Photo caption: Ace Electric is celebrating its 40^th anniversary, pictured left to right: Tommy Stalvey, Tom Stalvey, Bobby Stalvey, and Rob Stalvey.

Forty years ago, Thomas (Tom) Stalvey, Sr. started with a strong work ethic and determination to build Ace Electric, Inc., into a successful company that today performs all sizes of electrical projects throughout the Southeastern United States. 

In the early days, Tom and his partner Chuck May handled mostly residential construction jobs, primarily building swimming pools.

“Our business grew very quickly,” Tom explained, “and with the amount of work we had, I left the construction side of the business and devoted all of my time to the electrical side.” 

Tom established Ace Electric, Inc., in 1975 and a year later his brother, Robert (Bobby) Stalvey, purchased Chuck May’s ownership of the company. With an office on the family farm and only a few employees, the two brothers were primarily working on residential jobs with a few industrial and commercial projects. 

Today, joined by their sons Tommy Stalvey, Jr., and Rob Stalvey, the company has grown to more than 300 employees and focuses primarily on commercial and industrial projects in six states. In addition to Valdosta, Ace Electric has offices in Atlanta, Columbus, Macon, and Statesboro, Georgia. They also have a location in Siler City, North Carolina. 

Ace’s number one focus is the safety of the employees and their success is, in large part, due to the company-wide commitment to the core values of integrity, quality and workmanship. “We have tried to establish a culture that safety is number one and then integrity, quality, and our work is a big part of our push,” said Bobby. “We grew from a small company with only a few employees where we knew everyone’s name to having more employees, but we still needed to make sure everyone understood our values.” 

Safety training is not something that is just discussed in meetings or the subject of posters hanging in the offices and warehouses. All employees – no matter their years of service – are required to complete safety training at various levels. In addition to mandated OSHA training, Ace Electric provides safety classes on more than 20 topics from electrical safety to first aid and equipment safety training. Since 1992, Ace Electric has received more than 20 awards for its safety programs.  

“Talking about safety, Ace has always been ahead of the curve,” said Rob. “Before hard hats were required on job sites, either by OSHA or the general contractors, our employees were already wearing them.”   

“We try to make sure that all employees go home every day like they came to work,” said Tom. “That is our number one priority.”  

Ace Electric developed the area’s first Drugs Don’t Work program and then worked with the Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce to provide the program to local businesses. 

The company’s success is based on its commitment to employees, not only providing a safe working environment but ensuring that all employees are properly trained.  

Ace Electric offers several professional training classes including an Apprentice Training Program, which allows employees to benefit from on the job training while receiving formal technical instruction. The company also provides the Professional Electrician’s Program, a two-year “fast track” program that leads to certification as a Journeyman Electrician by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training.

Building a dedicated and experienced team is important to Ace Electric’s past and future success. 

“We are looking for good people,” said Bobby. “The number one thing is a good work ethic and secondly they have to enjoy working with their hands, and then they need to be somewhat technical in their skills.” 

Tom and Bobby are advocates for professional development and are involved within state and national trade associations. 

Tom, Bobby and Rob have all served (or are currently serving) in various elected positions with the Independent Electrical Contractors Association – Georgia and Atlanta Chapters. The management team also participates in professional development training with other electrical contractors throughout the country. 

The Stalvey family's entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to growing a successful business comes from the family’s strong work ethic. Growing up on a farm in Northeast Lowndes County, where members of the family still reside, has served as a catalyst in the company’s success. 

“We are lifelong entrepreneurs, and that comes from our farming background and the fact that we have been working people all of our lives,” said Bobby. “We have that entrepreneurial spirit.” 

Tom and Bobby are proud of what they have accomplished; both are graduates of Valdosta Technical College (now Wiregrass Georgia Technical College) and are thankful to this community for years of support. 

“This community has been very good to our business,” said Tom. “Valdosta is a great place and great community.” 

As the next generation begins to assume more leadership responsibilities, Tom and Bobby are confident that Ace Electric will celebrate many years of future growth and success.