Nelson Electric Company, founded in 1969 by Ron Nelson, has established itself as a key player in the electrical construction industry in Iowa. Originally focused on residential projects, under the leadership of John Negro—who became the owner at just 28—the company has significantly diversified its service offerings. Today, 65% of its business comes from commercial and institutional projects, followed by 25% from industrial work and 10% from data and fiber-communications.
The growth of Nelson Electric has been driven by strategic acquisitions and mergers with notable companies such as Quality Electric in 1995 and Pfoff Electric in 2012, enhancing its market reach and expertise. In line with a commitment to employee ownership, the company initiated an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) in 2001, which completed the purchase of Mr. Negro’s shares in 2019, making Nelson Electric 100% employee-owned. This structure fosters a strong sense of dedication among its staff, contributing to the company’s reputation for reliability and excellence.
Technological advancements have also been integral to its evolution, particularly the introduction of in-house CAD capabilities in 2003, enabling seamless project management from design to execution. The company’s commitment to quality is further underscored by its hiring of specialized professionals, including a Professional Engineer and a Registered Communication Distribution Designer.
With over 100 years of combined experience in project management and electrical services, Nelson Electric is well-equipped to handle diverse projects ranging from multimillion-dollar facilities to solar energy solutions and ongoing maintenance. The company is dedicated to customer satisfaction, maintaining that reputation means everything in their line of work. Their philosophy of innovative thinking, precision, and reliability remains at the core of their operations, ensuring they continue to be a trusted partner in the electrical construction sector.
