• Posted: June 14, 2024
• Bill Hardt, Carl Hardt, David Hardt, EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment), Hardt Electric, Renewable Energy

In 1935, Carl Hardt opened a motor rewinding company from their three-flat home that eventually became an electrical contracting business, called C&H Electric. In 1973, Carl’s sons Bill and David Hardt decided to leave C&H Electric and start Hardt Electric with the blessing of their dad. This year, Hardt Electric celebrates its 50th anniversary, serving as a testament to the company’s enduring legacy built on family, leadership, and commitment.

Hardt Electric is more than just an electrical contracting company—it’s a versatile solution provider for a wide range of clients. Whether it’s tackling electrical issues in commercial, industrial, or residential settings, Hardt Electric prides itself on delivering top-notch work that meets deadlines and stays within budget. Their industrialized approach ensures efficiency and quality in every project they undertake. Hardt Electric has a commitment to customer satisfaction, achieved through their industry-leading JPAC productivity software, a system aimed at assessing and enhancing labor productivity at job sites, which keeps clients informed and projects visible every step of the way. 

Beyond their dedication to excellence, Hardt Electric also prioritizes environmental sustainability, offering services in renewable energy solutions like solar, wind, electrical retrofits, and EVSE charging infrastructure. As a licensed electrical contractor accredited by IBEW/NECA in the City of Chicago, Hardt Electric operates with professionalism and integrity, providing clients with the assurance of quality and reliability in every project.

Family has always been the heart of Hardt Electric. Despite gaining opportunities to merge with larger companies over the years, the Hardt family remained committed to preserving their legacy. 

“The fact that we’ve stayed a family-owned business says a lot,” said David Hardt.

The commitment to family extended to the next generation of Hardts. David and Bill Hardt both have sons who are the same age, so when they graduated college, they decided to provide them with the opportunity of a lifetime.

“We required them both to work for another company for five years to gain experience, then if they were interested in returning to the company they were welcome to,” said David Hardt. 

While David’s nephew decided to pursue other opportunities, his son, Peter Hardt, returned to work for the family business and has been with the company for 20 years now. David is presently semi-retired, and Peter is now completely in charge of running the business.

The Hardt Electric family values extend beyond just the immediate Hardt family. Over the years, the company has hosted a family picnic for its employees, complete with magicians, face painters, games like Bingo, and food. There’s even a fishing contest and baseball game, and Hardt Electric’s suppliers pitch in too to provide hundreds of dollars worth of gifts. 

When Hardt Electric has a good year, they share the profits by hosting a “bonus party” the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, where they hand out significant end-of-year bonuses to show appreciation to their employees. 

As Hardt Electric marks its 50th anniversary, it celebrates a journey rooted in family values, leadership, and unwavering commitment. What began as a modest venture in the Hardt family home has blossomed into a respected electrical contracting firm, serving a diverse range of clients across commercial, industrial, and residential sectors. 

The company looks ahead with gratitude for its past achievements and a firm commitment to upholding its legacy of excellence for the future, and supporting clients “as only a family can.”