Locations/Headquarters: New Ipswich, NH
Business Accolades:
NaVOBA Certified, SDVOSB
VBE Spotlight on: Fairway Electric Inc.
Fairway Electric Inc.
Fairway Electric was founded in 2018 by Shane Carignan
Fairway Electric Inc., established by Iraq War Veteran Shane Carignan in 2018, stands out for its commitment to safety, integrity, and exceptional electrical solutions. Growing from a modest start, it is now the exclusive tower painting vendor for National Grid in New England & New York, with five divisions and a 100-vehicle fleet. As a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), Fairway aids government agencies in fulfilling contractual regulations while actively contributing to the veteran community. The company offers comprehensive services in Distribution, Substation, and Transmission, priding itself on both quality and safety. By choosing Fairway, partners not only access top-tier electrical services but also support a business that continually gives back to its community.
Learn more about Fairway Electric, Inc. by visiting their website, www.fairwayelectricinc.com
About the Business - Safety, Integrity, and Responsibility
What services do you provide?
"Electrical transmission, distribution, substation, emergency restoration, streetlight, tower painting, and coating, T&D new build and maintenance"
Who are your primary customers?
"National Grid, PP&L, Southern Companies, Eversource, Tempest., LUMA Puerto Rico."
When and how did you start your business?
"In 2018, we opened the first Fairway division with a few pickup trucks and three employees. Today, Fairway is the exclusive tower painting vendor for National Grid in New England & New York, and we have over 100 electrical line workers across the USA. We are proud of the growth we've achieved and the strong reputation we've built in the utility industry. We remain committed to delivering high-quality work and providing exceptional service to our clients."
Business Growth Challenges - Growing Through Challenge and Change
What were some of the challenges in starting your business?
"As a company, Fairway has come a long way from being just a tower painting company. It has successfully overcome the challenge of proving its expertise in electrical overhead/high-voltage construction to its customers. Today, Fairway is proud to have a team of over 120 electrical line workers who are proficient in distribution, transmission, and maintenance work. The company takes pride in creating a team of faithful professionals who are dedicated to its growth and providing its customers with the highest quality of work. Moving forward, Fairway's new challenge is to maintain its growth momentum without compromising the safety and quality of its operation. To achieve this, the company will continue to maintain a strong hiring process to attract and retain the highest level of talent."
What is the key to the success of your business?
"At Fairway, we understand how important it is to stay flexible to meet our clients' needs. With the rapidly evolving energy industry in the USA and across the world, it can be challenging for companies that are set in their ways to navigate these changes. However, we are committed to being part of the innovation and moving with the industry shifts to accommodate our clients. Our approach involves training our staff in Key Performance Indicators and gathering data daily to adjust quickly to any unforeseen challenges. Not only do we use the latest technology in our fleet, safety, quality, and overall operations management systems, but we have also developed our own programs to monitor the daily performance of each crew and the staff. This gives Fairway the ability to adjust quickly and stay ahead of the curve."
What lessons learned can you share with people to make their business succeed?
"Situational Awareness is crucial to the success of any operation, not just the safety department. Fairway, which started with just a few pickup trucks and workers in 2018, understands this well. By keeping a close eye on their client's needs, we were able to identify opportunities beyond our initial scope, such as emergency response and other maintenance opportunities not related to paint. The advice we can give is to prioritize situational Awareness, recognize the value of hard work, stay alert and informed, and hire individuals who bring unique knowledge and skills to the organization. Lastly, it's crucial to develop a core value that is true to every member of the organization."
What pitfalls should they avoid?
"Starting a new business can often lead to second-guessing oneself. However, it's important to remember that taking action is crucial in order to reap the rewards. As they say, most people believe that taking a leap of faith is worth it in the long run."
What other information about you and your business would you like to share with the NaVOBA Community?
"As we have discussed previously, our aim is to sustain our growth trajectory. We are pleased to announce that we are expanding our presence in the energy sector beyond our initial expectations. This success is driven by our foresight into the imminent industry shift, and we are excited to see where this takes us."
Service information
Branch:
Army
Service Years:
2001- 2004
Highest Rank Attained:
E-4
Why did you join the military?
