McCaffety Electric is a name people know and trust, and that’s no surprise. This year, they’re celebrating 60 years of doing business in the Walker County area. In 1962, when Eugene McCaffety and his wife Shirley came to Huntsville, they started the business in back of their home on Powell Street.  With his 1959 Chevrolet truck, some hand tools and a shovel, Eugene, a family man and electrician (who had been working as a highlineman), was determined to succeed and started his own business.  He passed this drive and determination on to future generations in the family. McCaffety Electric has since grown into a thriving family-owned business that now employs over 90 staff members, including master electricians, engineers, and licensed journeymen. The company has expanded throughout the Huntsville, Conroe, and Bryan-College Station areas, servicing a 60-mile radius surrounding each location. The corporate office, located at 1711 Sycamore Avenue in Huntsville, has been there for more than 30 years. Their second location is 1610A North Frazier in Conroe, and the newest location is at 1523 Crosswinds in College Station.

In the early 80s, Eugene decided it was time to step down and let the younger generations take over the reins at McCaffety Electric. When his son Rob stepped in, he says the economy was in pretty bad shape, the country was in the middle of a recession, and, “We had to lay off a number of employees; that was pretty tough.  But then, we were fortunate to get our first commercial job at Sam Houston State University, I believe it was in the Art Center.”  Since then, things have improved. According to Rob, they still do a lot of work for SHSU, in fact, they are currently putting in the electrical wiring in the new agriculture building at Gibbs Ranch.

Today, Rob serves as President, his sister Pam Barnes serves as CEO, Frankie (Rob’s wife) is the Corporate Secretary, and Jason McCaffety (Rob and Frankie’s son) is the Vice President.  Cody McCaffety (Rob and Frankie’s son) and Jeremy Barnes (Pam’s son) run the Conroe location. Jarrod Welch is the Operations Manager at the storefront in College Station.  During the early days, McCaffety primarily offered residential and commercial electrical contracting services. The lighting showroom (originally started by Shirley) came later, which showcased the various lighting accents and accessories. Shirley was very instrumental at McCaffety Electric until she passed away about 10 years ago. So was Don Barnes, Pam’s husband, who also dedicated 36 years of his life to the company. “They were an important part of our lives and contributed greatly to the efficient daily operation of the business,” said Frankie. “The McCaffetys have a long history in Huntsville, going back about 6 generations,” said Pam, “and McCaffety Electric has been a big part of that history as well.”

Over the years, the business has gone through various changes in terms of the products and services offered.  “In the lighting showroom alone, we have added a selection of home accents which include mirrors, picture frames, wall art, candles, small furniture pieces, and so much more! If you can’t find what you need, you have the option to order from the many catalogs available,” said Frankie.  Besides residential and commercial, they’ve also extended their services to larger corporations and municipalities.  To stay up to date with state-of-the-art technology, they also incorporate data wiring, which is different and requires knowledge, training and certification in this area. Data wires are basically cables that provide service for cable TV, Wi-Fi, and phone service, and makes connecting to a network possible through computers and other devices. Today’s data wiring relies mostly on two primary types of cables: ethernet, which are twisted copper conductors; and fiber optic cables made of glass or plastic centers. Each offers a different type of feature.

As far as electrical wiring for residential homes or remodel construction projects, McCaffety does the electrical wiring from the ground up. They can upgrade fixtures and wiring and install panels as well. For commercial jobs, it’s a whole different ballgame, because a pool of contractors submit sealed bids. Then, depending on which bid they select, the project manager or owner will award the job to the contractor whose bid was chosen. The process is quite involved.

Overall, the future of McCaffety Electric seems to be very promising. “We are very excited to see what innovative ideas and fresh vision the new generations of the family bring to the table,” said Frankie. 

Jason, Cody, and Jeremy are all very hardworking and driven, and they have plans for growth, expansion and change for the corporation. Rob and Frankie’s younger son Tyler, also worked at McCaffety through his college years, but decided the electrical business wasn’t for him. “He went into banking and finance and has done very well for himself,” said Frankie, “and we are equally proud of him for his accomplishments.” Tyler is the business owner of K&G Capital Mortgage here in Huntsville. Jarrod also worked at the Huntsville location while attending Sam Houston State University and is also friends with the McCaffety boys. At least once or twice a year, all the staff from each store location come together to go over new ideas and talk about plans. McCaffety Electric is a true family-owned lighting store and electrical service. Everyone gets along and gets together often.

They’ve been illuminating the Walker and Montgomery areas for over 60 years, and now parts of Brazos County as well. Their motto is, “McCaffety Electric – big or small, we do it all!”

In the middle of 2022, McCaffety’s also acquired a plumbing company, so their expansion goes well beyond electrical. Although they do supply out, according to Frankie, they are fortunate to have a warehouse at each location, where they are able to store enough material in-house to be readily available when it is needed.

Rob and Frankie believe in putting God first in all they do. They are members of the First Assembly of God, and they are the proud parents of three sons, and just as proud of their seven grandkids. McCaffety Electric is HUB certified by the State of Texas, bonded and insured. They are a member of The Greater East Montgomery County Chamber, Huntsville Walker County Chamber of Commerce, NFIB, NFPA, IEC, American Lighting Association, and were recognized with a Huntsville Item 2022 Readers’ Choice Award.

For more information about their products and services, visit: www.mccaffetyelectric.com or call (936) 295-2831.