SAN JOSE, CA – June 15, 2010 – Forty years ago, Pepper Snyder, founder, president and chief executive officer of Sprig Electric, started his company from scratch with a $3,000 loan from his parents and an office in the vacant family room. The San Jose-based company now ranks among the largest electrical contractors in California and employs nearly 500 people. The Bay Area native of over 60 years said his recipe for success is nothing fancy. “Simple hard work and surrounding myself with good, talented people,” said Snyder, humbly.
But those who know of Snyder’s gentle demeanor and soft-spoken country charm insist that it’s his innate networking ability and tireless dedication to his employees and customers that make Sprig the company it is today. Paula Harvey, systems development manager, who has worked for Sprig for 20 years said, “Pepper puts himself on the line for his employees. He does it because that’s who he is not because he has to.” “His care and support for us is contagious and we want to work harder for him and the company,” exclaimed Harvey.
During the recent economic slowdown, Sprig avoided a major layoff and instead participated in a Work Sharing Program, saving 20 percent of its workforce. The program is offered by the California Employment Development Department and allows eligible employers to reduce the hours of workers while offering the employees partial unemployment benefits. “I wanted to keep the team together,” said Snyder. When the economy showed signs of improvement, he brought those workers back full-time. “Company culture is very important to me. It’s the one thing that I won’t let anyone affect,” he said.
The “inside-out” approach of Sprig’s company culture is what gives it the edge said Joe Hansen, vice president for Bay Area-based general contractor Webcor Builders. “With Sprig, it’s not all about the bottom line. It’s the people that make the difference. They are intelligent and understanding and always come up with solutions,” said Hansen. “I know that I can make a phone call if I have an issue and they will do whatever it takes to get it resolved,” he said.
Next month marks four decades of business since its inception on July 07, 1970 and Sprig Electric reports annual revenues exceeding $100 million. “We are still growing and looking for good talent,” said Snyder. He said continuing to grow in a challenging market is something Sprig strives for. “We are constantly innovating new systems to improve productivity and are always looking ahead,” Snyder said.
As the company looks to the future, it is focusing on sustainable construction practices as well as energy audits, photovoltaic systems and fuel cell installation. “We are also diversifying our underground business and expanding our presence in the city of San Francisco,” Snyder said.
Sprig is consistently recognized for its close partnerships and good old fashioned work ethic. Last month, Sprig was selected “Electrical Sub-Contractor of the Year” by Turner Construction, the largest commercial general contracting company in the U.S. Kevin Antonelli, vice president and general manager for Turner Construction’s San Jose office said, “Sprig was elected because it represents our values of good customer service by always looking out for the clients and for being a great partner.”
Sprig Electric was also named one of the Bay Area “Best Places to Work” in 2009 and 2010 by the Silicon Valley/San Jose Business Journal and San Francisco Business Times. Employees were surveyed via an online employee satisfaction evaluation and Sprig was chosen as one of the winners in the category of companies with 101-500 employees.
About Sprig Electric:
Sprig Electric is a full-service electrical and data contractor that designs and installs electrical, data/communications and fire alarm systems for a variety of applications including commercial, residential, educational, life sciences, high-tech, data center, healthcare, institutional, retail, sports, entertainment, hospitality, manufacturing, site development, alternative energy and energy audit/efficiency. For more information, visit Sprig Electric’s website at sprigelectric.com.
About Pepper Snyder:
Medford “Pepper” Snyder is an avid outdoorsman and wetlands conservationist, thus naming Sprig Electric after his favorite pintail duck. He owns/co-owns four separate Duck Clubs located in the Merced County grasslands and serves as board president of the Grassland Water District (GWD). He is also director of the California Waterfowl Association (CWA). He is President of the Santa Clara Valley Chapter of National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA). His hobbies include hunting, bass fishing, raising cutting horses and spending time with his 8-year-old grandson.
Contact:
Stephanie Abbott
Operations & Marketing Support Manager
1860 South 10th Street
San Jose, CA 95112-4108
Ph: 408-298-3134, ext. 302