The history of Hargett Electric dates back to the early 1940’s when Jack R. Hargett started a small electrical business in Monroe known as Hargett Electric Co. The company has evolved and changed ownership over the years. In 1969, Fred Long a long time friend and employee of Jack R. Hargett, purchased the company and the name changed to Long Wiring Co. Returning to the Hargett family, Long Wiring Co. was purchased on May 1, 2000 by Jack D. Hargett, grandson of the original owner. The company name was changed back the original Hargett Electric Co. on October 1, 2012.
In the early years, the company focused mainly on residential and small commercial electrical projects. As the company grew, the size of the projects grew as well branching out into the industrial market while also adding appliances sales and services. Currently, the company’s primary focus is commercial and industrial electrical projects of all sizes.
For over seventy years, this company has been a prominent leader in the electrical industry with a strong commitment to community involvement. Jack R. Hargett, served on numerous non-profit boards and was instrumental in the formation of the Union County Chamber of Commerce. He played a key role in recruiting several industries to Union County such as Yale Security. Fred Long served as a Councilman for the City of Monroe for 8 years and then as Mayor for 12 years. He too served on several non- profit boards and worked tirelessly for the betterment of this community.
The late Phil Hargett, father of the current owner and lifelong leader in Union County and the electrical industry, served for 20 years as a Monroe City Councilman where he was very instrumental in the formation of the City of Monroe Industrial Park. This Park has been a key tool in the recruitment of major industries to this community. He also served on several non-profit boards. Phil’s vision, leadership and constant guidance were the main factors behind the reacquisition of the company and are credited to the company’s success. Jack D. Hargett continues this commitment to visionary leadership and community involvement by serving on non-profit boards and being involved in civic and industry groups. All four of these men have been named “Union County Man of the Year” for their dedication to this community.
Jack D. Hargett grew up around the electrical industry working for his father, Phil, in all phases of the business. He graduated from Monroe High School in 1985 and from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in 1989. After graduation, he worked for 10 years in the engineering field before purchasing the company. He and his wife, Carrie, have four children, Christen, Jackson, Jacob and Caroline. Jack’s oldest son Jackson Hargett joined the business full time in 2015 upon his graduation from Appalachian State University. He is the fourth generation of Hargett’s to work in the business.
The company has come full circle from Hargett to Long and now back to Hargett. While the industry has progressed and new advances have been made there are certain keys to success that will never change. Hard work, common sense, and treating everyone with honesty and respect are the proven philosophies handed down over three generations and are still being followed today.