"Serve my country"
Military Occupation:
"11-B Infantry"
Any significant military achievements / experience you would like to mention?
"Liberation of Iraq"
Biography/Fun Facts
In 10 years, where do you see yourself?
"Continuing to run a world-class company."
What is in your refrigerator?
"Beer and Pizza"
How do you relax?
"I relax by fishing and smoking cigars."
Veteran’s Business Enterprise®: Kings Creek Services Corp. Headquarters: Hampstead, NC Year Founded: 2019 # of Employees: 2 Website: kingscreekservices.com Service Overview: Kings Creek Services is a Veteran-owned consultancy firm helping manufacturers succeed in DoD sales. We provide market research, procurement guidance, compliance support and help connect manufacturers with military end users to ensure mission-ready solutions reach the field.
Veteran-owned businesses have a new opportunity to step onto a national stage. The PGA of America has officially opened registration for its PGA VendorMatch program, connecting local suppliers with procurement opportunities tied to its 2027 major championships. For Veteran and service-disabled Veteran-owned businesses, this is more than an event, it’s a pathway to meaningful corporate contracting opportunities. What Is PGA VendorMatch? PGA VendorMatch is a supplier matchmaking initiative designed to connect local and small businesses with buyers supporting PGA spectator championships. The program helps businesses gain visibility, build relationships and compete for contracts tied to high-profile sporting events. For NaVOBA-certified businesses and those seeking to grow within corporate supply chains, this aligns directly with our mission: helping Veteran-owned businesses compete and win. Key Opportunities for 2027 Selected businesses may have the opportunity to support three major championships: Senior PGA Championship April 15–18, 2027 The Concession Golf Club PGA Championship May 17–23, 2027 Fields Ranch East KPMG Women’s PGA Championship June 24–27, 2027 Congressional Country Club What Types of Businesses Should Apply? Opportunities span a wide range of Tier II goods and services, including: Food and beverage Transportation Staffing Event services Florals and décor And more If your business supports large-scale events or corporate operations, this is a strong opportunity to get in front of major buyers. Why This Matters for Veteran-Owned Businesses Programs like PGA VendorMatch are critical because they intentionally create access. The PGA of America has emphasized its commitment to building a supply chain that reflects the communities it serves, specifically including Veteran and service-disabled Veteran-owned businesses. That commitment translates into real opportunities to: Establish relationships with major suppliers Gain experience supporting large national events Position your business for long-term contracting growth At NaVOBA, we know that access is often the biggest barrier. This program helps remove it. Strengthen Your Position with NaVOBA Certification As you consider applying, one key differentiator can set your business apart: certification through the National Veteran-Owned Business Association . NaVOBA certification verifies your business as a Veteran-Owned Business Enterprise® (VBE) or Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business Enterprise® (SDVBE), making it easier for corporations and procurement teams to confidently identify and engage with your company. For opportunities like PGA VendorMatch, certification can: Increase your credibility with buyers and prime contractors Help you stand out in a competitive supplier pool Provide access to corporate connections and sourcing opportunities Position your business for long-term inclusion in supplier diversity programs In short, certification doesn’t just validate your status, it helps open doors. Learn more about certification at NaVOBA.org/certification . The Bigger Economic Impact The golf industry represents a $102 billion market, with $31 billion tied to travel and tourism. Major championships don’t just attract fans, they generate real economic activity in host communities. For Veteran-owned businesses, participating in that ecosystem can mean: Increased revenue Expanded networks Long-term business growth How to Apply Registration is open now through May 27, 2026 . Businesses located in or near host communities are especially encouraged to apply. To learn more and register, visit the PGA VendorMatch website . Final Take This is exactly the kind of opportunity Veteran-owned businesses should be pursuing: high-visibility, relationship-driven and rooted in long-term growth. If you’re ready to compete in corporate supply chains and showcase your capabilities on a national stage, PGA VendorMatch is worth your attention.
Explore the Hire Heroes USA Ripple Grant and HIRE Vets Medallion Award. Funding, recognition and tools to help Veteran-Owned Businesses grow and hire Veterans.
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