iElectrical & Communications Matt Downie named South Australia’s top sparky

South Australia’s top electrician has been crowned and he says it all started with a carpentry trade. See the top five as voted by you.

South Australia’s best sparkie’s empire began on the football field – but not in the way you may think.

Matt Downie, 33, said he was all booked in, ready to begin his trade as a carpenter before he was approached after a footy match.

“I was playing footy and one of our major sponsors were an electrical company,” he said.

“I had done a carpentry apprenticeship and got offered a job the same week as I got asked if I wanted to do an electrical apprenticeship.”

Matt Downie from iElectrical and Communications on site. Picture Kelly Barnes

After dabbling in his new field, Mr Downie found he enjoyed the art of the electrician a lot more than his work as a chippie.

“From there I went to TAFE for six months before working for Watters Electrical,” he said.

Over a decade on Mr Downie is the brain behind iElectrical & Communications in Norwood, but is adamant his customer service and respect for the job has not altered, working for clients such as Christian Brothers College, the Remand centre and Greyhounds SA.

“I don’t change between the $100 jobs and the $100,000 jobs,” Mr Downie said.

“I’m really big on customer service and want everyone to be happy with us and the service we offer.”

“My advice for anyone starting out would be to work on relationships and you customer service because that’s what has gone a long way for us.”

THE TOP FIVE ELECTRICIANS IN SA:

Matt Downie, iElectrical & Communications – Norwood

Rhys Knox, Beyond Electrical Solutions – Golden Grove

Paul Caruso, 101 Electrical, Payneham

Stratos Papaefstratiou, Adelect – Adelaide

David Jones, Jones and Electrical – Norwood