In 1925, Constantine James Franke and C.D. Bass founded a small commercial electrical shop with a bold vision: delivering dependable electrical solutions that communities could count on. A century later, that promise still holds.
Today, Con J. Franke Electric stands as a trusted name and leader in commercial electrical contracting across Northern California, defined by a century of craftsmanship, innovation, and relationships.
A Legacy Rooted in Family and Built on Purpose
What began as Commercial Electric became Con J. Franke Electric when co-founder C. J. Franke took full ownership. In 1946, Bill Frain, grandfather to current President Barry Frain, joined the company, purchasing it in 1951 with longtime friend Al Massa. By 1967, Bill was sole owner, cementing a family legacy now three generations deep.
“My grandfather lived for the business,” recalled current President Barry Frain. “I learned that as a teenager working in the shop – and I never forgot it.”
In 1981, Bill Frain retired, and Lew Frain became owner and President of Con J. Franke Electric, enabling total field employees to peak at over 200 wiremen.
Barry, an engineer who led major Intel projects, joined Con J. Franke Electric in 2001, and became President and owner in 2007, fully aware of the odds against third-generation contractors and equally determined to beat them.
“I used to think I was doing it for myself,” Barry reflected during our company’s anniversary celebration. “But it’s for our team, our clients, and the communities we serve. That’s what makes it meaningful.”
Innovating with Purpose
You don’t reach 100 years without evolving. Con J. Franke Electric has embraced change at every step, from analog systems to supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) architecture, electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure, and smart facility controls.
In the past two decades, we’ve expanded our services to include:
- Municipal and public works projects
- Advanced electrical systems for water and wastewater treatment
- Solar-ready and EV charging solutions
- Integrated fire, access control, and communication systems
And we’re not done yet. Our in-house prefabricated electrical assembly capabilities, collaborative approach, and tech-forward mindset position us to increase project efficiency and meet the evolving needs of clients throughout California.
We’ve stayed ahead by pairing deep technical expertise with a commitment to modern tools, technology, and training. And we’ve remained flexible, navigating everything from supply chain disruptions to increasingly compressed schedules, all while staying focused on precision and performance.
Built on Relationships, Powered by People
Our greatest strength has always been our people. From electricians to estimators to admin staff, Con J. Franke Electric is powered by a team that shows up with pride, precision, and purpose.
We’ve built lasting partnerships – some now spanning decades – with clients, contractors, and vendors who share our values: show up, follow through, and do the job right.
We’re especially proud to be a workplace where people stay, grow, and lead. It’s that stability, combined with our forward-thinking mindset, that helps us continue to solve complex problems and keep projects on schedule.
Barry put it simply: “This work supports employees, families, and communities. That’s what drives us.”
Projects that Matter to the Community and the Future
Over the last 100 years, we’ve powered progress in ways big and small. From the systems that power clean water and safe learning environments to major public infrastructure, our work supports daily life in Northern California.
Today, we’re helping shape a more sustainable, more connected future through projects that emphasize clean energy, community resilience, and smart infrastructure. Whether renovating a school to improve student safety, upgrading a city-wide water facility to ensure clean drinking water, or delivering complex electrical integration for public works, we bring care, coordination, and commitment to every job.
Beyond project specs and timelines, we’ve always believed in serving people – not just clients. That belief has led us to support community organizations, youth development programs, and workforce education efforts that ensure the next generation of electricians is skilled and supported.
We’re grateful for long-term partnerships with public agencies, general contractors, and clients who trust us to deliver top-quality work and great relationships.
More than Wires and Panels: We Power Possibility
Ask Barry what keeps him going and he’ll tell you: “I thought I was doing this for me. But I realized I do this for our people, for the contractors and clients who trust us. That’s what gives it meaning.”
If you’ve flipped a switch, turned on a tap, or charged your car within 100 miles of our base, chances are we had a hand in it. And that’s a legacy we’re proud to carry forward.
Thank You for the First 100 Years
This milestone belongs to all of us: our employees, clients, partners, suppliers, and especially to our community. Thank you for calling, trusting, and counting on us.
“We’re not just celebrating what’s behind us,” Barry said. “We’re building what’s next.”
Here’s to the next century of quality, reliability, teamwork, innovation – and powering what matters. Because powering what matters isn’t just what we do – it’s who we are.
