Harle's Electrical based in Mission Beach is owned and operated by Steve and Debra Harle.

Steve, a true local, grew up in the Tully-Mission Beach area. Attending El Arish and Mission Beach Primary Schools and Tully High School, Steve started his apprenticeship with F & C Lewis Pty Ltd in Innisfail, following Cyclone Winifred. In 1997, Steve was forced to relocate his apprenticeship to Cairns with Kennedy and Taylor following the retirement of Frank Lewis and the closure of the business due to ill-health.

During the 4th year of his Apprenticeship, Steve met Deb – a Cairns local. She had just started her first year of teaching at Gordonvale State School. At the end of 1989, Deb was transferred. Steve had finished his apprenticeship and they both moved to Cardwell. They married in 1991.

After gaining experience, knowledge and confidence with local contractors, Steve started a small contracting and appliance repair business of his own. Business blossomed as word of Steve’s reputation spread. After operating successfully in Cardwell for more than 5 years, the difficult decision to move the young family back to Mission Beach was made. Steve’s reputation as a reliable, trustworthy and knowledgeable tradesman soon meant the addition of extra staff to cope with business growth and public demand.

In 2006, Cyclone Larry devastated North Queensland. Harle’s Electrical worked side-by-side with Ergon Energy to restore power to people’s homes. Coping with this devastation as well as dealing with the sudden loss of Steve’s brother to cancer, took its toll on both Steve and Deb. Remembering that others were also suffering and concentrating on work helped keep Steve’s mind occupied.

By the August of that year, the staff included another Tradesman, an Apprentice and a Trades Assistant. 2007 saw another tradesman and a School-Based Apprentice employed to keep up with the volume of work as the company’s reputation spread. Steve’s focus towards Harle’s Electrical also underwent changes – he was spending less and less time on the tools and more and more time on his mobile phone.

With the employment of a further Tradesman and Trades Assistant (later to be apprentice) around Easter 2008, it became clear that the business needed Deb as a full-time officer manager so Steve could concentrate on developing his team and growing the business.

To help focus her energy on Harle’s Electrical, Deb employed the services of Business Coach, Suzie Dixon. Suzie worked closely with Deb, firstly to analyse areas of support needed and secondly, to address and manage these areas. This appointment was recognised as a contributing factor when awarding Deb with the (Inaugural) 2008 ECA Women in Contracting Business Women of the Year. The Award, both a major shock and a humbling experience, bought industry recognition to Harle’s Electrical and also recognition of the important supporting role that women provide within the industry.

Harle’s Electrical have adopted the ECA Safety Connect Program as its Safety Management System and with the very strict guidelines ensures the Electrical Safety of all parties at all times.

The accreditation of Master Electrician in late 2008 was also a fantastic accomplishment for Harle’s Electrical. To maintain this accreditation, Master Electricians must have safety management policy and procedures in place, must offer their customers a 12-month guarantee on their workmanship and provide advice and assistance with energy efficient alternatives.

We currently have 5 fully-stocked service/contracting vehicles operating the entire Cassowary Coast Region between Cardwell and Innisfail - and everywhere in-between. We consider our staff to be OUR GREATEST ASSET :-

• 3 Tradesman - combining over 45 years experience - Industrial, Commercial and Domestic Contracting; Agricultural automation and control; Maintenance for Rental Agents, Resorts, Hotels.
• 1 Fourth Year Apprentice – very experienced - worked with our Company as Trades Assistant for 2 years prior to commencing his Apprenticeship.
• 1 Third Year Apprentice - completed Work Experience and Holiday work as a Trades Assistant with our company and others before being offered and commencing his Apprenticeship with Harle's Electrical.
• 1 Second Year Apprentice - both completed Work Experience and Holiday work as a Trades Assistant with our company before being offered and commencing as a School-based Apprentice with Harle's Electrical.
• 2 Office Staff - Anita and Deb. February 2009 saw the introduction of Anita to help in the very busy office. Invaluable to Deb, Anita's duties include Reception (answering 90% of incoming calls) and Debt Collection - allowing Deb to concentrate on Business Development (including Website Maintenance).

We are experienced in a very wide range of electrical services including retail shop fit-outs, take-away/restaurant fit-outs, house wiring, service stations, body corporate work, rental properties, pumps and sewerage plants and will confidently accept all challenges thrown our way – have a quick look at our recent projects. All members our team are up-to-date with our mandatory certifications ie. Live Rescue and Resuscitation, On-site Blue Card.