about us
“Satisfaction is the result of experience; Experience is the basis of our business since 1940”
– E.B. Oberlander
timeline
Explore the Legacy and Milestones of Central Illinois’
Trusted Electrical Contractor – Oberlander Electric
Oberlander Electric Co., Inc. was founded in a garage in Peoria, IL, focusing on small residential jobs and appliance installations, with the motto “Qualified Contractors – Dependable Service.”
Charles A. Gardner joined as an apprentice electrician after serving in the U.S. Navy, quickly becoming a key player in Oberlander’s growth.
Secured the first sizable industrial project at Caterpillar Building X, marking the beginning of large-scale industrial work.
Charles A. Gardner purchased 45% interest in Oberlander Electric, with an option to acquire full ownership, setting the stage for the company’s future leadership.
Undertook numerous large multimillion-dollar projects, including Galesburg Prison, Canton Prison, OSF Gerlach Building, and Keystone Steel & Wire’s Rod Mill expansion.
Played a major role in the ethanol industry with a $12 million project for Pekin Energy, delivering results under tight deadlines, solidifying its position in the industrial market.
The Gardner family took full ownership of Oberlander Electric Co., driving its expansion and innovation in electrical contracting.
Focus shifted to commercial, institutional, and industrial projects as the company’s annual volume soared from $5 million to $25 million, reducing residential work to an exception.
Leadership transitioned to John Sr. and Steve Sr., who continued to expand Oberlander’s reach and services across Central Illinois.
Focus shifted to commercial, institutional, and industrial projects as the company’s annual volume soared from $5 million to $25 million, reducing residential work to an exception.
Leadership transitioned to John Sr. and Steve Sr., who continued to expand Oberlander’s reach and services across Central Illinois.
Meet The Team
Career Milestones:
- Vice President at Oberlander in 2004
- CEO/President at Oberlander since 2015
Education:
- Graduated from Dunlap High School in 1991
- Completed NECA/IBEW Electrical Apprenticeship in 1996
- Attended ICC, earned Six Sigma Black Belt in 2003
Other Leadership Roles:
- President of the St. Jude Leadership Board
- NECA President
- Board Member of Specialty Trades Insurance Company
Career Milestones:
- Employed by Oberlander Electric since June 6, 1988
- Extensive experience in the electrical industry since 1988
Specializations:
- Specializes in Commercial and Telecom/Data work, Powerhouses and Hospitals, Lightning Protection
Professional Training:
- Completed Electrical Apprenticeship & Journeyman Wireman training
- Certified for all Telecom/Data installations
- Certified in Data/Comm Design and Engineering
- BPI Certified
Career Milestones:
- Employed by Oberlander Electric since June 10, 1991
- Extensive experience in the electrical industry since 1991
- 15 years as a Local 649 Permit Operating Engineer
Professional Training:
- Completed Electrical Apprenticeship & Journeyman Wireman training
- Certified Telecom/Data Installer
- Certified Solar Designer/Installer
Career Milestones:
- Employed by Oberlander Electric since May 9, 2002
- Extensive experience in the electrical industry since 1997
Specializations:
- Pools, Residential, Commercial, and Industrial projects
- Design Build services
- Expertise in Fiber Optics, PLC & Machine Control, and Instrumentation
Professional Training:
- Completed Electrical Apprenticeship & Journeyman Wireman training
- Certified for all Telecom/Data installations
Career Milestones:
- Employed by Oberlander Electric since March 19, 2001
- Extensive experience in the electrical industry since 1999
Education:
- Associate of Applied Arts & Science
- Graduate of the IBEW/NECA Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee (JATC)
Certifications:
- OSHA 10/30 Certified
Career Milestones:
- Employed by Oberlander since June 2014
- 28 years of progressive accounting experience
Education:
- Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Career Milestones:
- Employed by Oberlander since May 2001
- Expert in outdoor electrical work, including highway, street, parking lot, and bridge lighting
- Skilled in traffic signal and interstate construction
Professional Training:
- Apprentice/Journeyman Wireman
- OSHA 30 Certified
- Roadway Flagger Trained
- Traffic Signal Technician
Career Milestones:
- Employed by Oberlander Electric since June 18, 2001
- Extensive experience in the electrical industry since 1996
- Registered Communications Distribution Designer (RCDD)
- Certified Fiber Optic/Data Communications Technician
Professional Training:
- NJATC Electrical Apprenticeship and Journeyman Wireman
- OSHA 30 Trained
Memberships:
- Safety Committee Board Member
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