Celebrating 45 Years In the electrical Trade

Article by: Tom Jensen - Vice PResident

2026 marks an extraordinary milestone for GSL Electric—45 years in business. Since opening our doors in April of 1981, we have grown from a small electrical contractor serving the Salt Lake Valley into one of the largest and most diverse electrical contractors in the Western United States. As we celebrate this anniversary, I find myself reflecting not just on how far we’ve come, but on who made it possible. Quite simply, the credit belongs to our employees. 

From Humble Beginnings

When founders Craig Taft, Guy Moore, and Don Taft incorporated GSL Electric, the company consisted of fewer than a dozen individuals focused on small commercial and industrial projects. What they built from the beginning, however, was more than a business. They created a culture rooted in hard work, craftsmanship, and a belief that success should be shared. That foundation has carried us forward for four and a half decades. 

In 1983, GSL expanded its capabilities by establishing GSL Engineering, allowing us to engage in Design Build construction. As our expertise grew, so did our reach—supporting mining operations throughout Northern Nevada and Southern Idaho, and eventually expanding into additional western states. Today, GSL Electric operates in eleven western states, with over 300 licensed electricians being coordinated from our branch offices in Sandy, Utah, and Las Vegas, Nevada. 

Powering Forward

Our growth is reflected in the projects we are entrusted to deliver. From the Salt Lake City International Airport Remodel to the Switch Core Campus SuperNAP data centers, from Clark County School District replacements to the New Lehi City Hall and Library, our teams continue to demonstrate technical excellence across a diverse project types and market sectors. These projects stand as visible proof of the skill, professionalism, and commitment our field and office teams bring every day. 

But while projects define our capabilities, our culture defines who we are. 

In 2017, GSL Electric became 100% employee-owned. This transition ensured that every employee shares directly in the success they help create. Our employee ownership model reflects a simple belief: the people doing the work should benefit from the value they build. Ownership fosters accountability, pride, and long-term thinking. It strengthens our leadership in the field and in the office. Most importantly, it reinforces that our success is collective. 

A Team Effort

That collective mindset is evident in our unwavering commitment to safety and training. Through in-house and state-sanctioned apprenticeship programs, along with OSHA and MSHA training, we continue to invest in developing highly skilled electricians while maintaining a “Safety First” culture. This year, we achieved our lowest EMR rating in over a decade—a milestone that speaks volumes about the discipline and care our teams bring to every jobsite. Safety is not a slogan at GSL; it is a daily commitment to one another. 

Perhaps the clearest validation of our culture comes directly from our employees. In 2025, GSL Electric received the Top Workplaces Culture Excellence Award for Purpose & Values—an honor that reflects how our people feel about working here. We have also been recognized as a Top Workplace in the Construction Industry for three consecutive years (2023–2025), selected as a 2025 National Top Workplace in USA Today, named a Utah Top Workplace for five straight years (2021–2025), recognized as a 2025 Nevada Top Workplace, and most recently honored in 2026 as a Top Workplace for Frontline Workers. These recognitions are meaningful because they are based on employee feedback. They affirm that our culture of respect, opportunity, safety, and shared success is not just something we talk about—it is something our people experience. 

As we celebrate 45 years, I am filled with gratitude. Gratitude for the electricians in the field who represent our name with integrity and skill. Gratitude for the project managers, estimators, engineers, and support teams who keep our operations strong. Gratitude for the leaders who mentor the next generation. And gratitude for the clients who trust us with their most critical projects. 

The past 45 years have proven what can be accomplished when talented people unite around a shared purpose. The future of GSL Electric is bright—not because of buildings we construct, but because of the employee-owners who build them. Together, we have created a legacy worth celebrating. And together, we will continue building on it for decades to come.