Most Admired Companies, Gary Houston Electric Co.

For nearly four decades, Gary Houston Electric Co. has provided central Arkansas with commercial and residential electrical contracting services. The company offers a variety of services, from whole-home generator installation and preventative maintenance to USB-C outlet installation, landscape lighting and much more. The company has even built charging stations for electric vehicles.

The company is named after its founder, Gary Houston, who followed in his late father’s footsteps by becoming an electrician and started the business in 1975. Since then, the team has grown to about 60 employees, all based in Little Rock . area. President Keith Weeks has been with the company for over 30 years and has worked his way up from apprentice to his current position.

“Our greatest accomplishment is our team as a whole here at Gary Houston Electric,” Weeks said. “Their growth and accomplishments have been nothing short of incredible to witness over the years, and I can say without hesitation that it is what I am most proud of.”

Weeks joined the company at age 22 and earned his journeyman’s license four years later. He then earned a master electrician’s license before going into the office business as an estimator. He served as vice president and now serves as owner and president of the company alongside vice president and business partner Mitchell Shelby.

His leadership style is based on adaptability and knowledge of market developments. He said electricians on the front line brought policies to life and praised his team, saying: “I couldn’t do it without them, but they could all do it without me.”

Hiring a professional for projects involving commercial, residential, new construction and custom lighting is important for several reasons, according to Alicia Bardo, client relations manager. Among them is the peace of mind that comes from hiring people with the expertise and knowledge to deliver quality workmanship, customization and design efficiently and cost-effectively.

“Overall, opting for a professional for lighting projects can save time, reduce stress and ensure that the end result is high quality and meets the client’s expectations,” Bardo said.

She added that what sets Gary Houston apart is personalized service, an experienced team, competitive pricing and attention to customer service.

“By combining these features, Gary Houston Electric sets itself apart from other electrical companies in the industry,” she said.

These are just a few of the reasons why customers keep coming back to Gary Houston’s team, and the team is just getting started. The company is looking to expand its services and invest in employee development in the coming years to further improve customer satisfaction.

“The majority of our work comes from loyal clients, whose relationships we work to build and maintain every day,” Weeks said. “We have never lost sight of the fact that it is our customers who have made all of our achievements possible, and we want to serve them in a way that reflects that. »

It is not easy to build a crack team given the shortage of skilled labor in the electrical field. That made it difficult to find qualified workers, Weeks said.

Keith weeks

“Supply chain disruptions are another major challenge,” he said in a previous interview with Arkansas Money and Politics. “We have faced material shortages and price fluctuations that have impacted project timelines and costs, but we are proactively addressing these challenges and adapting to changing industry trends.

Over the years, there have been many ups and downs that have followed the many changes in the industry, but Gary Houston Electric Co. has stood firm. Even so, the company remains a provider of choice as it delivers power solutions to central Arkansas residents and businesses, adapting as needed and learning from past leaders.

“If I needed to, I could call (Houston) today and he would give me wonderful advice,” Weeks said. “I wouldn’t be anywhere without him. Gary taught me to over-prepare, and I’ve used it many times since. This always seems to work.

Looking to the future, it’s important to remember the past, Weeks said, drawing on the lessons he learned from Houston to strengthen the company. Many of these lessons focused on communication: presenting information to customers in a pleasant way using body language and gestures while taking note of nonverbal cues to give customers the best possible experience.

Even though it has nothing to do with wiring, amps and ohms, this consideration helps the company stand out from other players in the industry. Today, Weeks tries to pass on this wisdom to the younger generation every chance he gets.

“The most important thing Gary Houston Electric does is provide essential electrical services that contribute to the safety, comfort and functionality of homes, businesses and communities across the state,” Weeks said.

MAIN IMAGE: One of Gary Houston Electric Co.’s customers is Dust Bowl in downtown Little Rock. (Photos provided)

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