When Tom Bent founded Bent Electrical Contractors in 1979, he worked out of a station wagon. Over the next four decades, he built one of New England’s leading full-service electrical contracting firms, grounded in integrity, longstanding relationships, and superior work. Bent officially retired this year – July 30 was his last day – passing on the company’s stewardship to President Vin Albano and Chief Financial Officer Ernie Jankowski.
One chapter closes, while another begins, with all signs pointing toward continued growth and success.
A key turning point came in 2001 when Bent Electrical transitioned from a merit shop to a union contractor. The decision opened the door to larger, more complex projects while strengthening the company’s workforce and training foundation. The timing, however, proved to be a daunting challenge.
“It was right before 9-11,” Albano recalled of the company’s first days as an IBEW 103 shop. “We had all this work in place, but all of a sudden, everything just stopped.” What got them through was Bent Electrical’s sterling reputation and rock-solid relationships with local institutions, none more important than Harvard University, an anchor client for the company from the beginning.
“Tom [Bent’s] dad was a Harvard electrician for 40 years,” Albano explained. “Tom got his start doing a lot of work for the university. The company built off of that relationship.”
Despite the challenges, Albano and Jankowski say the move positioned Bent Electrical for sustained growth. Today, the company operates in the low $20 million range, supported by the training, benefits, and talent pool of IBEW Local 103.
“The advantage of the union is that the infrastructure for training and benefits is already there,” Jankowski says. “I don’t administer the healthcare benefits at all. It’s been a good transition.”
Union-strong, Bent Electrical has prospered and its partnership with Harvard has only deepened over time, ranging from small $5,000 service jobs to a $20+ million, four-year renovation at Soldier’s Field. Current work includes an $8 million upgrade across five buildings in Harvard’s chemistry area.
That trust is the shop’s adaptability, and the ability of its workforce to manage the specific challenges of historic renovations such as the Wadsworth House—one of the oldest buildings in Harvard Yard—as well as cutting-edge laboratory projects. “We run the gamut,” Jankowski said.
When considering the history, prestige, and immense responsibility that an institution like Harvard represents, it’s no surprise to learn that Bent Electrical’s reputation is based as much on the people skills of its field crews as their formidable technical expertise.
“They’re not just installers and electricians; they’re like salespeople,” Albano said. “Our field guys have to be on their game, and they have to be able to deal with people. They work well with the owners, the supers, the project managers. They like us because we make it easy for them.”
Jankowski picked up on the point. “You need patience. With a client like Harvard, you’re not dealing with a single owner with ultimate decision-making power. You’re dealing with committees. You have to be sensitive to their needs and feelings.”
You also have to be sensitive to the space where the work is performed, which can be especially involved when installing a complex fire alarm system in a building that dates back to the 1800s, or when enhancing a modern, high-profile research facility without disrupting sensitive work. “Our joke is the lab mice are worth more than us,” Jankowski said.
Another cornerstone client is the Cambridge Health Alliance, where Bent maintains a dedicated crew serving Everett Hospital, Somerville Hospital, and Cambridge Hospital, handling everything from operating-room upgrades to MRI installations.
Bent Electrical’s leadership credits its workforce—often deployed in four-person crews across multiple projects—with representing the company’s values on every job site.
That reputation for professionalism and problem-solving has enabled Bent Electrical to remain competitive. “Sometimes it’s not about the low bid,” said Albano. “It’s about the people that are going to get the project. If we’re a few more dollars, they feel like we’re worth hiring.”
Market conditions may be more challenging today, with larger competitors moving into their territory, but Bent Electrical remains focused on its strengths.
“Tom laid a good foundation,” Jankowski said. “We have a good reputation. We do good work. I believe people think we’re very honest, and the integrity of the company is also important to us. So we’re just looking to grow what was already planted.”
Albano put it succinctly. “Our vision is to keep growing and keep people very happy.”
