Most tradies live where they work. Nick Allen built his electrical business the other way around. For 13 years, Nick has been running NJA Electrical out of Tambo, a small town in remote western Queensland, while living on the coast with his wife and two young kids. The 700k drive starts at 3am to beat the caravans and wide loads. Then he’s on the tools for two weeks straight before heading home.
It’s an unconventional setup, but for Nick, it works.
Building a Name Where Everyone Knows Your Name
Tambo has around 200 people. There’s no hiding. Nick is the only electrician in town, with the next closest one 100ks away in either direction. Every client he has is a repeat customer, and that loyalty didn’t come overnight.
Trust in a small outback community looks different to what most city tradies are used to. It’s staying back for a beer around the ute after a long day. It’s being asked to look after a client’s kids while they rush off to meet the flying doctor. It’s knowing when to be professional and when to just be human. Nick grew up in the country, so reading that room came naturally.
If It Runs on Power, He Fixes It
Working remotely means being across everything. Solar, generators, submersible bores 100 meters underground, house wiring, and everything in between. Nick keeps his shed stocked like a mini supplier because freight from the nearest trade store takes three days and clients in the outback can’t wait that long.
Every day on the tools looks different. No two jobs are the same, and that’s exactly how Nick likes it.
Doing It on His Own Terms
As the business grew, Nick took on his first employee, a mate he’s known since they were 18. They now run a rotating two-week roster so there’s always someone in the Tambo area, even when Nick is home with the family.
And home has recently changed too. Nick and his family have moved from the coast to Dalby, trading a small backyard for more space, lower cost of living, and a lifestyle that suits them better. From there, he’s now looking at opening a second arm of the business closer to home.
Thirteen years in, Nick Allen is still doing it his way, and it’s working.
If you’re in the Tambo area or want to find out more about NJA Electrical, check them out here at njae.com.au
