Albert Lea Electric

Our History

Albert Lea Electric has a rich history deeply rooted in the communities we serve. Founded in 1919 by Lou Gordon and Edward Nolting as Central Electric Co., the company began by providing electrical contracting services and operating a retail store selling both large and small appliances. The name changed to Gordon Electric Co. in 1928, coinciding with Lou Gordon's move to a new location that allowed for expanded service capabilities. Though Lou had plans to further modernize the facility, life took an unexpected turn.

He invested his time and energy in a new venture, Albert Lea Tool Co., leaving the building's future uncertain. Eighteen years passed, and by the time Lou's sons, Burt, Melvin, and Eugene, along with son-in-law Frank Tokman, fully joined the business, the building underwent a major renovation.

Post-World War II, the Gordons expanded their retail offerings to include televisions and a variety of refrigerators. Their innovative sales approach involved traveling alongside the ice truck that serviced ice boxes, demonstrating the convenience and cost savings of electric refrigerators compared to traditional ice boxes, a revolutionary concept at the time. The Gordons' dedication to customer service and modernization solidified their position in the community.

By the early 1950s, the annual winter ice harvest at Fountain Lake came to an end, a testament to the gradual shift towards electric refrigeration. In 1961, Lou Gordon passed away, leaving his sons to make a significant decision about the company's future. They decided to demolish the aging store, one of the oldest buildings in Albert Lea, and replace it with a new, larger, 60-foot by 80-foot structure.

A New Era

March 1986 marked a significant turning point as Gordon Electric Co. was sold to Mick Delger and C. Doug Hill, who changed the company's name to Albert Lea Electric Co. Cal Johnson joined the partnership in 1993, eventually purchasing C. Doug Hill's stake. Albert Lea Electric Co. continued its legacy of providing exceptional electrical services to the community, embracing advancements in technology while remaining true to its core values of quality, reliability, and customer satisfaction.

Today, Albert Lea Electric Co. is a thriving electrical contracting firm employing over 30 dedicated individuals. We are committed to serving the diverse electrical needs of our clients, from large-scale industrial projects to the smaller scale needs of residential and agricultural customers.

Our Services

We understand that each client has unique electrical needs, which is why we offer a comprehensive range of services to meet those needs:

• Industrial: We have a proven track record of working with industrial clients of all sizes, assisting them in maintaining operational efficiency with minimal disruption. Our 24/7 service ensures that your industrial processes run smoothly, and we're always happy to visit your facility for a personalized estimate and demonstrate the Albert Lea Electric difference.

• Commercial: Whether you're a single family-owned restaurant or a large healthcare facility with multiple locations, our experienced team has the expertise to handle all your commercial electrical needs. We provide comprehensive services for new construction, expansion, and remodeling projects, and our dedicated staff is available 24/7, 365 days a year to address any emergencies.

• Residential: Renovating your home, building a new one, or simply tackling a small update? You and your family deserve a job well done, no matter the scale. Our trusted, highly-trained team works closely with each homeowner, ensuring your involvement in every decision, so you can be confident that the work will be completed right and on budget the first time.

• Agricultural: We understand the critical role electricity plays in a successful farm operation. Whether you manage a few hundred acres or several thousand, we're here to provide a reliable source of energy for your grain dryers, barns, and other essential facilities. Our 24/7 service ensures that your agricultural operations continue uninterrupted.

• Low Voltage: The strength of your network depends on the quality of its cabling and hardware infrastructure. When it's time to install, upgrade, or refresh your network, our team will demonstrate the transformative impact of a truly high-quality installation. We are dedicated to delivering a level of expertise that will significantly enhance the vitality of your business - the Albert Lea Electric difference.