Our Story

ABOUT BRIGHTLINE

A husband-and-wife team on a mission to make Portland's homes smarter, safer, and ready for the future.

HOW IT STARTED

Sam Nakamura spent a decade working for other electrical contractors before he realized something was fundamentally broken: the industry wasn't keeping up with the homes it served.

Homeowners were buying smart thermostats, EV chargers, and automated lighting — then hiring electricians who didn't understand the technology they were wiring. The installations were sloppy, the systems didn't talk to each other, and customers were left frustrated.

In 2015, Sam and his wife Priya started Brightline Electric out of their garage in Portland's Sellwood neighborhood. The idea was simple: electricians should be technology partners, not just tradespeople. From day one, they invested in certifications for EV charging, smart home platforms, and energy-efficient systems.

Priya built a referral network with Portland's real estate agents and home builders, and word spread fast. Today, Brightline has a team of 8 licensed electricians, 3 apprentices, and 2 office staff — and they're one of the top-rated electrical contractors in the Portland metro area.

MILESTONES

2015
Founded Brightline Electric in the Sellwood neighborhood
2017
Hired first employee, began smart home installations
2018
Became Tesla Certified Installer
2019
Expanded to commercial electrical services
2021
Installed 100th EV charger, grew to team of 8
2023
Reached 500+ residential projects completed
2025
200+ EV chargers installed, Lutron certified
Leadership

MEET THE TEAM

SN

SAM NAKAMURA

Master Electrician & Co-Owner

18 years of experience. Oregon LE and General Journeyman licenses. Specializes in smart home systems and EV infrastructure.

PN

PRIYA NAKAMURA

Operations Director & Co-Owner

Business administration background from PSU. Manages scheduling, client relations, and marketing. The reason your project runs on time.

8
Licensed Electricians
3
Apprentices
2
Office Staff
Qualifications

LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS

Oregon General Journeyman Electrician (J License)
Oregon Limited Energy License (LE)
Tesla Certified Installer
ChargePoint Authorized Partner
Lutron Certified Professional
OSHA 30-Hour Safety Certified
Oregon CCB #218745
Fully Bonded & Insured
“WE BELIEVE ELECTRICIANS SHOULD BE TECHNOLOGY PARTNERS, NOT JUST TRADESPEOPLE.”

Sam Nakamura, Founder

WANT TO WORK WITH US?

We're always looking for great electricians and we're always happy to talk about your project.

Get in Touch