• Posted: June 3, 2026
• Chicago electrical contractor EV infrastructure, Electrical construction safety practices in Chicago, Electrical contractors in Chicago healthcare projects, Union electrical workforce Chicago quality

Grand Kahn Electric holds a unique place in the city’s history as Chicago’s first registered electrical contractor. The firm’s legacy began in 1907 when its founder was issued the city’s very first electrical license. Today, as one of the five oldest electrical contractors in the United States and a National Electrical Contractors Association of City of Chicago (NECA) member since 1928, the firm remains at the forefront of the industry. 

Under the leadership of CEO Jo Beth “JB” Leopardo, the company is a nationally certified Women-Owned Business Enterprise (WBE)—a significant differentiator in a traditionally male-dominated industry.

Grand Kahn Electric, Inc. leverages this deep expertise to support a complex portfolio of healthcare, municipal, and industrial electrification projects. These mission-critical jobs demand the technical precision of a workforce trained to execute without room for error. Whether it is a brief service call or a multi-million dollar installation, the Powering Chicago difference remains the same: a commitment to performance that protects the client’s investment.

“If it’s a four-hour service call, that matters just as much as the new cardiac scanning equipment,” said Michael Casto, President of Grand Kahn Electric, Inc.

Precision Through Technology

Beyond traditional installation, Grand Kahn Electric, Inc. utilizes advanced 3D modeling and Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) to manage the complexities of modern healthcare environments. At City of Hope Cancer Research, this high-tech approach—recently featured on NBC News—allowed the team to coordinate intricate electrical systems within existing footprints before construction began.

Because healthcare equipment is constantly evolving, Casto credits a specialized team of technical experts—what he calls the ‘horses in the stable’—with managing these technical shifts. This proactive coordination ensures that life-saving research and treatment continue without interruption, providing the level of technical sophistication that defines Powering Chicago members.

Turnkey Solutions for EV and Renewable Infrastructure

As a ComEd Energy Efficiency Service Provider (EESP), Grand Kahn Electric, Inc. provides turnkey solutions for the rapidly expanding EV sector—managing entire projects from site contractor oversight to final installation. A primary example is the fleet electrification project for West Aurora School District 129’s school buses. Grand Kahn managed the EV charging infrastructure installation from start to finish, resulting in a $930,000 rebate from ComEd that covered approximately one-third of the project cost.

The success in West Aurora has led to further innovation, including the addition of a solar canopy and new projects for Chicago Public Schools (CPS). 

“We turnkeyed the whole thing. From start to finish, it was our project,” said Casto, noting that ComEd praised the work as one of the cleanest installations they had seen.

A Field-First Culture Rooted in Safety and Partnership

The success of these projects is a direct result of a “field-first” mentality and the IBEW Local 134 workforce’s rigorous standards. Casto attributes Grand Kahn’s consistency to continuing education that reduces variability on the job site. 

“I think it starts with training. They all have the same maintained education, continued education, and it shows,” said Casto.

This culture is reinforced through a collaborative approach to safety and labor. Leadership maintains a consistent presence on job sites, hosting monthly 45-minute “safety stand downs” to identify site-specific hazards. Furthermore, Grand Kahn Electric, Inc. embraces a philosophy of industry partnership rather than “cut-throat” competition. By collaborating with other Powering Chicago member contractors to share scope and job opportunities, they contribute to Chicago’s critical infrastructure projects remaining on schedule and on budget.

Looking Ahead

Grand Kahn Electric, Inc. is positioned for its best year on record in 2026, having already surpassed its previous year’s total revenue within the first six months of the fiscal year. By maintaining a disciplined focus on specialized sectors and fostering a culture of technical excellence, the firm continues to lead the way for the next generation of Chicago’s infrastructure.

For organizations looking to partner with elite electrical contractors, the Powering Chicago difference is best seen through the performance of members like Grand Kahn Electric, Inc. To connect with qualified Powering Chicago members for your next project, utilize the Find a Contractor Tool to search by specialty, including healthcare, industrial, EV charging infrastructure, and more.