In the rapidly evolving world of electric vehicle infrastructure, entrepreneurs face unique challenges that can leave even the most seasoned business leaders feeling isolated. For Dexter Turner, co-founder and CEO of OP Connect, the Port of Seattle’s Business Accelerator program became a powerful turning point. More than a business development resource, it became a space for connection, strategy, and growth.
Photo of Dexter Turner via opconnect-ev.com
Powering the EV Revolution
OP Connect offers full service electric vehicle fueling solutions from charging hardware and installation to management software and backend maintenance. “OP Connect is in the business of electric vehicle fueling solutions,” Turner explains. “That means we provide everything from the EV charging station hardware, installation services, then the software to run the charging stations, and then on the backend maintenance and repair as well.”
It’s a full-service approach that positions OP Connect as a one-stop shop for businesses and organizations looking to embrace the electric vehicle transition. With the EV market projected to grow roughly 35 percent annually, OP Connect is positioned at the intersection of innovation and environmental necessity. But even in a booming industry, Turner found himself navigating leadership alone.
Breaking Through the Leadership Isolation
What makes Turner’s story particularly compelling isn’t just his business acumen—it’s his candid acknowledgment of the loneliness that often accompanies entrepreneurial leadership. “Sometimes as a president of a company or leader of a company, you feel like you’re on a bit of an island,” Turner reflects. “Everyone that works for you is gonna come to you to ask for questions, to ask for support. But sometimes there isn’t anyone for you to ask. “That sense of isolation intensified during the pandemic, when networking opportunities vanished. Turner sought out peers who understood the challenges he faced, particularly other leaders of color navigating high growth industries with limited access to capital and networks.
Finding Value in Government Contracting Knowledge
The Business Accelerator program proved instrumental in addressing one of OP Connect’s key growth areas: government contracting. “With the business that we’re in with EV charging, there are a lot of government dollars coming down the pipe in the next three to five years that we want to be able to take advantage of,” Turner notes. “And it’s a skillset that we’re gonna have to get better at.”
The program’s sessions on government contracting provided Turner with practical knowledge, valuable resources, and even potential partnership opportunities. In an industry driven by public funding and sustainability goals, this training couldn’t have come at a better time.
Building Networks That Matter
Perhaps the most significant impact of the accelerator went beyond tactical business knowledge. The program served as a catalyst for building the kind of professional support network that Turner had been seeking. “It’s good to network with other business leaders and especially with other business leaders of color because we’ve got a lot of shared experiences,” he explains.
This networking opportunity extended beyond simple professional connections to create genuine support relationships. Turner found himself part of a group where he could share challenges, seek advice, and offer support to others facing similar struggles—what he calls “finding your tribe.”
Ambitious Growth in a Recession-Proof Industry
Insights and relationships built through the Business Accelerator are already turning into tangible growth opportunities. Turner reports that the program connected OP Connect with potential corporate partners and customers, relationships that could result in significant sales growth.
Looking ahead, Turner has set ambitious goals for OP Connect. While the EV industry is expected to grow by 35% annually, he’s targeting 300% year-over-year growth for his company over the next two years. “We think that there are that many opportunities out there,” he says, citing the industry’s resilience even in the face of broader economic uncertainty.
Advice for Fellow Entrepreneurs
For other disadvantaged business owners aiming to grow, Turner’s experience delivers invaluable lessons and inspiration. His advice centers on the importance of building mutual support networks: “Find your tribe, and make sure that you’re not just a taker in the tribe, but you’re also a contributing member of the tribe.”
This philosophy of reciprocal support reflects Turner’s understanding that successful entrepreneurship isn’t a solo journey. By connecting with other business leaders who share similar experiences and challenges, entrepreneurs can break through the isolation that often accompanies leadership positions.
For Turner and OP Connect, the Business Accelerator provided both the tactical knowledge needed to pursue government contracts and the strategic relationships essential for long-term growth. As the EV infrastructure market continues to expand, Turner’s company is well-positioned to capitalize on these opportunities—backed by the knowledge, connections, and support network that will help sustain their ambitious growth trajectory.