrician of the Year from Community Votes Greenville for five consecutive years, from 2021 through 2025. These awards are community-voted, which means they reflect real feedback from clients and neighbors in the region. The company is also accredited by the Better Business Bureau, which reinforces its commitment to ethical business practices and professional accountability.What types of electrical services does Southern Lights offer?
Southern Lights offers a focused range of electrical services including residential work such as repairs, panel upgrades, lighting installations, and EV charger installations; commercial electrical solutions for businesses; new construction electrical system design; renovation and remodel electrical updates; and Generac certified generator installation and service. The company does not offer 24/7 emergency services, so clients should plan accordingly when scheduling work.Does Southern Lights do electrical work for both homes and businesses?
Yes. Southern Lights works with homeowners, business owners, and property developers across the tri-state area. For residential clients, the team handles everything from code-compliant repairs and panel upgrades to EV charger installations. For commercial clients, the focus is on reliable workmanship and dependable scheduling that minimizes disruption to daily operations. New construction projects for both residential and commercial builds are also a core part of the company's services.Is Southern Lights a Generac certified installer?
Yes. Southern Lights is a Generac certified installer, which means the team is trained and qualified to install and service Generac backup generator systems. This certification ensures the installation is done according to manufacturer standards, which can affect both the performance of the unit and the validity of any warranty coverage. If you are considering a backup power solution for your home or business in the Farmville, NC area, Southern Lights can walk you through the options.What sets Southern Lights apart from other electrical contractors in the area?
A few things stand out. The founders, David East and Chris Laws, built the company after years of hands-on experience as electrician's helpers, giving the team a practical commitment to quality that goes beyond credentials. The family-first culture means clients are treated like neighbors, not transactions. The company also holds five consecutive Platinum Winner awards from Community Votes Greenville, maintains BBB accreditation, and carries licensed, bonded, and insured status alongside Generac certification.
