Area Energy & Electric, Inc. began as an electrical contractor in 1983, but since its inception has broadened its capabilities due to the market of demands. Those demands have brought about a family of companies either expanded upon into Divisions of Area or companies purchased by Area. The purchased companies continue to operate under their original name and superb reputation.
Who We Are
Performance Oriented
Our employees make us who we are. To ensure our people continue to meet or exceed customer expectations, we provide the following “tools” to our valued employees:
- Comprehensive Safety Program
- Continued Improvement Incentives
- Drug Testing
- Training, Internships, & Seminars
These tools are in place to improve and motivate employee performance. The success of our skilled employees differentiates us from our competitors while exceeding the expectations of our customers.
Principles of Our Work
- Customer Driven:
While there are similarities among electrical contractors, we have our own specific responsibility to our customers, based on each individual project. We’ve listened to our customers and have developed customized services to meet their varied, individual needs.
- Capabilities:
Some of Area’s capabilities include: Industrial wiring, high-voltage installation, electrical site construction, electrical power distribution, traffic control, fiber optic installation, industrial controls, fire alarm and communication systems, computer network wiring, and design/build services. These services are available for Commercial, Industrial, Institutional, Residential, and beyond. Our capabilities are designed to meet tomorrow’s needs…today! Our “whatever it takes” philosophy to meet or exceed our customer’s expectations is what separates us from the rest.
- Planning:
Our capabilities don’t just include installation. Our comprehensive design team can configure a customized plan to fit your individual needs. Our computer CAD system and computerized estimating allow us to quickly respond to both budget and hard dollar estimates in a timely and efficient manner.
- Warehouse:
Our 20,000 square foot warehouse in Sidney and 12,000 sq. ft. warehouse in Marysville enables us to provide on-time delivery of material to meet our ever-changing market demands.
Our Management Team
History
Area Energy & Electric, Inc. began as an electrical contractor in 1983. Meet the eleven original employees of Area Energy & Electric, Inc. below. Photo taken October 10, 1983 when the business started.
Area Energy & Electric, Inc. takes great pride in their employees. Employees are the heart of their business and their loyalty make them what they are today. Many employees have been with Area Energy & Electric, Inc. for years and plan on retiring from there or have retired. Of the original eleven, only one person moved on.

Left to Right:
Front Row: Phil Grillot (Deceased), Elmer Schlater (Founder, Vice President, Retired), Roger Mack (Retired), Dean Steinke (Retired), Ron Starrett (Retired).
Back Row: John Marx (Deceased), Earl Berning (Retired), Tim Dietz (Moved on), Mark Copeland (Current Employee), Bob Schmidt (Current Employee), Ken Schlater (Founder, President, Current Employee).
Timeline
Since Area Energy & Electric, Inc. inception it has broadened its capabilities due to the market of demands. These demands have brought about a family of companies either expanded upon in divisions of Area Energy & Electric or companies purchased by them. The purchased companies continue to operate under the original company name and reputation. See the timeline below.
2018 OVABC Legacy Award Recipient: Ken Schlater
2019 ABC Eagle Receipient Award Winner
