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In 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. At the time Jay Holmes and Gene Richards agreed that after the war they would go into business together.
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| Holmes Electric - Jay and Karmen's home in Renton, Washington
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Upon Gene's return from the war in 1945, Jay and Gene formed a partnership and the foundation for Holmes Electric. They started their company in the basement of Jay and Karmen's home in Renton, Washington. |
In 1950, Holmes Electric began to outgrow their basement office and moved to a new facility in Renton and remained there for nineteen years.
During the post war expansion of the 1950's, Holmes was selling and installing the new technology of the day, which included a variety of appliances, such as stoves and refrigerators.
In 1956 business was booming for Holmes Electric and they were wiring at least one house per day, in addition to selling and installing appliances.
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Holmes Electric 1950 |
Holmes Electric new building 1969 |
In 1960 the Kent Valley began to grow and there was a market for wiring warehouse space. This new market supported Holmes' transition from residential construction to a focus on commercial construction.
In 1969 growth required Holmes Electric to move to a larger facility in Renton. The new facility was located at 1415 Seneca.
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In 1980 Holmes Electric built a new building to accommodate steady growth. The move brought Holmes to their current home at 1422 Raymond in Renton, WA.
In 1984 Holmes recognized a growing computer industry forming in the region. Holmes Communications was formed to fulfill the need for structured wiring to the growing computer industry.
In 1996 Holmes formed a technology group to meet the computer hardware and engineering needs of its clients.
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Current Holmes Electric Building |
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Holmes continues to provide quality contract service into the new millennium.
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