(Seguin) — For nearly eight decades, Seguin Electric Co. has helped power homes, businesses and growth across the community. Now, the family-owned company is being recognized for helping write a chapter in Texas history.
The Texas Historical Commission’s Heritage Division has named Seguin Electric Co., a Texas Treasure Historic Business, an honor reserved for businesses that have helped shape the story of Texas through decades of service to their communities. To qualify, a business must have operated continuously for at least 50 years, maintained employment records and continued providing the same service since its founding. Today, over 700 businesses across the state have earned the designation.
For owner Ralph Boehnke, the recognition was an emotional moment because it represents much more than the success of the company.
“It’s a tribute to my dad. Him and Frank Klein started the business back in 1947 and that started with just those two guys,” said Boehnke. “Then… my brother bought out Frank, and it was my brother and my dad and then in ‘77, I bought out my dad and now Michael has come in. Michael, he’s going to be the third generation, and it just means a lot to me.”
The company’s roots trace back when Ralph’s father, Ed Boehnke, and Frank Klein launched the business from a garage after learning the electrical trade while serving with the War Department in North Africa during World War II. Over the decades, ownership remained in the family, eventually passing to Ralph and now preparing for a third generation of leadership.
Looking back over the years, Ralph says the recognition reflects the company’s commitment to both its customers and to Seguin.
“We’ve accomplished a lot. We tried to do the right thing with everybody,” said Ralph. “It’s not very many people can say they’ve been in business for 79 years. It means a lot. We try to represent Seguin. Seguin is a great community. It’s treated us very well.”
That next chapter, however, now belongs to Ralph’s son, Michael Boehnke, who returned to the family business after spending more than a decade in corporate America.
Michael says the journey away from Seguin Electric ultimately prepared him to lead it into the future.
“This 100 percent is a blessing from God. God takes you where you don’t think you need to go to bring you back where He had a plan for you the entire time,” said Michael.
After working for both independent companies and a large corporation, Michael says one lesson stood above all the rest.
“The one thing that I learned through all that is that businesses do not exist. People exist,” said Michael. “A huge gratitude to all the people in the community that have believed in us… and also a testament to the quality of the people that dad has surrounded himself with. Most of our employees have been with us for 15, 20 years plus. So, it’s all about the people.”
Ralph credits his son’s experience and leadership for positioning the company for continued growth.
“He’s going to take it and run with it and expand,” said Ralph. “He has taken it full steam ahead. He’s doing a great job.”
In regard to the electrical industry, Michael says he hopes to attract a new generation of skilled tradesmen while continuing the company’s long-standing values.
“I want to have the pride at the end of the day to really tell our guys, we actually change the world every day. It’s my job to try to keep it going, and that’s going to be tough, but I can promise you it’s not going to be for lack of trying,” said Michael.
Also, at a time when many family businesses are being purchased by large corporations, Michael says Seguin Electric has every intention to remain locally owned.
“We’re not for sale, we’re not going to be,” said Michael. “I just have to try to keep the integrity and the work ethic that my grandfather and my dad have had until today moving forward… I’d like to be here 30 years from now and say, we’re still owned by the Boehnke family. We still have great employees. We are going to charge people an honest price for an honest day’s work, and that’s what’s going to keep us going.”
Seguin Electric celebrated the statewide recognition during a community reception Thursday afternoon at its North Austin Street location.
The company now joins four other Seguin businesses that have also received the Texas Treasure Historic Business designation. Those businesses include Starcke’s Furniture, Davila’s BBQ, Dietz Flower Shop and Seguin Produce Co-op.
