Selkirk Electric has had a few homes in Golden over the years but twenty years after the business began things are still busy.
Joe Devlin is the owner, along with being an electrician, who started the company originally out of his house.
After moving to Golden many years ago Devlin started doing electrical work. After people started talking about what he was doing, the business started growing until eventually the decision was made to move into a more permanent site.
He started an apprenticeship in 1975 and after working in a few other places, he made the decision to move to Golden with his wife who was originally from the area.
“I like doing it. The work is good. Golden is a good place to be. We raised three kids here and it has been great,” Devlin said.
“When I came back to Golden I thought I would be working out of town but after starting my own business I have been busy ever since.”
Gary Ottoson is the District Manager at Selkirk. After spending many years working for another business in Golden he made the decision to move to Selkirk about five years ago.
Ottoson explained he enjoys the work partially because it has given him the chance to learn more things about electrical departments.
The company offers many services to people including but not limited to retail and wholesale sales, construction, renovations and lighting upgrades.
He explained people over the years have changed the way they shop for the services the company offers.
“I find most of the time people who are building their own houses or changing something around, can go on the internet and learn quite a bit about what they want and how much they want to pay.”
The electrical and hardware industries change all of the time and this is something workers at Selkirk try to keep up to date with, Ottoson said. One area which has been developing quickly in recent times according to Ottoson is the green friendly part of the industry. “Like lighting and insulation for houses people are trying to upgrade. People are more conscientious and more efficient with their houses,” he said.
He went on to explain another reason why this work is so important to him.
“I find it rewarding to work with people. It is a nice part of this for me. There are a lot of good people in Golden and if I can help them out one way or another then that is an accomplishment,” Ottoson said.
Ottoson also said that the company has been working hard with their service and doing everything they can to make sure their customers are always satisfied.
Anyone interested in speaking to someone at the office can drop by 1135 10th Avenue North or give them a call at 250-344-2530.
