1919 - First Generation Begins

After serving his country in World War I, Joseph E. Sturm started his career as an electrician working for his uncle under Kling Electric, Co. after which he worked as chief electrician at Seagram's Distillery and at Modern Electric as an electrician and estimator. Joseph had an approximately 62 year career in the electrical construction industry.

1944 - Sturm Electric was Established

After 25 years of experience, Joseph E. Sturm founded J.E. Sturm Electric, Inc. (Sturm Electric) performing work in the residential, commercial and industrial areas.

1944 - Second Generation Begins

After serving his country in World War II, Joseph's oldest son, Donald J. Sturm, Sr. joined the company starting the second generation in the electrical contracting industry. Donald was known as "Honest Don". He was a very detailed estimator, designer, administrator, project manager and leader during his approximately 61 years in the family business. Donald was truly dedicated to the family business. Donald helped many people in the electrical construction industry start a business.

1951 - Second Generation Grows

After serving his country in the military (Europe) Joseph's second son, Gerald E. Sturm joined the company. Gerry worked for the company until approximately 1985. Gerry was an union electrician, field superintendent, project manager, and estimator. Gerry was an expert in electrical controls. Gerry was one of the first people who worked in the energy management industry. Sturm Electric manufactured electrical control equipment for the IBM company in the mid 1970s under the Sturm company name PMIC.

1962 - Northern Kentucky Electric Authority (NKEA)

Donald was one of the founders of the Northern Kentucky Electric Authority, which he was chairman of in 1969 and 1970.

1965 - Donald J. Sturm Becomes President

Donald became the President working on estimating and project management while Gerald worked in the field. Joseph continued to play an active role in the organization working on special projects.

The company name changed to Sturm Electric, Inc. Joe, Don, and Gerry became partners. The company grew in size and capabilities.

1969 - 50 Year Edison Award

Joseph received the 50 Year Edison Award from the Cincinnati Electrical Contractors Association. The Sturm family (Sturm Electric) served the electrical construction industry for 50 years.

1970s - Third Generation Begins

During the 1970's, Donald Sr.'s three sons Don, Bill, and John were taught the electrical contracting business in various capacities. Donald J. Sturm, Sr. and Sturm Electric were an active member of NECA (National Electrical Contractors Association). Sturm Electric was also a member of the IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers).

The company did a lot of public work, plan and specification, heavy industrial and commercial projects. Business was good.

1980s - Future Transition

Sturm Electric again transitions to the future. Donald J. Sturm, Jr. started his career in outside distributor sales with Becker Electric Supply and Richards Electric Supply Co. Don rapidly grew as a leading salesman. Bill Sturm worked for several local electrical contractors, including Sturm Electric's non-union shop, before co-founding Edgewood Electric. John Sturm started his career with Sturm Electric, but due to economy spent over nine years working for Turner Construction Company and provided engineering for Sturm Electric and Edgewood Electric on the side.

The change of the labor market and the economy was very hard on many companies in the USA. The old Sturm Electric stopped operation and Donald J. Sturm, Sr. joined Edgewood Electric. The family business became an open shop labor force.

1990 - W. L. Sturm Electric Carries On Family Tradition

William (Bill) L. Sturm reestablished Sturm Electric under W. L. Sturm Electric, Inc. (Sturm Electric) beginning the third generation of leadership.

Bill currently is the President and Co-Owner of Sturm Electric. Bill works in the areas of labor, personnel, administration and service. Bill is a master electrician and carries the company's electrical contractor license.

1992 - Third Generation Grows

After graduation as an electrical engineer in 1981 from the University of Kentucky, working with Crouse-Hinds until 1983, earning his professional electrical engineering License in 1986, and working for Turner Construction Co. for 9 years, John (Jack) E. Sturm, PE rejoined the family business.

John is currently Vice President and Co-Owner of Sturm Electric. John works in the areas of contracts, electrical engineering, risk management and estimating. John is President of JES Engineering. John was "grandfathered" as a master electrician.

1998 - Third Generation Grows

After establishing himself as the leading electrical distributor salesman for Richards Electric Supply from 1977 to 1998, Donald J. Sturm, Jr. rejoined the family business. Don currently is Vice President and Co-Owner of Sturm Electric. Don works in the areas of sales, purchasing and logistics.

2002 - Fourth Generation Begins

After graduating UK, John E. Sturm, Jr. joined the family business. He holds an MBA and is a Professional Engineer. He left the family business in 2011 to work in consulting and currently serves as Vice President of Engineering, Design and Risk Management at Portable Solutions Group in Worthington, KY.

2007 - Kevin Sturm

After graduating NKU, Kevin Sturm joined the family business. Kevin holds his Master Electrician License and currently serves as Sr. Estimator and Sr. Project Manager.

2009 - Christina Sturm

After graduating NKU, Christina Sturm joined the family business. Christina currently serves in the areas of accounting, personnel and payroll.

2010 - Brian Sturm

After attending NKU, Brian Sturm joined the family business. Brian worked in field operations for five years and has his master electrician license. He currently serves as purchasing, warehouse and logistics manager.

2012 - William (Bill) L. Sturm, Jr.

After graduating NKU, Bill, Jr. joined the family business. Bill, Jr. is currently service department and rental equipment manager. Bill, Jr. also works in estimating, labor and project management.