Embark on a journey through Huston Electric's storied past, where each decade tells a tale of progress, resilience, and commitment. From Charles R. Huston's pioneering work in the early 1900s to the establishment of Huston Electric in 1939, and through the transformative years that followed, our story is a testament to enduring family values and groundbreaking advancements in the electrical industry. As we navigate through times of change and growth, from expanding our service offerings to embracing sustainable solutions with Huston Solar, our narrative is marked by a steadfast dedication to excellence. In this chronicle of Huston Electric, you'll discover not just a company, but a legacy – a legacy built on the principles of integrity, quality, and forward-thinking, illuminating the path for generations to come.
Charles R. Huston honed his electrical expertise by wiring line and control stations for the Electric Interurban Railways. Notably in his career, Charles contributed to the installation of the first electric street lamps in the state of Illinois. This valuable knowledge became a legacy as he passed on the intricate skills of the electrical trade to his son, Donald.
Donald Huston embarked on his career as a residential electrician, completing two homes while attending the University of Illinois. By the late 1920s, he furthered his skillset as a maintenance electrician with Ford Motor Company in Indianapolis, Indiana.
In the face of the Great Depression, Donald’s foresight led him to relocate his family to Kokomo, where he began providing essential electrical services from the garage behind the family home. Sensing the impending demand for copper wiring with the approach of World War II, Donald stocked heavily on the material.
In 1939, Donald Huston officially established Huston Electric. Through the strategic stockpiling, the company successfully undertook projects that others couldn’t, demonstrating resilience even during wartime. His supply of electrical material lasted him almost through the end the war, at times, he even loaned wire to Wholesale Electric Supply between dates of government allocations.
Donald transformed the family home into the official office and acquired a nearby barn to efficiently house the growing inventory of electrical supplies. A pivotal project during the 1940s involved installing new overhead lighting and wiring sewing machines for the Reliance Manufacturing Company in Kokomo.
The next generation, represented by Donald’s son Dave, joined the family-owned business in the 1950s after completing his education at Purdue University’s School of Electrical Engineering. This period witnessed a steady expansion of Huston Electric’s operations, culminating in a move to a new office/warehouse location in Kokomo on South Buckeye Street.
1962 marked a significant milestone as Huston Electric reorganized into a corporation, with Donald as President and Dave as Vice President. The post-war era found Kokomo, like the rest of the country, in a building boom which led to several large commercial contracting projects for Huston, solidifying the company’s standing.
Joining the Central Indiana Chapter of the National Electrical Contractors Association in 1965, formally established Huston as a union electrical contractor which emphasized the company’s commitment to excellence and industry standards. At the time, Huston was an active signatory contractor for IBEW LOCAL 873 & LOCAL 668.
After over 50 years of dedicated service, founder Donald R. Huston retired. Dave Huston seamlessly assumed the role of President/CEO.
In 1974, the company expanded its footprint with the opening of the first Lafayette location, expertly managed by a 30+ year industry veteran, Jack Snyder
The 1980s witnessed a deliberate and strategic expansion by Huston Electric to meet the evolving needs of the communities it served. The addition of vehicles, specialized equipment, administrative staff, and field electricians underscored the company’s commitment to growth and electrical excellence.
An addition was added to the Kokomo location and the relocation of the Lafayette operation to a new, purpose-built location on Old Romney Road in 1989 reflected Huston’s forward-thinking approach.
In 1993, Huston Electric acquired Lafayette Sign Company, initiating a new sign division focusing on manufacturing, installing, and repairing illuminated signs.
The purchase of TelTec in 1997 marked the inception of Huston’s technology division, showcasing the company’s adaptability to emerging trends.
In 1997, Dave Huston unexpectedly passed away and Jeff Cardwell, Dave’s nephew who had been working at Huston since 1977, took on the role as President/CEO of Huston Electric.
The year 1998 brought another milestone with the merger of Huston Electric and Keen Electric Motors, broadening Huston’s product and service line to include generators, motors, and compressors.
