Celebrating 80 years of Wired Right™
Eight decades of building trust, growing communities, and powering the Pacific Northwest with pride
1943
Jay Holmes was working for Puget Power and had volunteered to teach electricity classes to military personnel. Jay saw great potential in one of his pupils, Gene Richards. The two decided they would go into business together after the war.
1945
Jay and Gene became partners and started Holmes Electric. The company’s humble beginnings were in the basement of Jay and Karmen’s Renton home.
1946
Holmes Electric outgrew its modest basement office and moved to a storefront in Renton.
1956
Business continued to grow, and Holmes electricians were wiring at least one house a day, in addition to selling and installing appliances.
1960
Developers in the Kent Valley needed wiring for their warehouses and Holmes transitioned from residential work to a focus on commercial construction.
1969
As Holmes Electric continued to expand with the area’s growth, the company moved to a larger facility at 1415 Seneca, in Renton.
1979
Offering commercial electric services throughout Puget Sound, Holmes Electric outgrew its quarters and built a new building at 1422 Raymond in Renton, WA.
1984
Recognizing the growth of telecommunications and data services, Holmes Communications was established to fill the need for structured wiring to the growing computer industry.
1992
Holmes Electric is a proud member of the Federated Electrical Contractors since 1992
1996
Holmes Electric joint ventured with Burke Electric to wire their first high-rise tower project, the prestigious Two Union Square building in downtown Seattle.
2005
Holmes celebrate its first 60 years in business. Jeray Holmes retires. Mike Holmes and Mike Richards continue the tradition.
2008
Holmes doubles facility commitment with a larger facility in Kent, Washington and a dedicated prefabrication facility in Tukwila, WA.
2016
Holmes Electric is celebrating 70 years of Wired Right by supporting one of the largest construction booms that the Pacific Northwest has ever experienced.
2023
We are grateful for our current and future partnerships and strive to exceed your expectations. Holmes Electric stands ready to continue to innovate and improve the built environment one project at a time!
2025
Holmes Electric celebrates 80 years of Wired Right, expands through the purchase of Tobin Electric in Quincy, Washington, and continues to grow our data center and industrial electrical work.
Continually using the newest technology puts us ahead in efficiency and safety
At Holmes Electric, we proactively invest in the latest construction technologies—pairing digital design, prefabrication, and connected field tools—to deliver safer, faster, and more precise results. We continually evaluate, pilot, and adopt innovations so our clients benefit from reduced risk, tighter schedules, and higher quality on every project.
Updates
Commitment to Safety
As a third-generation family-owned company, the health and safety of our workers and customers is at the forefront of everything we do.
Community Impact
As a leader in the electrical engineering, construction, and service fields, we are proud to serve our organizations across the Northwest.
Join Our Team
More than a job, find a career you love at Holmes Electric.
