Business

Lighting the Way: How AGC Electric Became a Generational Legacy of Trust and Quality

November 10, 2025

By: Muhammad Waseem

With a population of just 66,474, Sammamish, Washington, is one of those small cities where small businesses are the lifeblood of the community. In the heart of Sammamish, there’s one family-run company that has quietly powered homes and businesses for more than half a century. The story behind AGC Electric isn’t one of “just another electrical contractor”; it’s a story of grit, hard work, and community that has spanned two generations.

It began with one man’s flicker of an idea in the late 1960s. Today, AGC Electric is a thriving, respected enterprise that represents what happens when dedication, honesty, and skill meet purpose. Their name has become synonymous with reliability when it comes to Seattle area electricians, and with good reason.

From Aerospace to Amp Meters: The Birth of AGC Electric

The story of AGC Electric began with a leap of faith. In the late 1960s, Jerry Copenhaver was working in a stable corporate job at a major aerospace company. It was comfortable, respectable, and Jerry was on the path of upward mobility. However, he found himself growing restless, as he was more of a hands-on type of person when it came to work. He also had an entrepreneurial spark and a vision of building something meaningful.

Jerry traded his slide rule for a tool belt and set out on his own. Armed with the implements of an electrician’s trade and the belief that good, honest work would always find its reward, he set out to manifest his vision, one client at a time.

His belief turned out to be true. Word of Jerry’s meticulous workmanship and fair pricing spread quickly, and AGC Electric was born – a small business rooted in family values and fueled by integrity.

While other companies employed high-dollar ad campaigns and gimmickry to build their brands, Jerry’s reputation actually became his most excellent marketing tool. There were no social media campaigns or SEO strategies for small businesses just starting back then – just word of mouth, with a satisfied customer here and a referral there. From rewiring homes to outfitting commercial builds, AGC Electric built its name as a local electrical company with satisfied clients.

A Family Legacy in Every Wire

Fast forward to today, and AGC Electric continues as a beacon of small business success. It’s still family-owned, still proudly local, and now captained by Jerry’s son, Steve Copenhaver. Steve has not only upheld his father’s legacy; he has expanded upon it, navigating the company through changes in the industry and modern demands, such as smart homes, EV chargers, and energy-efficient technologies.

While the tools and technologies may have changed, the company’s philosophy hasn’t. Every project AGC Electric takes on, no matter how small, receives the same care and attention as the major commercial jobs that helped define the company’s growth. Steve’s commitment to his customers mirrors his father’s original vision: treat people like neighbors, not numbers.

“I take pride in helping people realize their vision,” Steve says. “Sometimes that means sitting with a homeowner and helping them design the kitchen or bathroom of their dreams. Other times, it’s making sure a business owner’s equipment is powered safely and efficiently so they can open their doors on time.”

That personal touch has helped to create deep roots in the community. Many of AGC Electric’s customers are the children and grandchildren of those who hired Jerry decades ago. The company has literally lit up generations of homes, offices, and small businesses across the Seattle area. AGC Electric also services high-end properties in the Bellevue/Seattle area.

Where Precision Meets Heart

For most people, the concept of electrical work and electrical contracting may seem dry and technical, but for AGC Electric, it’s about people. Every switch, socket, and circuit has a human story behind it – families gathering around a newly lit patio, bakers creating in bright, well-equipped kitchens, or office workers staying productive thanks to a perfectly designed, well-tuned electrical system.

Take the story of a local bakery that needed a workspace illuminated in just the right way to craft their pastries. AGC Electric designed and installed lighting that not only improved safety and productivity but also enhanced the atmosphere for both staff and customers. “We get a lot of satisfaction out of those kinds of jobs,” Steve shares. “When you see how happy someone is with the final result, it’s the best part of the work.”

And that attitude isn’t limited to big projects. Many customers have praised AGC Electric for being there when they need help most – whether replacing a circuit breaker, installing a 240V outlet, or fixing an emergency power issue on short notice.

