MEET MORE 2025 UNITY AWARD WINNERS
JIM GAILLARD NEVER THOUGHT HE’D BE AN ELECTRICIAN, let alone founder of his own company. Growing up Black in the inner city of Milwaukee, he didn’t always feel supported on the path to success.
“I come from a neighborhood where most people heard they were going to be drunks like their dad or in and out of jail like their brothers,” he says. Despite facing many personal and systemic obstacles, Gaillard always knew he wanted to spend his life giving back to those in need.
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Recognized for his math talent, he received an opportunity to attend a college prep high school in Oshkosh, where he was one of the only Black students. Later, at around age 30, Gaillard was working as a surveyor, when he saw an ad for an electrician apprenticeship that paid three times what he was making.
His co-workers discouraged him from applying, noting the construction trades weren’t exactly known for welcoming people of color. Determined to forge a successful career path for himself – and to overcome obstacles he’d faced since childhood – Gaillard passed the entry test and took on an apprenticeship in the city’s Street Lighting Division.
Race became an issue early on, Gaillard says: On his first day of work, Gaillard’s boss tried to fire him, citing a bad back Gaillard didn’t have. Another time, his manager threatened to let him go after criticizing his clothes. Gaillard persevered, driven to change the industry for people who looked like him. Now a master electrician, Gaillard owns his own company, WHIRE (We Hire Intelligent, Responsible Electricians).
“I teach my guys to keep their game at a high level so no one can find chinks in their armor,” he says.
Since WHIRE’s beginnings in 2002, Gaillard has used the company as a way to train and hire underemployed and formerly incarcerated people of color. In 2012, he met Don Utech, a local businessman and social justice advocate. The two launched Ezekiel HOPE (Home Ownership, Partnership and Employment), a nonprofit that grew out of the existing Ezekiel Community Development Corp.
Ezekiel HOPE trains marginalized Milwaukeeans in the construction trades by repairing blighted local homes. Along with supporting people of color in establishing well-paying careers, the project improves local housing opportunities and addresses shortages in the skilled trades.
So far, Ezekiel HOPE’s nearly 500 trainees – which include 60 people reintegrating from local jail to the community – have rehabbed and sold nearly 40 homes while working family-sustaining careers. As the organization pursues more grants, the number of homes rehabbed and electricians trained will grow – and hopefully, so will the impact on the city.
“We need more people trying to save Milwaukee from the downslide we’re in,” Gaillard says. “It’s all hands on deck.”
An Organization That Inspires Jim
“I look forward to doing work with Running Rebels, an organization that helps a lot of kids in trouble. One of my great proteges came out of Running Rebels. He earned his electrical license and now has his own business.”
How can people create more unity in Milwaukee?
“Think of the whole greater good, and remember we are greater together. We have more similarities than we do differences. We’re not in a competition. If you’re truly committed to helping Milwaukee, welcome each other in and collaborate.”
