Tucson’s Gilbert Electric joins forces with Cannon & Wendt

Gilbert Electric has been a trusted electrical subcontractor for the Tucson market and beyond, earning a reputation of quality, reliability and safety. Now in its 51st year in business, the company is growing and expanding its capabilities to better serve its clients and the community. Gilbert Electric now boasts the backing and expertise of Cannon & Wendt, a Phoenix-based electrical contractor founded in 1945.

Gilbert Electric’s staff of 94 electrical professionals in Southern Arizona, combined with Cannon & Wendt’s 651 employees, gives the firms a strong, dedicated team to continue to lead their respective markets. Gilbert Electric now has the latest industry technology and the people to implement it on its team. Some new capabilities include Building Information Modeling (BIM) services, as well as stronger materials procurement position when the two companies combine their resources and buying power.

“By bringing together Gilbert Electric and Cannon & Wendt Electric, it expands the reach of both organizations,” said Gilbert Electric’s John Kostyo, who is the Division Manager. “Both companies pride themselves on their health care and higher education projects, Gilbert in Southern Arizona and Cannon & Wendt in the Phoenix metro area as well as Flagstaff. With the added strengths of Cannon & Wendt’s data center experience and BIM capabilities and Gilbert’s industrial and specialty construction, this will extend the firm’s capabilities statewide with possibilities in new markets not currently being utilized.”

Gilbert Electric currently has staff on board for projects at Tucson Medical Center, The University of Arizona, Raytheon, Cal Portland Cement and Asarco as well as continuing contracts with Pima County, The University of Arizona and Catalina Foothills School District. These, along with many other small projects and service departments have made the company a fixture in Southern Arizona.

“Gilbert Electric and Cannon & Wendt share the same philosophy of taking care of their people and because of that commitment, the decision to merge with Cannon & Wendt was made easier since Cannon & Wendt is a company that is employee-owned (ESOP),” said Kostyo. “Going forward, the employees at Gilbert Electric will become part of the ownership group and time employed at Gilbert Electric will count as far as vesting in the ESOP program. It’s good for the employees and as owners, I believe they will take even more pride in their work and the day-to-day operation of the company.”

“Our employee owners are excited about the merger of these two great organizations,” said Cannon & Wendt President Shane Snyder. “Our core principles consist of Company, Client & Community and this merger allows us to serve all three more efficiently across the state of Arizona. We are enthusiastic about what the future holds and look forward to enriching the lives of more employee owners.”