April, 1964
Citing a lack of work and mouths to feed, brothers Larry and Roger Buist struck out on their own and bought the first piece of property, an old service station on an acre with 2000 sf of warehouse space in the heart of Byron Center, Michigan. By the beginning of 1965, the business started to grow, and Rog and Larry hired their first employees: John Buist, their father, and Roger Sterk. Roger is still employed today!

June, 1975
The business continued to grow, prosper, and expand. A 2240 sf warehouse was added, and employees numbered about 30.

1987-1988
Buist Electric purchased 4 acres of property adjacent to the gas station. Buist employees numbered about 40. The very next year they added 1750 sq. ft. for office and parking area, and 3500 sq. ft. warehouse space and again expanded the parking area.

1990-1991
Another addition of 10,200 sq. ft. for warehouse and also converted some warehouse space to office.

1993
Buist Electric found themselves with 5500 sq. ft. of office space and 14,500 sq. ft. of warehouse space. They employed about 95 employees. Their work was mainly within 100 miles of Byron Center. They do industrial, commercial, and institutional jobs, and have an underground and service department.

1994
Buist Electric expanded their services and added Buist Network Solutions, later called Buist Communications.

1995
Buist Electric adopted the corporate motto “Raising the Standard” in the electrical industry.

1998
Another addition. Removed 2 apartments and storage space that occupied the second floor and made office space and conference/education rooms.

2004
This year marks a milestone for our company - our 40th Anniversary! This year we will be celebrating it by inviting customers, vendors, families, and friends of Buist Electric.

Dec 29, 2005
Buist Electric becomes an Employee Owned Company (ESOP) Company.

April 1, 2006
Buist Electric expands into the Kalamazoo market with the purchase of Tutor Electric.

Fall, 2006
Buist Electric purchases Kelley Slentz Electric in Greenville, MI.

March 2008
Buist Electric opens the "Buist Community Assistance Center" in downtown Byron Center to provide food, clothing and household items to those in need.

(excerpts taken from the Byron Center Historical Society)