Taylor Electric Demonstrates the Powering Chicago Difference in Action

With more than a century of service and decades as a signatory electrical contractor with IBEW Local 134, Taylor Electric Company brings a legacy of lasting expertise, IBEW Local 134-trained talent, and community-focused leadership to the table. Under the leadership of President and CEO Kendra Dinkins, the firm has completed high-profile projects and helped redefine what success looks like in the industry.

Taylor Electric’s reputation is built on its consistent, high-quality performance across a wide range of projects. From maintaining iconic venues like Soldier Field and Rate Field to undertaking institutional and healthcare projects, their portfolio showcases both depth and versatility. The company is also certified as a minority- and woman-owned business at the local, state, and national levels, a distinction that reflects its leadership and commitment to opportunity.

That reputation is backed by standout projects that demonstrate Taylor Electric’s contributions to the Chicago region. One notable example is their role in delivering temporary cabling for the Democratic National Convention in partnership with another Powering Chicago contractor. That level of collaboration reflects the trust and coordination found among signatory contractors. 

A Partnership That Drives Visibility

As a midsize firm focused on delivering excellent work, Taylor Electric has always prioritized its projects over promotion. That’s where its partnership with Powering Chicago has made a real difference. The resources, visibility, and network provided by Powering Chicago have helped Taylor Electric demonstrate its capabilities and access new opportunities as a result.

“A smaller contractor like us, we don’t necessarily have a very big media budget, so it’s very helpful when they come and film and do certain things for us. This year, we had the opportunity to light the Christmas tree for the city of Chicago, and that generated a lot of press for us—something that we would not have been able to do on our own,” said Dinkins.

More recently, Taylor Electric was awarded a three-year Cook County contract, along with six other firms, to provide EV charging stations throughout the county. As Dinkins shared, “That was, probably highly due to our exposure with Powering Chicago.”

From professional photos and videos for project presentations to earned media coverage and co-branded initiatives, the partnership has created tools that allow Taylor Electric’s work to speak for itself. It has also fostered valuable connections with fellow contractors. 

“We might be competitors, but for us… We’re competing against a non-union contractor,” said Dinkins. “If what I’m doing is helping another union contractor get a little better, then I’m helping the entire industry. I’m helping Taylor Electric as well.”

A Workforce Clients Can Count On

At the core of Taylor Electric’s success is its workforce, trained through IBEW Local 134’s rigorous five-year apprenticeship program.

“We rely on a very consistent quality of work from our workforce,” Dinkins said. “The partnership we have with 134—the contractors and 134—we work together to make sure that we are educating apprentices correctly and making sure the apprenticeship program is strong.”

She also emphasized the professionalism of Local IBEW 134 electricians. 

“They’re not only trained in the hard skills, they’re also trained in the soft skills. So, they know to be on time. They know that they’re a representative of not only their union but the company to the client,” added Dinkins.

When it comes to staffing projects, Taylor Electric’s relationship with IBEW Local 134 allows them to respond with flexibility and speed. 

“You’ll win a job on a Friday, and then Monday it’s like, ‘OK, we need 20 guys out there.’ I know I can provide that fairly quickly, and not a whole lot of training [needs] to be done to do that,” said Dinkins.

Investing in Community and Industry

Taylor Electric’s commitment to Chicago extends far beyond job sites. Through its nonprofit, Taylor Electric Cares, the company introduces women and minorities to electrical careers with hands-on exposure and mentorship. 

“Every quarter, we do the day in the life of an electrician,” Dinkins explained. “Powering Chicago has been the biggest sponsor of that type of work.”

During the pandemic, when things slowed down, Taylor Electric used the time to serve residents and nonprofits. 

“We did, I think, five homes during the pandemic. We did repairs,” said Dinkins.

The firm also donates time and serves on advocacy boards that support equity in contracting.

“Powering Chicago is really kind of putting their shoulder behind a lot of different organizations to make sure that union contractors are making a huge impact in Chicago,” Dinkins explained.

From high-profile projects to hands-on mentorship, Taylor Electric continues to lead with purpose, humility, and an unwavering commitment to quality. The partnership with Powering Chicago has supported their growth and helped spotlight the kind of work and values that set Powering Chicago signatory contractors apart.To see the Powering Chicago difference in action, learn more about our network of trusted, qualified contractors and electricians by checking out our Find A Contractor tool