As we turn the page into a new year, we’re not just marking a milestone; we’re celebrating a century of power, progress, and partnership.
This year, Con J. Franke Electric (CJF), one of Northern California's oldest and most respected electrical contracting firms, proudly marks its 100th year in business.
The story of CJF is a story of evolution—from a small appliance shop that brought electricity into early 20th-century homes to a multi-generational industry leader powering the most complex infrastructure projects in the region today.
For our partners, clients, and the communities we serve, this history is more than just a timeline; it’s the foundation for the safety, quality, and innovative problem-solving we promise for the next 100 years.
The Spark of the Founder: From Appliances to Civic Leader
The company’s roots begin with a local innovator: Constantine J. Franke.
Recognizing the potential of the then-new field of electrical engineering, he was instrumental in bringing modern power to Stockton and San Joaquin County.
The official company history starts in 1925 when Constantine founded Con J. Franke Electric after the split of his first firm.
The early days saw CJF operating out of a flagship store on Weber Avenue, where they were known as the go-to experts for "everything electrical," specializing in the installation, repair, and sales of new appliances.
Constantine J. Franke’s commitment extended beyond business.
He served as the Mayor of Stockton from 1932 to 1934 and personally oversaw the integration of the Port of Stockton into the city's electrical grid, installing systems in wartime industrial manufacturers along the waterfront.
This early focus on civic leadership and major industrial projects set the standard for the company’s infrastructure specialization that continues today.
The Mid-Century Hand-Off: A Focus on the Trades
The 1940s and 1950s marked a pivotal transition.
Constantine, a known mentor, sold the business in 1951 to two of his employees, Bill Frain and Al Massa.
Bill Frain became the sole owner in 1967 and soon welcomed his son, Lew Frain, to the team.
Lew Frain, a U.S. Army veteran and former design draftsman, started his apprenticeship in the trades, ensuring the company's growth was rooted in technical skill.
This era saw CJF transition from a local appliance shop toward its future as a heavy-duty contractor, securing lucrative contracts due to its sterling reputation.
The Public Works Era: Scaling Up for Complexity
Under Lew Frain’s leadership, the company rapidly expanded in the late 20th century.
Taking over as president in 1981, Lew Frain grew the firm into a powerhouse that, at its peak, employed over 200 wiremen.
The business direction fundamentally shifted to focus on Public Works projects—the vast, complex infrastructure that powers our daily lives.
This transformation positioned CJF as a top-tier provider for large-scale, high-demand clients.
They moved from simply "wiring buildings" to mastering complex electrical construction for water and wastewater treatment plants, large commercial facilities, and educational institutions.
Third Generation and Modern Innovation: The Future of Power
Today, the company is led by Barry Frain, Lew’s son and the third generation of the Frain family, who took over as President in 2007.
Bringing his experience as an Electrical Engineer at Intel, Barry spearheaded the integration of Design/Build electrical engineering services in-house.
This commitment to innovation has been critical in a rapidly changing industry, leading the firm to:
- Become IBEW Local 595 Partners: Partnering with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers ensures the highest level of training and professionalism on every project.
- Embrace EV Infrastructure: CJF attained the California certification for public electric vehicle charging projects through EVITP in 2020.
- Focus on Specialized Projects: The company’s core work now involves mission-critical environments like water treatment, hospitals, and industrial facilities, where the highest levels of quality and performance are required.
What 100 Years of History Means Today
Our centennial isn't just a look back; it's a statement about our future.
Our Vision is simple: to be the Premier Electrical Contractor in Northern California.
Every project we take on—from modernizing a massive wastewater plant to upgrading a hospital's power systems—is guided by the core values established by our founders and passed down through the generations: safety, integrity/honesty, quality, and work/life harmony.
When you choose Con J. Franke Electric, you choose a partner that combines the proven reliability of a century-old company with the innovative problem-solving of a forward-thinking engineering firm.
We are dedicated to delivering the highest-quality electrical contracting services and using our deep knowledge base for the most challenging projects.
Here's to a century of success, and to powering the next generation of Northern California's progress.
