History |

Our History

In 1919 Woodrow Wilson was President of the United States, the average house sold for under $4,000 and Moses Rosendin began Rosendin Electric Motor Works. The company serviced the Santa Clara/San Jose agricultural community by wiring homes and shops, rewinding motors for wells and pumps and extending pole line facilities for utility companies. The company expanded its business to Central California through the '20's, the Depression and World War II.

The end of World War II brought rapid commercial and industrial growth to the Santa Clara Valley and enormously expanded work for Rosendin. The company grew from eight employees in the late 30's to ninety employees in the 1950's. It was at this time, in 1953, that Rosendin Electric was incorporated as an Electrical Contractor in the State of California.

Employee Ownership

In December 1992, Rosendin Electric became an Employee-Owned company. At Rosendin, employee ownership means we are not just another electrical contractor. As owners, we have a stake in the future success of the company. Motivated and empowered to produce the best value and service for our customers, as owners, we are focused on keeping 'customers for life.’ By providing the highest levels of productivity, exceptional customer service and a quality product, we take pride in knowing our work will represent us for years to come. These skills are what have allowed Rosendin Electric to expand to an international contractor with offices nationwide.

Milestones in Rosendin Electric History

1919
Rosendin Electric Motor Works

In 1919 Woodrow Wilson was President of the United States, the average house sold for under $4,000, and Moses Rosendin began Rosendin Electric Motor Works by wiring the first irrigation pumps in the vast, fruit laden, “Valley of Heart’s Delight” (now known as Silicon Valley).
Rosendin Electric Motor Works 78 Race Street, San Jose, CA
1938
Great Depression

Rosendin Electric Motor Works overcomes the Great Depression.
Now with eight employees, the Park Avenue office in San Jose, CA is opened.
1940 - 1945
Growth during WWII

During World War II, Moses Rosendin expanded his business to accept contracts from the shipyards that sprang to life around the San Francisco Bay. The end of WWII brought rapid commercial and industrial growth to the Santa Clara Valley and enormously expanded work for Rosendin.
The company grew from eight employees in the late 30’s to ninety employees in the late 50’s.
1950
Ray Rosendin Quote

“My father was extremely proud when his two young sons entered the business in 1950. The firm committed itself to hard work, building on its experience and sharpening its business acumen. Days had no hours as we spent whatever time was required to finish tasks…
There is no secret to success in our business. Many years ago, my father would tell me that to be successful one must have all resources – men, materials, and finances – in place before undertaking a project. We continue to adhere to this philosophy, which my father called a “law of nature.”
- Ray Rosendin
1953
Raymond & Louis Rosendin

Raymond and Louis Rosendin assume leadership of the company and Rosendin Electric is incorporated by the State of California.
1955
First $1M Project

First $1 million project: Fresno State College
1958
First multi-M Project

First multi-million dollar project: Lockheed Martin
1958 - 1964
Sunol Street Office
1959
Employee Growth

From eight employees in the late 1930's, Rosendin Electric now employs ninety people.
1964
Headquarters

Headquarters moves to current location at 880 Mabury Road, San Jose, CA.
1972
San Francisco

Rapid Bay Area growth provides the need and Rosendin Electric opens an office in San Francisco, CA.
1983
Los Angeles

Rosendin Electric expands to Southern California and opens an office in Los Angeles.
1989
Loma Prieta Earthquake

Rosendin Electric crews work to repair the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge after the 6.9 magnitude Loma Prieta earthquake in the San Francisco Bay Area.
1993
New Mexico

New Mexico office opens.
1993
Tom Sorley Named President

Tom Sorley named President, Rosendin Electric, Inc.
1994
Arizona

Arizona office opens with further Southwest expansion.
1997
Oregon

Customer needs prompt opening of an Oregon office.
1997
Jim Hawk Named Executive V.P.

Jim Hawk, P.E. appointed Executive Vice President of Rosendin Electric. Jim joined the Company in 1985 having served in the industry since 1977. Jim serves as the Executive overseeing the Company's Preconstruction Services.
2000
Employee Ownership

January 1, 2000 - The employees purchase the entire company from the Rosendin family, making Rosendin Electric, Inc. an employee-owned company.
2007
Sacramento

First Sacramento Valley project for Rosendin Electric broke ground in 1977. Continued success in the area prompts opening of Sacramento office in California.
2007
Las Vegas

Rosendin Electric opens an office Las Vegas, NV. Four years later, in 2011, growth in the region requires expansion of regional office.
2008
Larry Beltramo Named President

Larry Beltramo named President and Chief Operating Officer of Rosendin Electric. Tom Sorley remains Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the company.
2009
Sam Lamonica Named CIO

Sam Lamonica joins Rosendin Electric as Chief Information Officer, paving the way for huge IT growth and development.
Innovation and Awards
2010
Texas

Rosendin Electric completes acquisition of KST Electric, Ltd., a Texas-based electrical contractor. KST will later assume new name as Rosendin Electric, effective 2014.
2010
Virginia

New Data Center project allows East Coast expansion. Rosendin Electric opens an office in Arlington, VA.
2011
Haitian Earthquake Relief

Rosendin Electric rallies to help rebuild Haitian Sacred Heart Hospital following the 2010 earthquake in Haiti.
Hôpital Sacré Coeur’s Aging Electrical System Completely Rewired
2014
Mid-Atlantic Expansion

Rosendin Electric opens our doors in Baltimore, stretching our Mid-Atlantic reach to include Maryland, Delaware, and Pennsylvania.