Why I Chose the Name “Big Shoulders”

Why I Chose the Name “Big Shoulders”

(By Michael Galvez, Owner of Big Shoulders Electrical Services)

When it came time to name my company, I wanted something that truly represented who I am and where I come from. Something that spoke to my roots, my work ethic, and the two places that made me the man I am today, Chicago and Texas. That’s how Big Shoulders Electrical Services got its name.

The phrase “Big Shoulders” comes from one of Chicago’s oldest nicknames, “The City of Big Shoulders.” It was made famous by poet Carl Sandburg, who described Chicago as a city built by tough, hardworking people with the grit to carry the weight of progress. Growing up in Chicago, I saw that spirit every day. People worked hard, stood tall, and took pride in doing things the right way.

Those same traits — grit, toughness, and pride in hard work — are just as strong in Texas. Texans are known for their resilience, their handshake-strong integrity, and their commitment to family and community. That shared spirit of hard work and strength is exactly what Big Shoulders represents. It connects both the city that raised me and the state where I’ve built my life.

I was born and raised in Chicago, where I began my electrical career and met my wife, who happens to be a proud, native Texan. When we found out our first son was on the way, we moved to Texas to start our next chapter — and we’ve been here for over 20 years now, raising our family and building our business. Both Chicago and Texas have given me the determination, humility, and perseverance that guide me as an electrician, husband, father, and community member.

Even our company colors tell that story:

Sky blue — from the Chicago city flag, representing where my journey began.

Navy blue — from the Texas flag, representing the place I now call home.

Red — the color they share, symbolizing passion, strength, and unity.

At Big Shoulders Electrical Services, those colors, and that name, remind me every day what we stand for: hard work, integrity, and reliability. Whether we’re installing whole home surge protection, upgrading service panels, or helping a family power their dream home, we do it with grit and pride.

Big Shoulders isn’t just a name — it’s a promise. A promise to carry the load, stand behind our work, and serve our community with the strength and pride of both Chicago and Texas.