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“Satisfaction is the result of experience;
Experience is the basis of our business since 1940”
– E.B. Oberlander
Who We Are?
ELECTRICAL SERVICES IN PEORIA FOR OVER 75 YEARS
Oberlander Electric Company
has been a trusted name among Central Illinois' electrical contractors
for half a century. We're the largest and best-equipped full-service electrical contractor in this area, and we've enjoyed continued growth and stability since our founding in 1940.
SOCIAL
PERSONNEL
COMPANY BACKGROUND & HISTORY
Electrical contractors Oberlander Electric Co., Inc. started in 1940 in a garage in Peoria, Illinois. At that time, our motto was “Qualified Contractors – Dependable service.” The focus of most of our work was small residential jobs, supplying and installing houseware appliances. We are an electrical contractor that offer electrical service in Peoria, IL; Bloomington, IL; Galesburg, IL; and throughout central Illinois.
In 1946, Charles A. Gardner, called “Charlie,” went to work as an apprentice electrician straight out of the U.S. Navy. His starting hourly pay was two bits an hour. For most of Oberlander’s large jobs, “Charlie” became their right-hand man.
Oberlander Electric’s first sizable industrial job was at Caterpillar Building X, now demolished. We were soon doing large work at CPC in Pekin, Illinois. By 1974, “Charlie” bought 45% interest in Oberlander Electric with an option to buy the remaining shares in 1984.
In 1981, Texaco and CPC formed a joint venture to make ethanol and started a company called “Pekin Energy.” The plans were sketchy at first, but alcohol had to be produced by December 31, 1981. Oberlander Electric had made a large step forward in the Central Illinois market as we witnessed the $12 million dollar flow in the ethanol industry.
Nearly two years earlier than intended, Wayne and EB Oberlander decided to sell the remaining 55% interest in the business. By 1982, the Gardner family became owners of all stock in the Oberlander Electric Co.
During the 80’s, Oberlander Electric completed several large multi-million dollar jobs which included Galesburg Prison, Canton Prison, OSF Gerlach Building, and the Rod Mill expansion at Keystone Steel and Wire, as well as, several large jobs at Caterpillar.
The 90’s paved the way for more of the same as Oerlander Electric’c volume increased from $5 million to $25 million a year. Large commercial, institutions and industrial work then became the jobs of choice and residential became the exception.
The growth and success of the company is attributed to the management team of “Charlie” (deceased) and his three sons, Jim, John Sr., and Steve Sr. With them at the helm, Oberlander Electric became the dominant electrical contractor in Central Illinois, approaching a 40% market share and $50 million in sales per year.
Due to a well-deserved retirement, Jim handed over his reins of the business to John Sr. and Steve Sr. on November 1, 2007. The goal for John Sr. and Steve Sr. is to empower their four sons to lead the company towards the future growth of Oberlander Electric into the 21st century and beyond.
January 1st, 2015; The Juniors, Steve & John, along with their brothers Chad & Bob moved into the top spots of the company as the 3rd Generation of GARDNERS to run Oberlander Electric. On their journey towards leadership they have grown the diversity and territory of the company. They have continued to cherish the relationships with their customers and employees.
Oberlander’s 225 employees are the cornerstone of their success. Through continuing education, Oberlander’s employees have kept up with technological advance in the electrical contracting industry by making commitment to continuous improvement in offer to better serve our customers.
We are the area’s premier commercial Electrical contractor and also offer emergency power systems, solar power and data communication systems as well.
Oberlander’s inventory of equipment has kept pace, in both quality and quantity with their growing needs, and they were very proud of the reputation they’ve built along the way.
