Wiring An American Dream

The Story of Buddy Eidel and Tri-City Electrical Contractors Inc.

Buddy Eidel – Written by Kenneth R. Overman and Published Through Create Space and Ingram Spark

In 1958, a German immigrant and his young son determined to start a business. Armed with technical knowledge, a fierce determination to succeed, and an old AT&T service truck, Buddy Eidel and his father opened shop in a spare room of their house. Sixty years later, Tri-City Electrical Contractors has blossomed into the fifth-largest specialty contractor in the American Southeast.

It wasn’t easy. The fledgling company experienced tough competition, a market dominated by the unions, a recession, and growing pains inherent with expanding technology. Then in 1971 on the eve of Thanksgiving, a disgruntled competitor set Tri-City’s offices and warehouse on fire, reducing it to smoldering ashes. But the Eidels were not accustomed to failure, and four days later on Monday morning, Tri-City was open for business.

This is the account of a remarkable entrepreneur who with his wife, parents, and a dedicated, hard-working team changed the face of Florida’s electrical contracting business forever. Told through recollections of Buddy Eidel and many others, this is an inspirational account of innovation, integrity, and a lot of love. Aside from all the accolades, Wiring an American Dream also reveals how hard work, perseverance, and treating people like you want to be treated will produce great rewards.