Ron Nelson founded Nelson Electric Co. in 1969. John Negro came to work for Nelson Electric in 1973 as a journeyman wire-man. Mr. Negro worked in the field until 1975 when he became a project manager and began to purchase the company. In 1977 he completed the purchase at the age of 28. The company at that time consisted of eight people primarily focused on residential work.
The company has grown on a steady pace working in all phases of the electrical construction industry. The current breakdown of the company’s services offered are commercial/institutional (65%), as well as industrial (25%), data and fiber-communications (10%).
The growth of the company was in part due to acquisitions and mergers over the years, Quality Electric in 1995, A-1 Electric in 1998, Strategic Learning Technology in 1999 and Pfoff Electric in 2012. These key acquisitions and mergers allowed for expansion into additional markets and brought experienced project managers and field staff.
In 2001 an ESOP (employee stock ownership plan) was started with John Negro selling 10% of his stock to the ESOP. Another 10% was purchased by the ESOP in 2008. The long-range plan for the ESOP is to purchase controlling interest.
Although Nelson has always employed several different construction delivery methods, 2003 marked the birth of in house CAD capabilities for projects. By adding this technology to the company, Nelson has the ability to deliver projects from drawing board to completion without going outside the company.
Continuing this commitment to delivering electrical projects from drawing board to completion Nelson Electric added a Professional Engineer (PE) to our staff in 2007, a Registered Communication Distribution Designer (RCDD) in 2008, a NICET Level II Fire Safety Professional and a LEED Accredited Professional in 2009. This affirms the dedication Nelson Electric Company has for excellence in the electrical construction industry.
Mr. Negro added shareholders of the company in 2008 to continue the strong leadership and ensure the future of the company. Dave Murray and T.J. Meiners have both purchased stock from Mr. Negro ensuring that Nelson Electric will continue to be an industry leader for years to come.
In 2019 the ESOP completed the purchase of Mr. Negro’s shares. Nelson Electric Co. is 100% Employee Owned.
From wiring houses in the beginning to completing multimillion-dollar facilities today, Nelson Electric has developed substantially as a company. During this development the employees have never lost sight of the fact reputation means everything. Nelson Electric works hard to make sure you the customer are satisfied and will continue to utilize our services.