Electrical and welding wiz, Chris Maulhardt, comes to HofArc with more than 100 years of local family know-how under his belt. He knows a bunch about the Santa Barbara scene, along with the technical territory of metal, amps and volts. He’s our go-to-guy for electrical systems in all of our Airstream renovations.
HofArc has come along way since it’s beginning a few years ago. We continue to push for higher and higher levels of renovation techniques that deliver higher efficiency and quality from our installations.
Chris’ extensive background takes us another step forward in electrical and welding expertise. Our clients will know he’s done the job right, by a licensed electrician. They may not realize it a year later when they don’t have to reconnect a loose wire or faulty switch, but that’s just fine with this affable, yet proud craftsman. Chris is also another example, like many of our crew, who have a long history and rich memories of working with their father in the trades. He comes from solid stock, has got smart skills, and a mature work ethic. He’s welded dozens of projects from motorcycles to trailer chassis.
We’re proud to introduce you to Chris. He’s a real pro.
HofArc: Please tell us a little about yourself.
Chris: I’m a true local boy, born at Goleta Valley Hospital. I’m a fourth generation Santa Barbaran. Third generation electrician. My family gets a lot of my time. My younger brother works here in Santa Barbara. I hang out with his family when I get the chance.
I enjoy hanging out with my dog, exploring the Central Coast. I live an adventurous life with motorcycles, rock climbing, skydiving, and snow skiing. Frankly, I don’t know I stay so busy!
HofArc: How’d you get into electrical work?
Chris: When I was a kid, my Dad had a shop near the Auto Camp on De La Vina St., called Maulhardt Electric. I spent hours each day in his shop tinkering with electricity, welding, making diving weights, even repairing my own motorcycle that I crashed when I was just 10!
I helped out my father with his company for 20 years. I got my electrical (C-10) contractors license in 1989. For some reason, I’ve had a fascination with magnets for all my life. I’ve designed a motorized contraption that will charge batteries. I’m still working on it and who knows what it might turn into someday?
HofArc: What do you do for HofArc?
Chris: I handle electrical wiring installations for everything from the exterior lighting to interior systems and fixtures. I have lots of experience with solar power and inverter systems.
HofArc: What’s it like working with Airstreams?
Chris: Unlike crawling under someone’s home to repair something, when I go underneath an Airstream my legs stick out! And I love it that they’re no dusty attics to crawl inside, either.
I really enjoy a shop environment – that’s huge for me. As an independent electrician, of course, I used to make tons of house calls. Now, instead of having to drive from house to house I just show up at HofArc, do what I love to do, and go home. Waam-baam! I’m and done and good to go.
HofArc: What do you do for fun?
Chris: I ride and tinker with a custom ‘02 Indian bike with Harley components. I like the jolt and awesome power of a beefy V-twin engine and the wind in my face. My buddies have similar bikes and we like to ride around the county.
I also like gardening and spending time with my pets.
HofArc: Why do you live in Santa Barbara?
Chris: I love the geography of this area. The way we have mountains and ocean so close together. I can be at the beach or mountains in 15 minutes, from anywhere. The people, for the most part, exert positive energy – especially at Trader Joe’s. You can just feel the powerful energy.
