James “Ronnie” Hayes is the President/Owner of Higher Power Electric, Inc. (HPE). HPE is a full-service, licensed Electrical Contracting company providing quality electrical repairs, upgrades, and installations for new and existing residential and commercial properties. Ronnie’s experience and expertise in the electrical industry spans over 45 years. He is exceptionally adept in electrical theory and practical application. His outstanding customer satisfaction ratings are eclipsed only by his personal commitment to excellence, wherein he stands behind the integrity of his workmanship. Other electrical tradespersons often seek his advice and expertise when faced with challenging electrical issues.
Ronnie, as he is affectionately called by his family and close friends, is a native son of Fort Lauderdale. He was born during a time when Blacks in Fort Lauderdale were at the peak of industriousness, as business owners and entrepreneurs. At an early age, he knew the value of self-determination (Kujichagulia, one of the seven principals of Kwanzaa). He was born in Provident Hospital, which was founded by two African American physicians, Dr. Von D. Mizell and Dr. James Sistrunk. He was the youngest child of Harry and Naomi Hayes. His sister Katherine and three older brothers were a positive influence in helping him develop solid work ethic.
He attended Walker Elementary, Sunrise Middle and graduated from Fort Lauderdale High School in 1974. He was enthusiastic about sports. He excelled playing baseball at Sunland Park (now Carter Park) where he also learned to swim. He was MVP of his Junior Varsity Basketball team.
In 1977, he enrolled in the electrical apprenticeship program with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local Union 728. He completed the electrical apprenticeship program and earned his Journeyman license in 1981. He worked out of the Local Union for many years. He also worked out of the New York City Local Union 3 for two years. In 1996, he accepted a position as the Maintenance Electrician for Plantation General Hospital. In 2004, he became a Master Electrician and opened his own electrical contracting business (HPE). He retired from the hospital in 2021 to operate his business full-time.
He serves as a Deacon, a member of the Male Chorus, the Prison Outreach Ministry, and the Men of Valor Ministry at New Mount Olive Baptist Church under the leadership of Dr. Marcus Davidson. He avers that he is blessed to be married to the love of his life, Janice Hayes. They have three adult children and four grandchildren. In his spare time, he enjoys traveling and listening to gospel quartet and old school R & B Music.
