Generating Relationships Since 1950
Generating Relationships Since 1950
Acme Electric is a family-owned electrical contractor serving the Cedar Rapids-Iowa City Corridor.
Acme means ‘the highest point.’ It’s the point at which someone or something is the best or most successful.
Around Eastern Iowa, Acme is a name that represents excellence. Acme stands for premium-quality contracting services, exceptional customer service, and the best licensed electricians in the state of Iowa.
Our story officially began in 1950. Donald L. Barrigar and Howard Smith joined forces to establish Acme Electric Company. With Barrigar at the helm as President and CEO for an impressive four decades, Acme quickly became known for electrical expertise.
The company’s legacy deepened as Don D. Barrigar, Donald’s son, stepped into the spotlight. Don brought fresh energy and innovative ideas to Acme in 1981. His ascension to the presidency ten years later in 1991 marked a new chapter of growth and success for the company.
By 2016, the Barrigar family’s commitment to Acme remained unwavering. Jackson Barrigar, a third-generation Acme employee, returned to Iowa and joined the team. His journey from assistant project manager to President in just five years was a testament to his drive and the company’s spirit of opportunity.
Today, Acme Electric is a pillar of the Cedar Rapids-Iowa City community. With more than 125 dedicated employees, the company continues to thrive through its four core divisions: Construction, Engineering, Service, and Energy Solutions. Acme is built on trust and excellence and proud to offer premium electrical contracting services.
As we look ahead, Acme Electric is excited to embrace the future while staying true to our roots. Our commitment to building long-term customer relationships and delivering the ‘acme’ of service is stronger than ever.
Donald L. Barrigar joins Howard Smith at Standard Electric, serving as the company’s President and CEO.
Barrigar purchases Standard Electric and re-brands as Acme Electric.
Don. D. Barrigar (Donald’s son) joins the company.
Don D. Barrigar is named President of Acme Electric.
Historic flood sweeps across Eastern Iowa, devastating the city of Cedar Rapids. Acme grows from 100 employees to 350 in a matter of weeks.
Jackson Barrigar (Don’s son) joins the Acme team as an assistant project manager.
Jackson is named President of Acme Electric.
Your job, your project, your task. Go the extra mile and make it the best it can be.
Always acknowledge your mistakes.
Do what you say you are going to do. Always do the right thing, never the easy thing.
Always represent Acme Electric to the best of your ability.
Premium-Quality Services
Acme offers a range of services for commercial, industrial, and residential applications, covering both new construction and installations for existing buildings. We apply the latest technology and best practices to ensure we’re optimizing costs and maximizing efficiency.
Safety is a top priority at Acme, so we observe and promote OSHA-approved installation methods. All construction sites meet or exceed OSHA and NECA standards. We’re proud to report that Acme finished three of the last five years with zero recordable injuries.
Every team member at Acme commits to delivering the highest level—the Acme—of customer service to all customers at all times. We set high standards for response times and measure our performance to ensure we’re meeting those standards. We pride ourselves on being part of the solution on projects and commit to never being the source of problems, delays, or cost overruns.
At Acme, we believe frequent, clear, and honest communication throughout a project is the key to our clients’ success.
Acme Electric provides a core group of more than 125 field employees and infrastructure to support growth to satisfy any customer needs, having previously staffed over 300 employees between field and office teams.
Through the NJATC in association with the National Electrical Contractors Association and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, all Acme electricians complete a five-year apprenticeship and are licensed by the city and the state of Iowa. Their education continues in accordance with city and state requirements and with involvement in professional groups and supplier-sponsored programs.
Get to know the names and faces behind Acme’s legacy of service and quality.
We take care of our customers and get the job done right the first time.
