The History of J. Ranck Electric

In 1986, James A. Ranck decided to leave the field as a journeyman electrician in order to establish his own electrical contracting company. Along with a partner, the company was founded in June of 1986 under the name of Roy & Ranck Electric in Flint, Michigan.

After 15 months in the business, Jim decided to become the sole owner and changed the name to J. Ranck Electric. A small office and warehouse located in Jim's hometown was purchased and the new business operations were relocated to Coleman, Michigan. New employees were hired and the staff consisted of one estimator, one administrative assistant, and Jim Ranck, CEO and sole project manager. Jim worked hard to manage the projects and the office and to learn the business side of the electrical contracting industry.

Early on, significant projects included the Bay City Mall in Bay City, Michigan, the Graff Chevrolet Dealership in Bay City, Michigan, and the Marathon Gas Plant in West Branch, Michigan. Field supervision began with three outstanding foremen, two of whom are still with the company today.

Jim's keen sense of business management, coupled with his extensive knowledge of the electrical industry, resulted in success. Soon, Jim and his employees were proud of the company's growth and reputation in the electrical contracting industry.

When an opportunity presented itself to acquire the first key employee for management, a branch location was established in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. Thus, the company expanded into the upper peninsula market. The northern branch has shown strength and growth continuously since its onset and is presently completing projects ranging up to $5 million. Quickly, the northern market expanded to the west and into Wisconsin where the market offers additional opportunities.

In 1996, after outgrowing the surroundings in the Coleman location, Jim moved the corporate office to Mt. Pleasant, Michigan after purchasing a newly constructed 30,000 square foot building. One of the company's most prominent projects in the Mt. Pleasant area has been the construction of the Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort at approximately $30 million. In 1999, the company established a full-service branch facility in Flint, Michigan, allowing JRE to service the northern, central, and southern areas of Michigan from its three office locations.

In 1998, Lou Ann Ranck joined the management team and together Jim and Lou Ann jointly contributed to the growth and evolution of the company. The greatest impact Lou Ann has had on the company is the implementation of policies and procedures that have improved safety, quality, and company practices.

Since J. Ranck Electric continues to be committed to corporate and industry growth, in 1997 the company made a significant contribution and commitment to the research and educational foundation named Electri'21. As a member at the Governor level of the Electri'21 Council, Jim regularly participates in the research and educational projects for the benefit of the industry and the American public.

Throughout the history of the company, Jim has maintained an active membership in the National Electrical Contractor Association (NECA) and has served on many committees. Through his affiliation with NECA, the company has established contacts and relationships with people that have not only been personally rewarding, but economically rewarding, too. Through affiliations, friends, colleagues, and business associates, business endeavors have expanded throughout the state of Michigan and into nearly ten additional states.

As you can see, this company maintains continual growth and expansion. It has had long-range plans in place from the start and its growth and versatility have not been by chance. Today, management consists of a team of family members, including daughter, Angie, Personnel Director, and son, Adam, Vice-President. Management leads this company with a philosophy that is proving true: pursue the niches and markets in this industry with the flexibility to go anywhere the opportunity exists and the courage to meet the challenges of this industry.