The Story of Hellman Electric dates back to the 1920s when one of New York’s first electrical contractors, John G. Hellman, formed the company. In 1976, John G. Hellman turned the company over to his son, Robert Hellman, and a partner, Stanley Plonchak. In the 1970s, the company was restructured and sold to Grace Industries.
Hellman Electric President Steven Lazzaro recalls that when he joined the company in 1988 there were five people working in the office and about 25 people working in the field. The company was experiencing personal and financial challenges at that time: Robert Hellman was seeking to retire, and Grace Industries was interested in divesting its interests in the company. That situation presented an important opportunity to three young Hellman professionals, Steven Lazzaro, Allen Cavalluzzi and John Eremita. Three years later, the threesome bought out the remaining partner, Stanley Plonchak, and the new Hellman Electric was born.
The company moved into a new building in its present location in 2004. In 2006, a subsidiary company, Traffic Works was formed. Specializing in Intelligent Transportation Systems, the company complements the civil engineering portion of the business. Together Hellman Electric and Traffic Works have positioned the company for growth.
More recently, the company has also expanded into New York City street lighting and traffic maintenance work. Hellman has also taken a leadership position in Intelligent Transportation maintenance work for the New York State Department of Transportation. High-voltage and underground work, along with a significant amount of aeronautical work fill Hellman Electric’s current portfolio.
With a second generation of leadership at the helm, Hellman Electric is poised for exceptional growth as the marketplace offers increased opportunities in heavy construction, infrastructure assignments and high voltage and sustainable projects.