Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Commercial Electrical Contractors in Cedar Rapids
Founded in 1969 by Ron Nelson, Nelson Electric. began as a small residential electrical shop with eight employees. In 1977, John Negro acquired the company at age 28, establishing a foundation for becoming one of Cedar Rapids' most trusted commercial and industrial electrical contractors. Through strategic acquisitions of Quality Electric (1995), A-1 Electric (1998), Strategic Learning Technology (1999), and Pfoff Electric (2012), we expanded our expertise and service offerings. As a 100% employee-owned company since 2019, our team of skilled electricians, engineers, and project managers delivers code-compliant solutions for commercial and industrial projects. Our in-house CAD team enables full design-build capabilities since 2003, supported by specialized professionals including a Professional Engineer, RCDD-certified designer, and LEED Accredited Professional.We maintain a strong safety culture led by Jason Aarhus, a Cedar Rapids firefighter with over two decades of safety expertise. Our commitment to quality is demonstrated through weekly safety training, randomized audits, and a proven track record of completing complex projects on time and on budget. We serve Eastern Iowa with pride, supporting local initiatives like United Way Day of Caring and NAWIC. Our client testimonials highlight exceptional service coordination, minimal project disruption, and rapid response to urgent needs. This combination of technical expertise, safety leadership, and community engagement has sustained our reputation as a premier electrical contractor for over five decades.
Services
Electrical Design-Build
Commercial Wiring
Low Voltage Systems
Telecommunications
CCTV Installation
Access Control Systems
Life Safety Systems
Healthcare Communications
Details
- Year established: 1969
Highlights and features
- 50+ years of commercial electrical contracting experience in Eastern Iowa
- In-house CAD team enables complete design-build capabilities
- Specialized staff includes PE, RCDD, and LEED-certified professionals
- 100% employee-owned company since 2019 ensuring accountability
- Proven safety leadership with fire department-trained safety director
What people say
Prompt service
Professional work
Positive can-do attitude
Minimal disruption
Rapid 24-hour installation
Services
Electrical Design-Build
Our in-house CAD team provides complete electrical design-build services from concept to completion. With specialized engineers and 50+ years of experience, we deliver customized solutions for commercial and industrial facilities. Our approach minimizes change orders through comprehensive planning and direct client collaboration.
Commercial Wiring
We install and maintain electrical systems for commercial buildings including offices, medical facilities, and retail spaces. Our licensed electricians ensure code compliance and system reliability for both new construction and renovation projects across Eastern Iowa.
Low Voltage Systems
Our expertise covers low-voltage infrastructure including data networks, security systems, and communication platforms. We integrate advanced technologies while maintaining safety standards for commercial clients in healthcare, education, and manufacturing sectors.
Telecommunications
We design and implement fiber optic networks and data communication systems for businesses requiring high-speed connectivity. Our RCDD-certified professionals ensure optimal performance for voice, data, and video transmission in commercial environments.
Access Control Systems
We install and maintain electronic access control solutions for commercial properties. Our systems integrate with existing security infrastructure to provide secure, scalable entry management for office buildings, healthcare facilities, and industrial sites.
People
T.J. Meiners
President
Leading Nelson Electric's strategic direction with over two decades of electrical industry experience. Committed to maintaining our safety culture and employee-owned values while driving growth in commercial and industrial markets.
Jason Aarhus
Safety Director
Cedar Rapids firefighter since 2002 with specialized training in confined space rescue and hazardous materials. Oversees our comprehensive safety program including weekly training and on-site audits to maintain zero-incident goals.
Jake Isbell
Senior Project Manager
Manages complex electrical projects from planning to completion. Brings technical expertise and client-focused approach to ensure timely delivery of commercial and industrial electrical systems across Eastern Iowa.
Jim Negro
Project Engineer
Provides engineering support for electrical design and implementation. Combines technical knowledge with practical field experience to optimize system performance and code compliance for commercial clients.
Macy Schildroth
Office Manager
Coordinates administrative operations and client communications. Ensures efficient project support through organized documentation and team coordination for Nelson Electric's commercial and industrial projects.
Questions
What commercial electrical services do you offer?
We provide full electrical design-build, commercial wiring, low-voltage systems, telecommunications, CCTV, access control, and healthcare communications solutions for commercial and industrial clients.
Do you handle emergency electrical repairs?
Yes, we offer emergency services with rapid response times. Our team completed urgent fiber optic installations within 24 hours as recently demonstrated for Rockwell Collins.
What areas do you serve?
We primarily serve Eastern Iowa including Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, and surrounding communities for commercial and industrial electrical projects.
Are you employee-owned?
Yes, Nelson Electric became 100% employee-owned in 2019 through an ESOP structure, aligning our team's commitment to quality and client satisfaction.
What safety certifications do you maintain?
Led by our Safety Director with fire department hazardous materials training, we conduct weekly safety talks, quarterly classroom training, and randomized site audits to maintain excellent OSHA compliance.
Can you handle complex industrial projects?
Our team includes specialized professionals with LEED accreditation and NICET fire safety certification, enabling us to manage complex industrial electrical systems and code requirements.
Reviews (1)
Kathleen Billington
Apr 13, 2021
Report
Answered phone, put my name on list for electrical problem on house. Needed repairs prior to being able to connect to Alliant