Tony Cherin

Once upon a time, Tony Cherin worked in corporate finance; think CFO-type guy. He was great at it but hated being behind a computer all day, hiding his tattoos and earrings, dealing with pretentious corporate suits. He wanted to get out and help people; work with his hands; do something he could be proud of. So, one day, he quit to follow his heart and became an electrician by applying for an apprenticeship.

It takes at least a minimum 5 years’ on-the-job training and more than 800 hours of classroom instruction to become a General Electrician through apprenticeship in California.  But, in the end, one knows what one is doing. Tony graduated from the Western Electrical Contractors Association (WECA) state and federally recognized apprenticeship program — in the top of his class. He passed his certification test on the first try and now offers his skills to fellow San Diegans in any two-choice combination of these three flavors: good, fast, and cheap.

Born in San Diego, raised between here Oregon and Colorado, he’s a life-long skater, punk rock and bluegrass music lover, parent, former accountant, and US Army vet. Contrary to the trades person stereotype, Tony is anti-MAGA, pro-LGBTQ+, believes in science, the vision(s) of Dr. King and freedom in voting. Like the rest of us, he has to pay the bills, but he prioritizes good, honest work over profits and has the tattoo to prove it.


Tony is not a licensed California Contractor (yet). Until then, there are some limitations to the work he can legally perform. Don’t be confused! Punk Rock Electric is fully insured. Talk to him about your project, if he can’t help, he can send you to someone who can. Barring meteors or runaway AI, Tony anticipates getting his California electrical contractor’s license by June of 2024.