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From Army Boots to Circuit Breakers: The Story Behind Mr. Electric of Columbia

From Army Boots to Circuit Breakers: The Story Behind Mr. Electric of Columbia

Issue #595

October 26, 2025

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

🌧️ Columbia’s Weather - Light rain w/ high of 62, low of 53

✨ LOCAL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT 👇

⚡️ From Army Boots to Circuit Breakers: The Story Behind Mr. Electric of Columbia

🍋 November 1st: Gimme Lemme’s Grand Opening Party

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

🎵 Today’s Live Music

🗓 Know of Some Local Events Not Listed? Send us the Details!

From Army Boots to Circuit Breakers: The Story Behind Mr. Electric of Columbia

Mr. Electric’s ribbon cutting in 2023.

When Tarra and John Bopp opened Mr. Electric of Columbia two years ago, they brought something with them from their military careers: a commitment to service. Both veterans, they've brought that same sense of duty to everything they do—it's just taken a different form.

"We've had ups and downs like any new business," Tarra said. But those two years have helped them discover where they can make the biggest impact in their community.

That impact runs deeper than electrical work. The Bopps have made it a mission to give back to fellow veterans and first responders, often taking on projects at cost to lend a hand to those who've served.

It's a fitting focus for the couple, whose entire story is rooted in service. From their years in the military to John's current role as a volunteer firefighter, the Bopps have carried that same commitment to others into every part of their business.

A Family Legacy of Service

For Tarra, service runs in the family. She graduated from West Point in 1995 and went on to serve five years as an Army engineer before transitioning to civilian life. Her husband, John, also built a long military career, serving multiple deployments to Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Even after retiring from the Army, he found another way to give back—this time with the fire department right here in Maury County.

"When we both got out of active duty, we just really missed that community," Tarra said. "When he became a volunteer firefighter, I think he felt like he was back with his people."

That heart for service extends across generations. Tarra's grandfathers both served in the military, her brother recently retired from the Navy, and now her daughter has followed in their footsteps as well. "As an Army daughter, an Army wife, a Navy mom, and a veteran myself—I feel like I understand all the roles," she said.

It's that deep respect for those who serve that shapes the way Mr. Electric does business. Whether it's helping a veteran with needed electrical work, supporting first responders, or simply treating every customer like family, Tarra says the goal is always to make people feel cared for.

"There's a lot that translates from the military," she said. "Teamwork, communication, values—it's all part of developing your team culture, whether you're in uniform or running a business."

Owners of Mr. Electric, Columbia - John and Tarra Bopp

Building Trust, One Home at a Time

Today, Mr. Electric of Columbia focuses mostly on residential work—everything from electrical repairs and light fixture installations to EV charger setups and home safety inspections. "We're about ninety percent residential, ten percent light commercial," Tarra explained. "We really want to focus on the service aspect."

Their complimentary home safety check is one of the company's most popular services. The team inspects grounding, panels, and smoke detectors, tightening any loose connections and helping homeowners catch small issues before they become serious.

Then there are the surprises that no inspection checklist could predict. Tarra laughed as she recalled one from her own home. "Over the winter, my husband and I smelled something awful and thought a mouse had died in the wall," she said. "When one of our service professionals was changing out outlets, he pulled one out and there was an electrocuted mouse attached to it!"

During a routine outlet change, Tarra’s team discovered the source of a mysterious smell — an electrocuted mouse!

One of the fastest-growing parts of their business has been installing EV chargers. But Tarra says many homeowners don't realize how important it is to plan ahead. "We get a lot of calls, but some customers will just go ahead and buy their electric vehicles without knowing" whether they can safely install a charger in their garage, she said. Some homes simply don't have the electrical capacity without upgrading the panel. "So we advise that if people want to buy an electric vehicle and they want to charge it at home to make sure that they get a qualified electrician out there to do a load calculation and check for room in the main panel" before making the purchase.

While their work keeps them busy, Tarra says safety and trust are always at the forefront. Mr. Electric's "Done Right Promise" guarantees their work for at least a year, and Advantage Plan members receive an extended warranty, priority scheduling, and discounts. Every service professional is licensed, insured, background checked, and drug tested.

From hot tub hookups to whole-home safety checks, the team at Mr. Electric of Columbia takes pride in helping local homeowners feel safe, comfortable, and cared for. For Tarra and John, it's not just about running a business—it's about serving the community they love, one home at a time.

To schedule a complimentary home safety check or learn more, visit their website or call 931-201-9365.

November 1st: Gimme Lemme’s Grand Opening Party

Come celebrate the Grand Opening of Gimme Lemme, your new go-to spot for sweet sips with endless twists

Date: November 1st
Time: 10-8
Location: The Factory at Columbia- 101 N James M Campbell Blvd

We’ll have:

Our full lineup of dirty sodas, lemonades, and energy drinks
Music + photo ops with a balloon arch from Hammertime Ballons and Events
Grand opening giveaways + surprises
A vibe you’ll be craving the second you leave!

Bring your bestie, your family, whoever you wanna sip something fun with!

Come say hi, snap some pics, and grab your first (or maybe 100th) Gimme Lemme drink!

We can’t wait to see you!

(Sponsor)

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