In the early 2000s, Huston made strategic acquisitions, bringing two additional sign companies, Kinder Signs and Brand Signs, under its umbrella to bolster the growth of its sign division, known as Huston Signs.
By 2004, recognizing the need for expansion again, Huston relocated its Kokomo facility from Buckeye Street to North Street. This move not only provided a larger space but also included an additional facility to accommodate the thriving company and its various divisions, marking a significant step in the enhancement and scaling of operations.
With aspirations to expand into the Indianapolis market, Huston made a strategic move by purchasing Boone County Electric and opening an office in Lebanon. Subsequently, in 2015, the Lebanon office undergoes relocation to Westfield, the current hub for Huston’s Indianapolis operations.
In 2017, after a 40-year tenure, CEO Jeff Cardwell retired, and Jon Huston assumed the position of President/CEO, ensuring a seamless transition and continued success.
The 2020s marked a new chapter for Huston Electric as the company directed its attention towards the establishment of a new and specialized division. Huston Solar, launched in 2020 and spearheaded by Matt Huston, the current President, strategically opened two locations—one in Lafayette and another in Indianapolis.
In the next coming months, Huston Electric will be expanding its physical presence south of Indianapolis with the opening of a new location in Franklin, marking Huston’s fourth official location showcasing the company’s ongoing commitment to innovation, community, and steady growth.
Charles R. Huston honed his electrical expertise by wiring line and control stations for the Electric Interurban Railways. Notably in his career, Charles contributed to the installation of the first electric street lamps in the state of Illinois. This valuable knowledge became a legacy as he passed on the intricate skills of the electrical trade to his son, Donald.
Donald Huston embarked on his career as a residential electrician, completing two homes while attending the University of Illinois. By the late 1920s, he furthered his skillset as a maintenance electrician with Ford Motor Company in Indianapolis, Indiana.
In the face of the Great Depression, Donald’s foresight led him to relocate his family to Kokomo, where he began providing essential electrical services from the garage behind the family home. Sensing the impending demand for copper wiring with the approach of World War II, Donald stocked heavily on the material.
In 1939, Donald Huston officially established Huston Electric. Through strategic stockpiling, the company successfully undertook projects that others couldn’t, demonstrating resilience even during wartime. His supply of electrical material lasted him almost through the end of the war, at times, he even loaned wire to Wholesale Electric Supply between dates of government allocations.
Donald transformed the family home into the official office and acquired a nearby barn to efficiently house the growing inventory of electrical supplies. A pivotal project during the 1940s involved installing new overhead lighting and wiring sewing machines for the Reliance Manufacturing Company in Kokomo.
The next generation, represented by Donald’s son Dave, joined the family-owned business in the 1950s after completing his education at Purdue University’s School of Electrical Engineering. This period witnessed a steady expansion of Huston Electric’s operations, culminating in a move to a new office/warehouse location in Kokomo on South Buckeye Street.
1962 marked a significant milestone as Huston Electric reorganized into a corporation, with Donald as President and Dave as Vice President. The post-war era found Kokomo, like the rest of the country, in a building boom which led to several large commercial contracting projects for Huston, solidifying the company’s standing.
Joining the Central Indiana Chapter of the National Electrical Contractors Association in 1965, formally established Huston as a union electrical contractor which emphasized the company’s commitment to excellence and industry standards. At the time, Huston was an active signatory contractor for IBEW LOCAL 873 & LOCAL 668.
After over 50 years of dedicated service, founder Donald R. Huston retired. Dave Huston seamlessly assumed the role of President/CEO.
In 1974, the company expanded its footprint with the opening of the first Lafayette location, expertly managed by a 30+ year industry veteran, Jack Snyder
The 1980s witnessed a deliberate and strategic expansion by Huston Electric to meet the evolving needs of the communities it served. The addition of vehicles, specialized equipment, administrative staff, and field electricians underscored the company’s commitment to growth and electrical excellence.
An addition was added to the Kokomo location and the relocation of the Lafayette operation to a new, purpose-built location on Old Romney Road in 1989 reflected Huston’s forward-thinking approach.
