History

Block Electric Company History

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The Block Electric Story

Back in 1920, Frank Block, hung up his sign. He became an electrical contractor, license No. 85, in the City of Chicago. The work back then consisted mostly of converting homes and apartments to electricity from gas lamps. The easy ones were the homes that were located alongside the CTA tracks. The CTA sold DC power to anyone who wanted to buy it.

Five years later, John Block, joined his brother just before the great depression. Things got pretty tough for them through the next decade as business after business failed. Very few people had the resources to convert to the luxury of electricity.

Frank and John Block overcame the handicap of having little formal education. They saw an industry in its infancy, as electricity was newly invented. Their small contracting business grew without the advantage of the sophistication we have today. They had one goal in mind: Do the best job possible, keep their costs in line, and make a profit.

Block Electric has remained family owned for over 100 years, with three generations of the Block family working for the Company.