Driving Our Economy Forward: Lawson Electric Co.
Lawson Electric is celebrating 100 years in business. From a major solar generator to electrical work at your home this company continues to produce success. We learn why students should consider a trade in Driving Our Economy Forward.
“Lawon Electric is a full service electrical contractor. We are licensed in 17 states both as electrical contractors and engineers. We do design assist design build projects that range anywhere from small jobs all the way up to 100 plus million dollar jobs. The dragon wing unit which is a portable solar generator meaning it’s a storage unit that can be taken out anywhere. Ideally it would be somewhere left a tornado or hurricane or a war zone; where someone needs power, where the power lines have been torn down. It folds out… and uses the sun to generate three-phase 120 volt power. That would allow for charging cell phones, powering office, or any kind of temporary facilities that would help out those that are in the middle of a damaged area. We will turn 100 years old next year. We are just trying to carry on the tradition that’s been with Lawson now for a 100 years. Choosing a path in the electrical industry is one that you could plan on being there for you in the future. It’s a very respected class of work in my mind. It’s one that really has no limits. And all employers are looking for good employees that want to work hard. And want to move up to be better. I’m one of those people that came from Chattanooga State. Some like myself wasn’t doing something in the trade. So, I opted to pursue the Industrial Electricity uh class at Chattanooga State,” said Bill Crawford, President and CEO, Lawson Electric Company
Allen Millwood: “It did give me a good foundation to be where I am today. And also spent some time… it’s further my education at Chattanooga State as well. And it gave me a better feel for the business end of it,” said Allen Millwood, Allen Millwood, Journeyman Wireman, Lawson Electric Company.
“Currently Lawson is employing about 460 people. At the height of our employment we had, we have employed as many as 1,400. We’re always hiring new folks and looking for those that want to start their career doing electrical work. Most young folks have an overwhelming feeling when they graduate from high school and their parents is own them to go to college or get a job and. You really ought to consider the trades. You can go to a place like Chattanooga State and you can visit the different types of classes that they offer, to see what’s of interest to you. And the sooner you get started on your career the sooner you’ll get to the point where you’re making the kind of money you want to make. And being able to support your family,” said Crawford.
