What does it take to go from pulling wire in the Bakersfield heat to opening a high-end wine bar and managing multimillion-dollar construction projects? For Mark Boren, owner of Express Electric, Solar, and Communications — and co-founder of Le Cave Vin and Cuisine — the secrets to scaling is equal parts grit, growth, and gratitude.
On a recent episode of Small Business Celebration, Mark sat down to reveal the secrets to scaling that helped him scale his business, expand into new ventures, and build a team of loyal, driven professionals. His journey is packed with practical insights and raw entrepreneurial truth. Let’s break it down.
Here are 10 Secrets to Scaling:
1. Start With a Strong Foundation – And Pull Some Wire First
Mark didn’t start out dreaming of being a business owner. After high school, he wasn’t sure what to do next. But his father, who started Golden Empire Electric in 1984, offered him a job pulling wire and running conduit. That “learn-it-all” attitude stuck with him.
“Next thing I knew, I was an electrician. And now, I’m still working with my dad today.”
Lesson: Don’t skip the grind. Knowing the ins and outs of your trade gives you credibility and confidence when it’s time to scale.
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2. Capitalize Smart – Then Diversify for Stability
Before investing in new ventures, Mark knew he had to stabilize his first business. Express Electric had to be able to ride out the highs and lows of commercial contracting.
Once that foundation was strong, he looked for “mailbox money”—investments that would generate income without constant hands-on oversight. That led to Le Cave, a restaurant and wine bar that blends California fusion with European inspiration.
“Once you’re capitalized, you start looking for passive income. I work 11-12 hours a day already. I needed something that could work while I wasn’t.”
Lesson: Scale begins with stability. Get your core business profitable before exploring new ventures.
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3. Don’t Be Afraid to Try Something New
Mark admits jumping into the restaurant business was a bold move—and maybe not the most logical. But he had one powerful tool on his side: partners with experience.
“It’s very different from the electrical world. But I’ve never been afraid to fail. I just grind. I make it work.”
Lesson: You don’t have to know it all. Just know who to call—and be willing to take the leap.
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4. Build a Brand That Reflects Your Vision
Le Cave didn’t just happen. The name, the logo, the vibe—it all came from intentional planning. (And maybe a little inspiration from a Paris airport.)
“We wanted to bring a little LA to Bakersfield. The name LAV came from an airport sign. It just fit.”
Their unique value proposition? A one-of-a-kind space combining great food, fine wine, retail wine lockers, and an upscale yet accessible vibe.
Lesson: A strong brand isn’t about a logo—it’s about standing out with purpose and identity.
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5. Hire Leaders, Not Just Employees
Whether in construction or hospitality, Mark uses one core yardstick when building his team: ownership.
“If you make a mistake, own it. Look me in the eye and say, ‘I messed up—and here’s how I’ll fix it.’ That’s who I want to work with.”
This mindset has created what Mark calls the best crew he’s ever had—people who care, deliver, and take pride in their work.
Lesson: The best teams are built around character, not just skill.
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6. Invest in Your People—For Real
Mark doesn’t do pizza parties. He pays his people to stay home with their families on holidays. Why?
“That’s how you say thank you. Not just with words. You show appreciation in a real, tangible way.”
Lesson: When you take care of your people, they take care of your business.
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7. Relationships Are Your Marketing
In construction, Mark says he’s **never run a single ad** for Express Electric. Growth has come entirely from word-of-mouth and relationships with general contractors.
“You just show up, ask for a shot, and when they finally say yes—you prove yourself. That’s how you grow.”
In contrast, LAV thrives on social media marketing, showcasing the difference in approach depending on your target audience.
Lesson: Understand your customer—and meet them where they are.
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8. Expand Through Proof, Not Just Plans
Mark scaled Express Electric by proving the company could handle increasingly complex projects. One major milestone was working on the Stratolaunch hangars in Mojave, home of the world’s largest airplane.
“We did it all—design, build, installation. That was a turning point.”
Lesson: Don’t jump to the big leagues—earn your place there by nailing the smaller jobs and building a track record of reliability.
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9. Give Back to the Community That Gave to You
Mark is a strong supporter of Global Family, a Bakersfield-based nonprofit fighting human trafficking and supporting at-risk youth.
“I didn’t even know this was happening until I met the founders. Now, I can’t look away. I have to do something.”
Lesson: Real success means lifting others up, too. Give back where it matters most.
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10. When in Doubt, Pound the Pavement
So what’s Mark’s ultimate advice for small business owners trying to scale?
“At some point, you just have to go for it. Pound the pavement. Take the risk. It’s scary—but it’s worth it.”
Lesson: Success doesn’t come from waiting. It comes from doing—again and again and again.
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Final Thoughts – Secrets to Scaling
Mark Warren didn’t scale Express Electric overnight. And Le Cave didn’t open without doubt. But through resilience, risk-taking, and relentless work, he’s built more than just successful businesses—he’s built a legacy.
So whether you’re a startup founder, tradesperson, or dreamer with a side hustle, take this advice to heart: start small, scale smart, and stay humble.
As Mark puts it:
“Keep your head up. Support local. There’s always another chance. Just make sure you’re ready when it comes.”
Check Small Business Celebration out on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn
Reach out to our guest’s website: Express Electric or Le Cave