Behind the Build: Rocha Electric
When Chicago selected Bally’s to build its world-class casino and hotel, the vision extended far beyond entertainment. The project set out to reflect the city itself—its people, its neighborhoods, and its commitment to inclusive economic growth. To bring that vision to life, Bally’s selected the Chicago Community Builders Collective (CCBC), an eight-firm joint venture built on collaboration, equity, and community representation.
As one of the largest construction joint ventures in Chicago’s history, CCBC was built with a majority of minority- and women-owned partner firms. That intentional structure creates real opportunity—opening doors for diverse small businesses to participate in a mega project, scale their operations, and build lasting talent pipelines.
The “Behind the Build” series highlights the individuals and companies that are helping to make the Bally’s Chicago Casino project a beacon of inclusion and partnership, like Rocha Electric and Titan Electric.
Alberto Rocha
Rocha Electric
Rocha Electric (Rocha) is a family-owned electrical contractor providing commercial electrical services including safety inspections, service upgrades, custom wiring, ballast replacements, EV charging stations, and more. Founded in 2019, the company is led by Alberto Rocha, CEO, alongside his wife and Business Manager, Rebeca.
Rebeca Rocha
Being a young company did not deter Rocha from pursuing work on one of the largest construction projects currently underway in Chicago—the Bally’s Chicago Casino and Hotel.
After attending several of the CCBC’s community outreach events, Rocha ran into an old friend, Jim Ryan, the site superintendent for Titan Electric, an Itasca, Illinois-based general contractor founded in 2006. When Titan invited Rocha to join its team on the Bally’s project, it became the largest contract in Rocha's history.
This type of partnership, where established firms create pathways for emerging contractors, is central to CCBC’s mission. Small contractors have the skill, talent, and high-growth potential to succeed on large-scale projects when given access, opportunity, and trust.
We spoke with Alberto and Jim about their work on the project and how collaboration strengthens businesses, workers, and communities.
Alberto, what are Rocha’s core capabilities?
We’re a signatory to I.B.E.W. Local 134 and specialize in industrial and commercial electrical services. We’re an “A-Card” shop, which means we handle primary power infrastructure.
Jim, what is Titan’s strategy for working with small contractors?
Our strategy is to create partnerships with companies and individuals that we can mentor, train, and develop, not just utilizing the system, but creating long-term partnerships. On the Bally’s Chicago Casino and Hotel project, Titan is working with four subcontractors: Rocha Electric; HLP Systems; Taylor Electric; and JM Polcurr. Three of those firms are Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs).
Jim Ryan
Alberto, what’s Rocha’s scope of work on the Bally’s project? What adjustments have you had to make to fulfill it?
We started by estimating the underground generator and panel boards, which later expanded into lightning protection for the hotel. Since coming on site, we’ve continued bidding on more of the Bally’s project with Titan Electric. So, we’re hoping to be awarded more work.
To support this project, we invested in new tools, PPE, Conex boxes, and two site trucks. One Conex box is for materials, and the other is for the workers, so they have a place to get warm during the winter. Being able to provide good conditions for our workforce makes a big difference. Since this is the largest project we’ve done, the majority of the project management falls on me. It has pushed me to learn quickly about change orders, work tickets, and tracking. It has really helped us grow our back-office business intelligence. We’ve also hired three new people, so far, from our Chicagoland neighborhoods. These hires began as drivers, and we have been able to transition them into union employees. We believe in creating careers, not jobs.
Jim, what do you believe sets Rocha apart?
Alberto has been a connector to a lot of MBE and WBE contractors. He’s always looking for ways to support other firms, whether that’s making introductions or helping a young foreman understand our daily business.
Alberto, what sets you apart from your competitors?
The people who work for us. Most of our employees have been with us for at least four years. They’re the ones doing the work every day. Their experience and commitment make us a trusted partner. We also focus on creating opportunities for young people from our neighborhoods to enter the trades.
Alberto, what does it mean to you and your business to be a part of this project?
It means that we have been productive members of this construction industry, and we’re being recognized. The fact that we’re on the job shows that Bally’s Chicago and the CCBC are standing behind contractors like us. This project will bring jobs to our neighborhoods that need them and leave a lasting impact. Without opportunity, what do we have?
Jim Ryan and Alberto Rocha were apprentices together in I.B.E.W. Local 134.
Jim, what’s unique about working with the CCBC?
It’s a different lens we’re looking through. It’s not only ‘How do I get the job done safely and perform the work properly and on budget?’ It’s also being encouraged by CCBC to look through that same lens and think about how we can mentor another contractor and help them take their business to the next level.
Alberto, the project aims to show “the best of Chicago.” In your opinion, what makes Chicago special?
Its diversity. Any other city I've gone to is not like Chicago. Just seeing diversity on the job is powerful.
Jim, how do you believe the project shows “the best of Chicago?”
It’s a chance to leave something better than we found it. If we can do that by creating more diversity and growing the industry, that’s something we can leave behind.