As a proud Wadjigan man from Darwin, Rhys Griffiths has always believed that real success is measured by the people you lift up along the way.
Through Boka Electrical, he has created more than a business; he has built a legacy grounded in family, community, and culture. His story is one of quiet determination and genuine care, and it is changing the way people see what is possible for Indigenous business in the Northern Territory.
"Boka Electrical started from a simple idea to create real local opportunity here in the Territory," Griffiths said.
"As a born and bred Territorian, I wanted to build a business that could deliver top-quality electrical work while giving Territorians, especially young ones, a place to learn and grow."
That sense of service and leadership was shaped long before Boka began. For eight years, Rhys worked as a full-time Senior Firefighter with the Northern Territory Fire and Rescue Service, a period he looks back on with immense pride.
"Being part of the fire service taught me discipline, teamwork, and the importance of community," he said.
"It gave me a strong sense of responsibility to help others, and that's something I carry into my work every day."
That commitment to people and purpose sits at the heart of everything Boka does. From installing power systems in remote communities to completing major commercial projects across the Top End, Griffiths leads with care and integrity.
His team's work on schools, ranger stations, and infrastructure projects combines professionalism with respect for the people and Country they serve.
"What keeps me driven is knowing that every job we complete, every apprentice we train, and every project we deliver helps strengthen the NT," he said.
"I also want to leave my mark behind in Darwin and have my kids and family be proud of me."
For Rhys, community is everything.
"Community means connection to people, place, and purpose," he said.
"For me, it is about being proud of where we come from and doing our bit to make it better." That belief shines through in how Boka Electrical gives back, from employing and mentoring young Indigenous apprentices to sponsoring the Wanderers Football Club, a team deeply connected to local culture and spirit.
"Supporting Wanderers is about giving back to the community that has supported us. Rhys says. Sport brings people together; it teaches resilience, respect, and pride."
Griffith's pride in his team is clear, especially when he talks about his apprentice, Scotte, a young Indigenous man who has been with Boka for nearly a year.
"Seeing our young ones come through and grow with us is what it's all about," he said.
"Scotte has such potential and a great attitude. It's not just about finishing a job—it's about leaving something positive behind."
This year's Indigenous Business Month theme, Strength Through Collaboration, perfectly reflects the way Boka operates.
"Collaboration is everything to how we work at Boka," Rhys said.
"Whether it's teaming up with other local businesses, forming joint ventures like Boka Energy, or working side by side with builders and clients, we know that success comes from working together."
That collaborative approach extends beyond business; it is part of how Griffiths builds trust, fosters respect, and encourages his team to support one another every day.
Some of his proudest moments come from seeing the confidence in his crew after a challenging project.
"When you watch the team finish a complex job in a remote community and see how proud they are, that's the reward," he said.
"That's when you realise Boka is not just about electrical work. We're helping people build skills, belief, and a future."
When asked what advice he would give to young Indigenous people dreaming of starting their own path, Rhys's response is simple and sincere.
"Back yourself. You don't need to have everything figured out before you start," he said.
Be willing to learn, work hard, and stay consistent. Surround yourself with good people and strong mentors, and don't be afraid to take up space. Your perspective matters."
Boka Electrical stands as a reflection of Griffiths's values; grounded, humble, and full of heart. Every project, every partnership, and every opportunity is a step toward something bigger: a stronger and more connected Territory.
"We're not just powering buildings," he said. "We're lighting the way for others to follow."