Colonial Electric

About Colonial Electric

In 1969, a father-son duo, Clayton and Robert 'Butch' Katski, decided to go into business, officially forming Colonial Electric Company in January 1970 in Harwood, Maryland. This wasn't Clayton's first venture; his original firm, started in 1951, had been destroyed by a fire. Rebuilding from that experience, the new company was a true family affair, with Butch's wife, Jo Ann, also playing a foundational role. The early years were lean, but the family's perseverance helped the company survive multiple recessions. A key strategic pivot occurred in the 1980s when Colonial Electric shifted its focus from residential work to the commercial sector, specializing in multifamily housing. This move proved successful, establishing them as a leader in the electrical contracting industry in the Mid-Atlantic region. For decades, the company grew as a family-owned and operated business, eventually entering its third generation of leadership. The modern era for Colonial Electric was marked by a significant financial event. In April 2021, the company underwent a major recapitalization, partnering with investment firm Main Street Capital. This transaction involved a $32.9 million investment in debt and equity, designed to fuel the company's next chapter while keeping the existing family management team in place. Today, Colonial Electric operates as a private equity-backed firm, a new structure built on over 50 years of family history.