In 1993, Huston Electric acquired Lafayette Sign Company, initiating a new sign division focusing on manufacturing, installing, and repairing illuminated signs. The purchase of TelTec in 1997 marked the inception of Huston’s technology division, showcasing the company’s adaptability to emerging trends.
In 1997, Dave Huston unexpectedly passed away and Jeff Cardwell, Dave’s nephew who had been working at Huston since 1977, took on the role as President/CEO of Huston Electric.
The year 1998 brought another milestone with the merger of Huston Electric and Keen Electric Motors, broadening Huston’s product and service line to include generators, motors, and compressors.
In the early 2000s, Huston made strategic acquisitions, bringing two additional sign companies, Kinder Signs and Brand Signs, under its umbrella to bolster the growth of its sign division, known as Huston Signs.
By 2004, recognizing the need for expansion again, Huston relocated its Kokomo facility from Buckeye Street to North Street. This move not only provided a larger space but also included an additional facility to accommodate the thriving company and its various divisions, marking a significant step in the enhancement and scaling of operations.
With aspirations to expand into the Indianapolis market, Huston made a strategic move by purchasing Boone County Electric and opening an office in Lebanon. Subsequently, in 2015, the Lebanon office undergoes relocation to Westfield, the current hub for Huston’s Indianapolis operations.
In 2017, after a 40-year tenure, CEO Jeff Cardwell retired, and Jon Huston assumed the position of President/CEO, ensuring a seamless transition and continued success.
The 2020s marked a new chapter for Huston Electric as the company directed its attention towards the establishment of a new and specialized division. Huston Solar, launched in 2020 and spearheaded by Matt Huston, the current President, strategically opened two locations—one in Lafayette and another in Indianapolis.
In the next coming months, Huston Electric will be expanding its physical presence south of Indianapolis with the opening of a location in Franklin, marking Huston’s fourth official location showcasing the company’s ongoing commitment to innovation, community, and steady growth.
Discover the dedicated professionals behind Huston Electric’s success. Meet our team to learn more about the experts who continue to drive our innovation and excellence, upholding our commitment to quality service and customer satisfaction.
As Huston Electric continues through its eighth decade, our devotion to uphold the legacy of our family-owned business has never been stronger. We are committed to preserving the foundational values of integrity, quality, and service to our communities that have been the bedrock of our company since 1939. This enduring legacy fuels our determination to innovate and excel in the ever-evolving electrical industry.
Innovation is the heartbeat of Huston Electric. We are relentless in our pursuit of technological advancements, ensuring our clients benefit from the most sophisticated and efficient electrical solutions. Our passion for innovation drives us to redefine the boundaries of the electrical industry, empowering businesses and communities to thrive in a world increasingly dependent on advanced electrical systems.
At Huston Electric, safety transcends policy – it is a culture. We recognize the paramount importance of maintaining a safe environment for our team, clients, and the community. Our comprehensive safety protocols and procedures are rigorously implemented, reflecting our commitment to the highest standards of care and professionalism. Our team members, the cornerstone of our success, are trained and equipped to ensure their safety and well-being on every project.
Quality is not just a goal; it’s our hallmark. Across all our projects, from residential installations to complex industrial ventures, we are committed to delivering unparalleled excellence. Our team of skilled and certified professionals ensures that our work not only meets but also exceeds industry standards. This unwavering commitment to quality is evident in every task we undertake, solidifying our reputation as leaders in the electrical industry.
Be responsible for the safety of yourself and others on and off the jobsite.
Take ownership of your quality of work, ideas, and actions. Be Accountable.
Always look for ways to serve others with your time, talents, and treasures.
Lead from where you are. Guide others with your behavior not just words.
Seek opportunities to connect and develop strong relationships.
Energize your future with Huston Electric. Get in touch to explore our comprehensive electrical solutions. Let our skilled team guide you through your next project, ensuring quality, innovation, and sustainability. Connect with us and be a part of our enduring commitment to excellence and community service.