S. James Lethgo
Las Vegas,Nevada
Summary
Business development and bid coordination professional with 25+ years of experience in the general construction and electrical contracting industries, specializing in RFP/RFQ analysis, bid strategy, proposal development, and competitive pricing to support the acquisition of large commercial projects. Experienced in using third-party bid platforms such as Building Connected and Plan Hub to identify opportunities and coordinate subcontractor and vendor participation. Proven ability to support project managers from bid development through project execution, including scheduling coordination, documentation control, budgeting support, and change order processing. Additional expertise in electrical systems and architectural lighting, procurement, supplier negotiations, inventory management, and field operations, maintaining strong stakeholder communication, safety standards, and cost efficiency across contractors, vendors, and clients in the Phoenix metropolitan area construction market.
Overview
36
36
years of professional experience
Work History
Business Development / Bid Coordinator Manager
American Southwest Electric Of Arizona
01.2024 - Current
- Business Development / Bid Coordinator Manager with over 20 years in general trades, specializing in electrical, civil, and maintenance contracting. Expert in RFP/RFQ analysis, bid strategy, proposal coordination, pricing, subcontractor management, and leveraging third-party bid portals such as Building Connected, Plan Hub, and similar platforms; Enabling 200% increase in bid invite opportunities going from 2 invites per quarter to over 250 invites within 30 days. also serving as assistant to project manager—handling scheduling, documentation, vendor coordination, progress tracking, budgeting support, and partial oversight from bid award through execution. Poised to drive growth in Phoenix's booming infrastructure, data centers, and commercial sectors.
President
ADVANCED ENERGY SERVICES INC.
Las Vegas, Nevada
01.2021 - 01.2024
- Develop innovative conceptual lighting design concepts, presentations, and installation, as well as created lighting design, placement, engineering, and manufacturing of exterior Palazzo Resort lighting on the Las Vegas strip.
- Bottom-line business management responsibilities encompassing all aspects of operations, including: assisting both project manager and electrical estimator; developing Standard Operating Procedure (SOPs) policies, procedures, and practices for lighting equipment usage while ensuring compliance with both contractor and customer; and maintaining a wide range of records, logs, and inventories of lighting equipment and supplies; all of which resulting in highly efficient, safe, and smooth flowing lighting and electrical related operations.
Assistant to Project Manager / Estimator
MASTERBUILT CONSTRUCTION
Las Vegas, Nevada
01.2018 - 01.2021
- Performed orchestration and development of efficient and accurate inventory management procedures; executed recommendations to the operations manager and senior electricians on programs to significantly enhance the management of inventories.
- Worked closely with the electrical supervisor and assisted in both supervision and installation of new lighting projects.
- Collaborated and communicated project information with clients, lighting product vendors, project and construction managers.
Electrical Contractor
Advance Energy Services Inc.
Anchorage, Alaska / Las Vegas Nevada
01.2014 - 01.2018
- Conducted high-level business management, sales and marketing, and worked with both buyer and retail merchandisers with an emphasis on customer lighting displays to maximize product promotion and sales.
- Created conceptual lighting design concepts and presentations.
- Developed project plans, ensuring adherence to safety regulations and industry standards.
- Collaborated with clients to assess needs, deliver tailored electrical solutions, and ensure satisfaction.
- Optimized energy efficiency for clients by recommending and installing eco-friendly lighting solutions.
Assistant Project Manager
Total Western Inc.
Las Vegas, Nevada
01.2012 - 01.2014
- Performed all daily activities necessary to maintain accurate and effective inventory management procedures, and coordinated inventory requirements and procurement details with vendors and project managers.
- Developed purchase orders for projects, and ordered materials per the direction of the project manager while scheduling routing, delivery, and inventory orders procedures.
- Managed documentation processes, maintaining accurate records for all phases.
- Led team meetings to communicate updates and address challenges proactively.
Business Partner – Electrical Lighting Contractor
Lightscaping Inc.
Anchorage, Alaska
01.1990 - 01.2012
- Provided electrical lighting contracting support for commercial and architectural projects, assisting with project management, estimating, and field operations. Coordinated lighting installation, system layout, and equipment logistics while working closely with electrical supervisors, contractors, and vendors to ensure project specifications and timelines were met. Developed and improved inventory management procedures and operational workflows to increase efficiency and cost control. Communicated technical project details with clients, product manufacturers, project managers, and construction teams while supporting installation, supervision, and quality control of lighting systems.
Skills
- Strategic business development
- Project oversight
- Strategic bid oversight
- Timely project completion
- Document organization
- Budget forecasting expertise
- Market pricing evaluation
- Proposal development
- Bid strategy planning
- Market-based pricing
- Effective team collaboration
- Effective organizational skills
Timeline
Business Development / Bid Coordinator Manager
American Southwest Electric Of Arizona
01.2024 - Current
President
ADVANCED ENERGY SERVICES INC.
01.2021 - 01.2024
Assistant to Project Manager / Estimator
MASTERBUILT CONSTRUCTION
01.2018 - 01.2021
Electrical Contractor
Advance Energy Services Inc.
01.2014 - 01.2018
Assistant Project Manager
Total Western Inc.
01.2012 - 01.2014
Business Partner – Electrical Lighting Contractor
Lightscaping Inc.
01.1990 - 01.2012