Washington Business Winter 2019 | Washington Business | Page 54

doing business as
employer: Nelson Electric
founded: 1951
location: Seattle
website: www.nelsonelec.com
Nelson Electric
“Growing with the customer” is a deeply held practice at this family-owned
Seattle company. Long-term relationships with companies like Kemper
Development Company and Starbucks have helped this third-generation
business recently experience the fastest growth in its 67-year history.
Brian Mittge
the story: Lyle and Laura Nelson founded the company in 1951, and Lyle
continued to work there until he was 82. Their son, Marv, started sweeping the
warehouse at age 10. He attended the University of Washington with the idea of
studying electrical engineering, but he switched majors after his dad said that
a business degree would be more helpful to the family firm. Marv has led the
business since 1987, with two of his own sons now serving as key leaders in the
company. Since 2015, Nelson Electric has gone from 83 employees to 240, while
doubling its revenue to $50.2 million.
the work: Thirty years ago, the company transitioned from a focus on service
work, to a company whose sustained growth has come from its work as a design/
build firm. It has capabilities in designing, installing and maintaining the power
systems, communications, lighting and life-safety infrastructures that are the
backbones of the high-tech and bio-tech industries, high-rise structures, multi-
use commercial developments, performing arts centers and museums.
projects: Over the years they ’ve worked throughout the Starbucks
headquarters, along with the recently completed Starbucks Reserve Roastery.
They’ve also worked on the Space Needle, Seattle Art Museum and MOHAI. Most
recently, the company completed its biggest job ever — the electrical, low voltage
systems, and life safety systems for Kemper Development’s Lincoln Square South
Development in downtown Bellevue. Nelson Electric finished the $60 million
electrical contract on time and on budget.
leadership: The four leaders of Nelson Electric work together collaboratively.
CEO Marv Nelson and his sons, project managers Tim and Kevin Nelson, join
CFO Brian Heeb in evaluating projects, allocating resources and working with
their teams of engineers, designers, foremen and managers. “We all have the same
goal in mind,” Tim Nelson said. “Taking care of our customers, keeping the repeat
clients and trying to grow the business.”
staying connected: Marv Nelson credits his company’s long-term success
with a focus on, above all else, maintaining relationships. They view their
clients’ long-term success as their most important job. This focus on client
relationships has led to long-term business connections with companies like
Kemper Development (30+ years), Starbucks (20+ years), Seattle Genetics (20+
years) and many others.
in their words: “We’ve grown with our customers. Consistent, steady
growth... One of the things we talk about is you never want to take a customer for
granted. You want to be their go-to guy.”
— Marv Nelson, CEO, Nelson Electric
54 association of washington business