2017 is a MILESTONE year for J. Becher & Assoc.! It marks three decades of providing electrical and low voltage services in Minnesota since its inception in 1987! In Jerry Becher’s own words… “We’ve come a long way, baby!” Since founding the company with just two guys (Jerry, an experienced businessman, and his original partner, a master electrician and former professor at Dunwoody) has grown to almost 100 electricians, technology experts, staff and partner Bob Welle. The original truck has become a whole fleet of trucks and vans. The garage has grown to an 85,000 sf headquarter and shop. The original tool box has grown to big tool connexes! And the initial service focus of Electrical/High Voltage has expanded to also include low voltage / technology systems for Residential, Commercial, and Multi-Family projects.

Success Even Through Challenging Times

You might say the business started in rough times, that is if the stock market crash of 1987 is considered a rough time. The first job started in September 1987 just weeks before Black Monday. Not to be derailed by the big stock market crash, the partners focused on providing quality electrical services. They never looked back. J. Becher has been the preferred electrical contractor on some big projects in Minneapolis and surrounding cities, like PPL Touchstone, Skye at Arbor Lakes in Maple Grove, multiple Cowboy Jacks restaurants, Clive’s Roadhouse, hundreds of new homes for some of Minnesota’s best home builders including Calatlantic (formerly Ryland Homes), Mattamy, Christian Builders, Swanson Homes, and many more. See some of our Projects

Insight from the Founder

We asked Jerry a few questions about changes in the industry, the company, and business advise. Here’s what he said:

• Q. What has been your biggest accomplishment?
• “All the great people I was blessed to work with over the last 30 years.”
• What has been your “secret to success”? 
• “Do what you say, say what you do and treat everyone the way you would want to be treated.”
• Q. How has the industry changed over the years? 
• “During the recent recession 50% of the electrical workers left the industry for other jobs and since then, another 50% have retired. Finding qualified workers is more difficult today than in years past.”
• Q. What is the best piece of leadership advice you have received? 
• “Give me attitude and effort and I can train the rest!”
• Q. Where do you expect to go in the next 15 years? In what ways do you expect to grow? 
• “In 15 years LED lamps will be replaced by something more efficient. Low voltage systems controlling energy and more will be the standard”

The company continues to grow and adapt to all of the advances in technology and how we use the systems at home and in commercial applications. We look forward to continuing to provide electrical and technology systems and expertise to businesses and homeowners for another 30 years!

Read more about Jerry’s connection with Dunwoody College