Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Electrical Partner in Cedar Rapids, IA
Nelson Electric has been powering Eastern Iowa since 1969, starting as a small residential electrical shop with eight employees. Under new ownership in 1977, the company expanded through strategic acquisitions, evolving into one of Cedar Rapids' most trusted commercial and industrial electrical contractors. Our 100% employee-owned structure since 2019 reflects our commitment to shared success and accountability. With in-house CAD capabilities since 2003, we deliver end-to-end electrical solutions from concept to completion. Our team includes certified professionals such as Professional Engineers, NICET Level II Fire Safety Professionals, and LEED Accredited Professionals. We specialize in commercial wiring, low voltage systems, and design-build projects for hospitals, manufacturing facilities, and office spaces.Our culture emphasizes community involvement through partnerships with United Way, NAWIC, and local schools. We maintain rigorous adherence to safety standards and code compliance while prioritizing efficient project execution with minimal client disruption. Our history of successful collaborations with major institutions demonstrates our capacity to handle complex electrical challenges. Through decades of growth, we've preserved the personalized service ethos established in our founding year. Our employee-owners take pride in delivering reliable electrical infrastructure that supports both business operations and community development in Eastern Iowa.
Services
Electrical Design-Build
Commercial Wiring
Low Voltage Electrical
Telecommunications & Fiber Optics
CCTV Systems
Access Control Systems
Life Safety & Security Systems
Health Care Communications
Details
- Year established: 1969
Highlights and features
- We offer 50+ years of commercial electrical expertise since 1969
- Our in-house CAD team handles projects from concept to completion
- Certified professionals include PE, RCDD, and NICET Level II specialists
- 100% employee-owned structure ensures accountability and quality
- Proven track record with hospitals, manufacturing facilities, and universities
Associations and certifications
- LEED Accredited Professional
- Registered Communications Distribution Designer (RCDD)
- NICET Level II Fire Safety Professional
What people say
Prompt service
Professional work
Positive can-do attitude
Excellent results
Minimal disruption
Services
Electrical Design-Build
Our in-house design-build services provide complete electrical solutions from concept to completion. With dedicated CAD professionals since 2003, we handle project planning, system design, and implementation without external contractors. This integrated approach ensures cost efficiency, faster timelines, and seamless coordination for commercial and industrial clients across Eastern Iowa.
Commercial Wiring
We deliver comprehensive commercial wiring solutions for new constructions and facility upgrades. Our licensed electricians install electrical systems in office spaces, medical facilities, and manufacturing plants while maintaining strict code compliance. Our team minimizes operational disruption during installations and ensures long-term system reliability for business clients in Cedar Rapids and surrounding areas.
Low Voltage Systems
Specialized low voltage system installations include telecommunications, data networks, and security infrastructure. Our RCDD-certified professionals design and implement fiber optic networks, CCTV systems, and access control solutions. These advanced systems support modern business operations while integrating seamlessly with existing electrical infrastructure across commercial facilities.
Life Safety Systems
We install and maintain critical life safety electrical systems including emergency lighting, fire alarms, and security infrastructure. Our NICET Level II certified technicians ensure compliance with safety codes and regulations. These systems protect occupants and assets in commercial buildings while providing reliable performance during emergencies.
Health Care Communications
Tailored communication systems for healthcare facilities include patient monitoring, nurse call systems, and medical data networks. Our specialized team understands the unique electrical requirements of medical environments. We ensure uninterrupted connectivity and compliance with healthcare industry standards for hospitals and clinics in Eastern Iowa.
People
T.J. Meiners
President
Leading Nelson Electric's strategic direction with over 25 years of electrical industry experience. Focuses on maintaining quality standards while driving growth initiatives. Committed to preserving the company's employee-owned culture and community partnerships.
Macy Schildroth
Office Manager
Overseeing daily operations and client relations with 15+ years in electrical contracting administration. Ensures smooth project coordination between field teams and clients. Plays key role in maintaining Nelson Electric's customer service standards.
Jake Isbell
Senior Project Manager
Managing complex electrical projects with 20 years of commercial construction experience. Specializes in coordinating large-scale installations while maintaining project timelines. Provides technical leadership for design-build solutions across diverse facility types.
Jim Negro
Project Engineer
Applying engineering expertise to electrical system designs with focus on code compliance and efficiency. Holds Professional Engineer license and LEED accreditation. Develops technical solutions for challenging commercial and industrial applications.
Jason Aarhus
Safety Director
Ensuring workplace safety compliance with OSHA standards and company protocols. Implements training programs and conducts regular safety audits. Maintains Nelson Electric's strong safety record across all project sites in Eastern Iowa.
Questions
What types of electrical services do you offer?
We provide full-service electrical contracting including design-build, commercial wiring, low voltage systems, security solutions, and healthcare communication systems for commercial and industrial clients.
Do you handle emergency electrical repairs?
Yes, we offer prompt emergency service for critical electrical issues with dedicated technicians available to address urgent client needs.
What industries do you specialize in?
We specialize in commercial offices, medical facilities, manufacturing plants, and educational institutions with tailored electrical solutions for each sector's unique requirements.
Are your electricians certified?
Our team includes certified professionals with credentials such as Professional Engineer (PE), NICET Level II, and LEED Accredited Professional certifications.
Do you serve areas outside Cedar Rapids?
We primarily serve Eastern Iowa including Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, and surrounding communities for all commercial and industrial electrical needs.
Is Nelson Electric employee-owned?
Yes, we transitioned to 100% employee-owned status in 2019 through an ESOP structure that aligns our team's interests with client satisfaction.
