By Deb Kroon
Review Staff writer
TEAM is the secret to the success of Preferred Electric. Clint Kruger, eldest son of Denny and Anne Kruger, grew up in Adrian, MN. He graduated from Adrian High School in 1993. Later that year he started a four year enlistment in the United States Marine Corps. By the time he finished his four year commitment, he had decided to pursue a career as an electrician. He applied to and was accepted at Dunwoody College of Technology in Minneapolis, MN.
In late February of 2008, out of the basement of his home, Clint founded “Preferred Electric,” a Minneapolis-based commercial and industrial electric contractor. Twelve to sixteen hour days, sometimes seven days a week, was the new commitment Clint made. “I spent a lot of time away from my family,” Clint said. I worked on the job during the day and did book work at night. My wife Laura shouldered a lot of the responsibility for our family.” The Krugers have two children, Carson and Chloe.
In January of 2010, Preferred Electric was certified as a Service Disabled Veteran – Owned Business. This certification allows the Veteran-owned business a better chance at being awarded government contracts, especially for the Department of Veteran’s Affairs.
Later in 2010, Preferred Electric purchased Commercial Electric of the Twin Cities, which had been in business since 1927.
As Preferred Electric continued to grow, Clint moved into his first office space in August of 2012, located in New Hope, MN and began to hire office staff. The company became a part of NECA (National Electric Contractors Association), joining both the Minneapolis and St. Paul Chapters. Clint said that the ability to regularly bounce ideas and questions off of others has aided his development as a contractor. “It’s great to be able to utilize the resources that NECA has to offer,” Clint said.
In September of 2015, Preferred Electric purchased Metro Electric Construction Co. Inc. Clint moved his company into Metro’s offices and warehouse in Minneapolis, where it is still located today. Preferred Electric now employs 38 people, one of whom is Clint’s brother Christopher. “Chris has put in a lot of long hours for the company,” Clint explained. “He handles all the electrical at the V. A. in Minneapolis. He deserves as much recognition for this award as I do.”
As part of National Small Business Week (April 29 – May 5), the U.S. Small Business Administration named Preferred Electric the Minnesota 2018 Veteran-Owned Small Business of the Year. Clint said that everyone that is a part of Preferred Electric’s team deserves credit for the recognition. “It’s not about me,” Clint stated. “It’s about us. I feel the team we have at Preferred Electric and what we put together is the real reason for this award. It’s not so much about what I’ve done, but what we done together-from the corner office to the warehouse guy. It shows what we as a team have been able to accomplish in such a short time frame.”
In 2016, Clint took part in SBA’s “Emerging Leader” program. “It really helped me step back and take a different approach to business,” he said. A major aspect of Clint’s business strategy has involved reinvesting profits in the company, allowing him to expand. Who he hires matters also. He brings people into the company, including fellow Veterans, who have the same core values as the business, such as integrity, good work ethics and dedication. Clint expects to make an acquisition later in 2018 that will have a major impact on Preferred Electric’s future.
Clint still finds time to be active in his community. Preferred Electric has donated labor and materials to the kitchen remodel for Ace Hoops House. The company also participated in supporting families through the Adopt a Family Angel program. This program strives to match a family in need with an Angel who will help. Preferred Electric also works with local churches. “I have been so blessed. It feels good to give back,” Clint said.
Preferred Electric works with each and every client to accomplish their desired project. “Listening to our customers allows us to offer the highest quality products and personal service. We are proud of who we are and what we do and how we do it. We take care of our people,” Clint finished, “both our customers and our team. I can’t stress enough how important the team is to the success of Preferred Electric.”
