For 24 Hour Emergency Services Call 1-833-787-CECI
For 24 Hour Emergency Services Call 1-833-787-CECI

Our History

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  • 1924

    1924

    In 1924, W.J. Collins, the company founder, hired electrician A.J. “Gus” Sanguinetti as his sole employee.

  • 1928

    1928

    By the end of 1928, Sanguinetti acquired full ownership of the company.

  • 1929

    1929

    Collins Electric’s first major project was the State Hospital in Stockton in 1929 which was followed by the Mendocino State Hospital in 1929.

  • 1946

    In 1946, Collins joined the National Electrical Contractors Association (N.E.C.A.).

  • 1949

    The company incorporated as Collins Electrical Co. on 9/13/1949.

  • 1952

    During the Korean War, the Stockton Office organized a marine division. This branch wired ships for Colberg Boat Works of Stockton who had a U.S. Navy contract. During this time, the company purchased Mapes Electric and opened a Sacramento Branch in 1952.

  • 1953

    In 1953, CECI opened a branch in Merced to handle work at the Castle Air Force Base. A branch in Modesto was then opened 1955.

  • 1955

    1955

    Sanguinetti believed in having the best workers available. It was learned that he tolerated nothing but the best. He hired both John Nomellini at the age of 16 in 1955 and Henning Thompson at the age of 19 a few years later.

  • 1957

    1957

    On 4/23/1957, the Company’s name was changed to Collins Electrical Company, Inc. (CECI)

  • 1957

    The Monterey Branch became the second CECI branch in 1957 and was located on Del Monte Blvd.

  • 1958

    CECI celebrated its 30th anniversary in 1958 with an all-time high revenue of $8,000,000. The company continued to expand its branch offices by purchasing Modern Electric in Fresno, CA.

  • 1960

    1960

    Current CEO and President Eugene C. “Gene” Gini was hired to work in the Stockton warehouse in 1960 before joining the apprenticeship program in 1961.

  • 1966

    1966

    John Nomellini became President after Sanguinetti’s passing in 1966.

  • 1970

    In 1970, CECI was named among the top ten electrical companies in the nation by “Engineering News Record” magazine.

  • 1972

    1972

    The Monterey Branch was moved to Marina in 1972 and is still in the same location today located on Reservation Road.

  • 1983

    1983

    Henning Thompson became President when Nomellini retired in 1983.

  • 1990

    Gene Gini was elected CEO and President of CECI in 1990 after serving as Modesto Branch Manager for 21 years.

  • 2000

    CECI became a family-owned business in 2000 when Gene’s sons Kevin and Brian purchased the stock of Charles Plaster, one of the two remaining minority shareholders. The Corporation redeemed the stock of minority shareholder Larry Schlenker on the same day.

  • 2002

    Fresno Branch Opened

  • 2007

    In 2007, Collins Electrical Company, Inc. exceeds $100 M in revenue for the first time.

  • 2009

    CECI solar Division began in 2009. This division has been involved in the negotiation and construction of over 450 photovoltaic installations throughout Northern, Central and Southern California since its inception.

  • 2010

    2010

    In 2010, Gail Wardell is promoted to Chief Financial Officer.

  • 2014

    Dublin Branch opens 2014

  • 2019

    Kevin and Brian Gini Appointed Co-CEOs of Collins Electrical in 2019

  • 2021

    2021

    Collins Electric is ranked #12 in California and #73 in the U.S. out of over 400 companies on the 2021 Top Solar Contractors list.

  • 2020

    2020

    2020 Impact Report