Community Trust, One Call at a Time

On community platforms like Nextdoor, AGC Electric has earned an outpouring of praise from local homeowners and business owners alike. One recent review says it all:

“If you’re looking for a referral for an excellent electrician, I can’t speak more highly about the owner of AGC Electric of Sammamish, Steve Copenhaver. Our 240-volt outlet, powering an electric vehicle, was overheating. I contacted Steve, and he was able to fit me into his schedule that day, communicating with me regularly to keep me updated on his availability. He resolved the issue; now the outlet remains cool and the electric vehicle is happily recharging in the garage. As if that were not enough, Steve’s billing rate was extremely reasonable. I look forward to hiring him to replace our home’s electric panel.”

It’s that combination of professionalism, fair pricing, and neighborly service that sets AGC Electric apart. Customers consistently mention Steve’s honesty and the company’s commitment to solving problems efficiently – sometimes even offering guidance on how homeowners can safely fix minor issues themselves before paying for a service call.

That’s a rare level of integrity in any industry, and it’s why so many in the Seattle metro area consider AGC Electric their go-to electrical services company.

From Cozy Homes to Commercial Builds

Over the years, AGC Electric has handled nearly every type of electrical project imaginable. On the residential side, the company has powered everything from cozy craftsman remodels to luxury homes featuring outdoor entertainment spaces—think infrared heaters, built-in TVs, and backyard BBQ setups for year-round gatherings.

They also handle more modern installations, such as EV chargers, hot tubs, and backup generators, which have become essential for homeowners seeking to combine comfort, safety, and sustainability.

Commercially, AGC Electric’s portfolio is equally impressive. They’ve provided electrical solutions for bakeries, door manufacturing plants, and restaurants, ensuring that operations run smoothly and safely. Whether they’re wiring massive paint booths or installing exhaust hoods in a local café, the AGC Electric team treats every project with the same level of dedication.

As Steve puts it, “We know our work has a direct impact on someone else’s ability to do theirs. That’s a responsibility we take seriously.”

Decades of Dependability

The world has undergone significant changes since AGC Electric’s early days. New technologies, stricter codes, and the rise of intelligent systems have transformed the electrical services industry. Yet through it all, the company’s philosophy has stayed the same. Dependability, honesty, and craftsmanship are still their cornerstones.

That consistency has earned AGC Electric long-term partnerships with respected local contractors, who trust the team’s expertise for residential remodels and custom projects. Builders know that when AGC Electric is on-site, the job will be done right the first time, with no untoward delays, shortcuts or excuses.

It’s a level of reliability that only comes from decades of hands-on experience and a reputation built one satisfied customer at a time.

Powering the Future

AGC Electric isn’t just maintaining a legacy; they’re evolving with the times. As the demand for energy-efficient solutions grows, one of the things that Steve and his team are focused on is helping homeowners and businesses transition to cleaner, more innovative technologies. From LED lighting upgrades and automation systems to EV charging stations, AGC Electric is helping shape the next era of responsible energy use in the Pacific Northwest.

At the same time, they continue to offer the kind of service that is increasingly rare in today’s fast-paced world: personal, attentive, and genuinely invested. When you call AGC Electric, you’re not routed through a call center or left wondering who’s coming to your door. You’re talking to someone who’s likely been serving your community for decades, and who will treat your home or business like their own.

The Human Touch Behind Every Job

Ask Steve what keeps him motivated after all these years, and his answer is simple: people. “Every job is different because every person is different,” he says. “We’re not just installing wires – we’re helping someone feel safe, comfortable, and confident in their home or business.”

That human-centered approach is what continues to earn AGC Electric glowing reviews and heartfelt referrals. Customers know they’re not just hiring an electrician – they’re partnering with a company that doesn’t just talk about caring – they genuinely do.

A Bright Future… Built on Strong Values

As AGC Electric looks to the next 50 years, its path is clear: continue doing what it does best. They plan to continue serving the Seattle metro area with the same blend of family values, professional excellence, and community spirit that has defined them since Jerry Copenhaver started the company.

In a world where big-box contractors often treat clients like they’re expendable, AGC Electric remains refreshingly personal. Instead of designing systems and wiring buildings, they continue to build relationships – and clearly, ones that last. In the process, they’ve kept the lights on for families and businesses across Washington State.

Whether you’re remodeling your kitchen, outfitting a new office, or finally installing that EV charger you’ve been meaning to get, AGC Electric of Sammamish is ready to help – at this point, as they’ve been doing for generations.