About Cassady Electric

In 1962, Vernon (Hoppy) Cassady and his family traveled from Kentucky to visit family in the Bloomington area. After some car trouble, they decided to stay and Vernon took a job at an appliance store doing small repairs and electrical work. Soon after, he joined a local electrical contractor before branching out on his own. By 1965, Hoppy’s Electric Co. was officially established. The company was focused on residential and light commercial electrical work. Mae Cassady, Vernon’s wife began working as an electrician alongside her husband. She was one of the first female electricians in the state of Indiana and a true trailblazer in the industry. In 1967, the Cassady family and Hoppy’s Electric Co. moved to the Kokomo and Gas City area, pursuing new work opportunities. During this time, Vernon and Mae met Dave and Joyce Huston through industry connections, forming relationships that would leave a lasting impact.

At the start of the 1970s, the Cassady family returned to Bloomington with a clear vision: to expand their electrical contracting business. They began focusing on larger commercial projects and historic renovations, carving out a niche in the industry for high-quality, detail-oriented work. In 1975, the restoration of the Cochran House became a notable milestone, showcasing their expertise in preserving historic structures while modernizing their electrical systems. By 1976, Hoppy’s Electric formally joined the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) as a union electrical contractor, solidifying its growing reputation as a trusted name in the industry. The family legacy continued into the next generation when, in 1979, Mike Cassady, son of Vernon and Mae, began his electrical apprenticeship. His commitment marked the start of a new chapter, ensuring the Cassady family’s dedication to excellence would endure for years to come.

In 1980, the company was rebranded to Cassady Electrical Contractors, Inc. to reflect its growing scope and ambition. After Vernon’s tragic passing in 1981, Mae Cassady took the helm, guiding the company through major projects like the YMCA and converting old stone mills into medical manufacturing buildings. In 1984, Cassady Electric was instrumental in hanging the first Canopy of Lights around Downtown Bloomington for the holiday season, a cherished community tradition. That same year, Randy Cassady, the second child of Vern and Mae, officially joined the family business, further strengthening its foundation. By the late 1980s, Cassady Electric had completed additional historic renovations, including work on the Monroe County Courthouse and Fountain Square in downtown Bloomington. To support its continued growth, the company acquired a commercial building in Ellettsville in 1989, marking another milestone in its evolution.

The 1990s marked a significant period of expansion for Cassady Electric, as the company continued to build a diverse portfolio of government, institutional, and healthcare projects. One of the standout achievements of this decade was the renovation of the historic Showers Factory in 1995, a challenging yet rewarding project that showcased the company’s expertise in handling complex restoration work. The decade also saw Cassady Electric establish a strong foothold in Southern Indiana, particularly in the French Lick area. This expansion into the region proved pivotal, laying the groundwork for future growth and securing lasting relationships with key clients. The company's ability to navigate these new territories helped set the stage for further regional development. Throughout this time, Cassady Electric remained committed to its core values while continuing to expand its reach and reputation.

The new millennium brought continued success for Cassady Electric as the company thrived in both residential and commercial markets. During this time, Cassady Electric expanded its expertise with a growing focus on adaptive reuse and design-build projects, adding a variety of high-profile projects to its portfolio. Notable undertakings included an addition to Bloomington Hospital, significant work at Indiana University, and more mill transformation projects. A key milestone in the 2000s was Cassady Electric's involvement in the extensive renovations at the historic French Lick Resort opening in 2004. In 2005, the company took another significant step forward by opening a second location in Bloomington at the refurbished Woolery Mill Administrative office. This move allowed Cassady Electric to better support its growing operations, ensuring continued success and expanding its impact across the region.

By 2011, Cassady Electric had grown to a team of 75 employees, solidifying its reputation as a growing company in the electrical contracting industry. In 2015, the company was honored with the prestigious Half Century Award from the State of Indiana, recognizing over 50 years of business excellence and community impact. In December 2018, Cassady Electric moved into its current facility, a milestone that reflected its ongoing growth and evolution. This new location allowed the company to further expand its capabilities, including adding large-scale multifamily construction projects to the company’s portfolio, while continuing to serve residential, medical manufacturing, and commercial clients with the same dedication to quality and service.

In 2022, Mae Cassady’s passing marked the transition to the second generation of leadership, with Mike and Randy leading the way to ensure the company’s continued legacy. In 2024, Cassady Electric took a significant step toward the future by merging with Huston Electric. This partnership not only honored the companies' rich history and family values but also ensured its position as an industry leader. With this new chapter, Cassady Electric is poised for a bright future, continuing to build on its foundation of innovation, quality, and community commitment.