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The History of Hunt Electric

Our story starts in 1965, when Dick Hunt, Ron Harris, and Shelly Stewart founded a small electrical services company called Hunt Electric.  Our first home was the old Yoerg Brewery building in St. Paul, Minnesota - where we'd often welcome customers in the decommissioned pump room.

Over the next five decades, Hunt Electric expanded into a full-service design, build, and maintenance firm. Today, you can find us driving groundbreaking work on major projects throughout the Midwest and nationwide. 

While our capacity has grown, leadership has transitioned, and our talented workforce has tripled in the last two decades, we’ve worked hard to stay true to our roots. 

We might have a little more leg room in our offices now – but you’re still family here. 

WE SUCCEED TOGETHER

In 2016, we began the transition to an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) and became 100% employee owned in 2021.  The Hunt Electric ESOP gives employees ownership interest and a meaningful voice in company directives.  

We know everyone brings something to the table, no matter where they're at in their career.  That's why we provide ESOP eligibility to our non bargaining unit team members - from entry-level staff to our executive leadership personnel.

Hunt Electric founded in 1965

1965

Hunt Electric was founded by Dick Hunt, Ron Harris, and Shelly Stewart. Hunt Electric’s original offices were located in the old Yoerg Brewery Building in St. Paul, where customers were frequently welcomed in the old pump room.

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Hunt Electric St. Paul Minnesota

1983

Dick Hunt retired as President and Bob Tipler took over. Hunt Electric also relocated to its corporate headquarters to 2300 Territorial Road in St. Paul, MN where it remained until 2015.

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Mike Hanson President of Hunt Electric

1996

Mike Hanson stepped in as President of Hunt Electric.

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Hunt Electric Commonwealth Electric Merger

2003

Hunt Electric purchased the assets of Commonwealth Electric.

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Hunt Electric Rochester MN

2004

Hunt Electric opened a branch office in Rochester, Minnesota. Working exclusively in the Southern Region, we work with the attitude of a small town contractor, but have the resources of our corporate office at our fingertips.

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ESCI Low Voltage Solutions

2010

ECSI joined Hunt Electric to offer a variety of low voltage solutions. ECSI is a full service communications contractor specializing in engineering, integration, and support for low voltage systems. Learn more by visiting www.ecsillc.com.

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Power Solutions Quality Assurance Testing Engineering Maintenance

2011

The Power Solutions division was created to provide comprehensive power solutions, including testing, engineering, analysis and maintenance.

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Hunt Electric API Electric Co Acquisition

2012

Hunt Electric purchased the assets of the APi Electric Company, located in Duluth, MN.

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Hunt Electric celebrates 50 years of business

2015

Hunt Electric celebrates 50 years in business.

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Hunt Electric ESOP acquisition

2016

Hunt Electric began transition of ownership to ESOP.
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Hunt Electric Brroklyn Park Minnesota

2018

Mayer Electric in Brooklyn Park, MN combined operations with Hunt Electric.
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Hunt Electric President John Axelson

2019

John Axelson stepped in as President of Hunt Electric.
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We are better together

2021

As of April 2021, Hunt Electric is 100% employee-owned!
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Hunt Electric Logo

2022

Hunt Electric reimagines brand identity to better reflect core values.  The cool blue color scheme represents loyalty, connection, innovation, and expertise we bring to every project.  The dynamic elements symbolize how we raise the bar and set the pace.

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Baer Manufacturing

2023

As a leader in prefabrication, we’ve increased our footprint and expanded our capabilities by opening a new facility in Hudson, WI called Baer Manufacturing.  

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Kat Keys

2023

Hunt Electric purchased Kat Keys locksmith business in St. Paul, MN.  The family operated business has been serving our community since 1924. Through a new distribution agreement with Medeco Keys, this brings an added capability to the locksmith solutions we currently offer.

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H and R Electric Office

2024

The strategic move of acquiring H & R Electric located in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin allows us to extend our reach in the Wisconsin area.

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Reputation

The reputation of our company starts with the leadership of our management team, and we take that seriously. Each of our managers take an active role throughout each project to ensure success and satisfaction for all parties involved. We pride ourselves on building long-standing relationships not only with our clients, but within our team as well. Our people are our greatest asset.