Today we’d like to introduce you to Rafi Pagus.
Rafi moved to the United States from Israel in 1989, with only a back pack and $1,000 to his name. He began installing fire sprinklers, but found the task boring and unrewarding, he took a change to switch to doing electrical contracting.
Rafi had a special talent for electrical work, and there was so much demand for his skills that he started his own company – ADR Electric – in 1994. He strategically chose the name “ADR Electric” because it would appear in the front of the phone book.
That decision has ultimately paid off. Thirteen years after forming ADR Electric, Rafi decided that there was a huge opportunity in installing Solar Panels, and in 2007 ADR installed their first solar panel system.
In 2008, ADR Electric switched to “Solar-Only” business, which was one of the first of its kind. By being one of the first companies in the solar space, ADR Electric has a specialized, in-house installation crew, which is one of the most specialized crews in the industry.
In 2014, a group of investors led by David Makharadze identified Rafi’s ADR Electric as a hidden gem in the solar industry. Given that phone books are outdated circa 2014, David and Rafi decided to change the name from “ADR Solar” to PacificSky Solar.
In 2016, PacificSky Solar sold over 250 solar projects, and installed many more for outside sales teams.
When I asked Rafi at what point he sat back and admired his achievements, he stated “I still have not reached that moment, because there is so much more I would like to achieve”. With an answer like that, the story that an immigrant with a backpack and a dream could create a multi-million-dollar solar company becomes that much more believable.
Struggles & Challenges
Rafi believes that his struggle is not much different from other entrepreneurs. However, he did benefit from the high demand from electrical contractors in Los Angeles during the time of his arrival.
Remarkably, Rafi feels he did not have any particular struggles because he was an immigrant from a foreign country.
Perhaps Rafi’s smooth transition to life in Los Angeles comes from his laid-back, surfer attitude.
When he was asked where he slept upon getting off the plane in Los Angeles, he said he stayed two nights at his aunt’s house. Two days later, he had already made a friend and they got a two-bedroom apartment in Sylmar together – for only $845/month!
Some may say sharing an apartment with a total stranger in a new country would be a struggle. When asked, Rafi said “Are you kidding, I was close to the surf!”
PacificSky Solar – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
PacificSky Solar is a residential and commercial PV sales and installation company.
We specialize in tailor-made solar systems. After a discussion with our clients, we will determine the best payment plan (lease/finance/cash) and which panels will be the best fit for our clients (LG, Panasonic, SunPower, etc). Additionally, Rafi’s installation expertise allows PacificSky to install on roof types that most companies won’t get anywhere near.
Rafi is most proud of the team he has working for him at PacificSky.
Outside of the office, Rafi is most proud of his daughters.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
I was the only one of my friends who passed his electrical contracting certification test on the first try.
Contact Info:
- Address: 6617 Independence Avenue, Canoga Park, CA 91303
- Website: http://pacificskysolar.com/
- Phone: 818.223.8344
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pacificskysolar/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pacificskysolar/
- Twitter: pacificskysolar.com/?utm_source=Tw…
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/pacificsky-solar-los-angeles-2?utm_campaign=www_business_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct)
