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SPECIAL SECTION: The Builders
profile
MEMBER PROFILE
July 2019
THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com
Wilson Electric Lighting the Way
FINDING STRENGTH IN THEIR EMPLOYEES
Wilson Electric Company still going strong after 100 years By Paul Anthony Arco Not much has changed since Wilson Electric Company opened its doors in 1919. In fact, the company still calls the same two-story brick building home in downtown Rockford. Wilson Electric provides electrical work for commercial business, healthcare, industrial and residential clients. “We do a little of everything,” said president Louie Maffioli, whose client base includes heavy hitters such as General Mills, Dean Foods, PCI, TH Foods, Rochelle Foods and Rosecrance to name a few. “We also service homeowners who have an electrical outlet that needs repair. No job is too big or too small.” Wilson Electric covers a nine-county area. The company was founded by Emil Maffioli and Paul Wilson as MaffioliWilson Electric 100 years ago. They worked together for six years, before
Emil decided to leave the business. “He had no family and no one to turn it over too, so he decided to sell,” said Maffioli. Paul Wilson owned the company until 1950 before he sold it to employees. Maffioli is a direct descendant of prior owners, but he didn’t know it when he went to work for Wilson in 1973. He came in as an apprentice and worked his way up. “I’m blessed they saw something in me,” he said. “No way did I ever think when I started that I’d be here 46 years later. Not many guys my age can say that.” Wilson Electric employs 45 people, including electricians, office staff and a service department who handle smaller projects. “Our strong suit is our employees,” said Maffioli. “Many of them have years of experience and were in the trenches at one time in their careers.” Wilson Electric has seen challenging times over the years, but
Since their founding in 1919 as Maffioli-Wilson Co., Wilson Electric has gained expertise in market sectors such as Commercial Business, Healthcare, Industrial, Residential and Utilities.
Some of the Wilson Electric Company team (from left, standing, going clockwise): Nik Maffioli, Frank Tarara, Joel Kortemeier, Louie Maffioli and Paul Maffioli. they pushed forward and remained true to their beliefs. “We don’t try to bid every job,” Maffioli said. “Our core work is $2 million jobs or less. If we feel a job is extremely risky we tend to steer away from them. We look at our employees and try to match jobs to their strengths.” There were times, Maffioli said, he considered moving his business from downtown Rockford, but he could never pull the trigger. They’ve since made significant upgrades to their building including interior and exterior upgrades. “The heart of our company is downtown. It’s served us well, and we like being part of the revitalization of the area. Our building is more welcoming, which gives our employees a happier environment.”
help where needed. “It’s bittersweet,”
Change in Leadership
We’re the oldest electrical company
In a few months, Maffioli will step into semi-retirement and Joel Kortemeier, chief financial officer, will assume the role of president. Other members of the company’s leadership team include Maffioli’s son, Nik, his brother, Paul, and Frank Tarara, who are estimators/project managers that will help lead the company into its second century. But Maffioli will still be around to
he said. “After doing a job every day of your life for 46 years, it’s hard to walk away. But I’m at the point in my life where I want to spend more time with family and travel. The good news is these guys aren’t kicking me out.” In
May,
company
officials
celebrated the 100th year anniversary with customers, suppliers, past and present employees. “I’m proud of the team that was here before us, and the team that is here now that will carry on,” said Maffioli, who will receive an industry award this fall in Las Vegas. “Very few companies stay around for 100 years. in Rockford and that also makes me proud.”
WILSON ELECTRIC COMPANY President: Louie Maffioli 113 S. Madison St. 815-963-0431 www.wilsonelectricco.com
