Bringing Two Firms Together - EM Duggan Powers Up with Stalker Electric
When fifth-generation mechanical contractor EM Duggan announced it was adding an electrical division by bringing Stalker Electric under its umbrella, the move marked more than a strategic expansion, it represented the joining of two deeply rooted, family-run union companies with a shared history of craftsmanship, collaboration, and mutual respect.
“There’s always been a connection between our companies that goes back quite some ways, we’ve always had respect for one another,” says EM Duggan owner Len Monfredo. contractor Founded in 1891, EM Duggan is a powerhouse in the region, widely respected across New England for its comprehensive mechanical, plumbing, HVAC, and fire protection services. Electrical was the one missing piece of its considerable arsenal.
“The executive team at Duggan felt adding an electrical division would help us moving forward,” Monfredo said. “We wanted to be able to go to developers and say, ‘Hey, we can take care of your building holistically from top to bottom.’ We started thinking of who might help us fill that role.”
An Obvious Choice
Stalker was the only choice, but the second-generation company was firmly established in Greater Boston and a success in its own space. Would the Stalker family consider coming on board?
For Shawn Stalker, who took over leadership of the family business from his father, Will Stalker, in 2010, the overture from EM Duggan to head the company’s proposed Electrical Division was unexpected but proved an irresistible opportunity. It helped that the two firms have a history.
“Duggan was actually my father’s first union customer when he opened Stalker Electric over 30 years ago,” he recalls, adding the proposed acquisition “wasn’t something that was on our radar.. Coming over here to Duggan and matching their expertise and resources with everything we built and the history we already had together—it was a no-brainer.”
With the recent addition of its electrical division, Duggan now provides fully integrated MEP solutions, offering clients a single source for all major building systems—mechanical, electrical, and plumbing—under one roof. The combined company is already reaping the benefits of integration. Stalker’s expertise landed Duggan’s first electrical project: a full tenant fit-out for a major clothing outlet on Boston’s Newbury Street. “It’s four floors, a compressed schedule, and a complete electrical package—lighting, controls, mechanical wiring, and fire alarm,” says Stalker. “We started in June, and the store is set to open on Black Friday this year.” A promising beginning in the electrical space for Duggan, and the company is engaged across divisions to pursue more joint opportunities.
“That cross-collaboration lets us go after projects together,” Monfredo added.
Adding significantly to the effectiveness of that collaboration is Duggan’s industry-leading Innovation Group, led by Chief Technical Officer Jeff Elwell. The group is pushing the technology envelope in construction, writing custom software code, developing Revit tools, and building project management systems tailored for the company’s needs. The investment is improving Duggan’s operations while creating new revenue streams as the company licenses its technology to other contractors.
Entering the Project Management Software Space
“We’re in the process of creating our own project management software, which we expect to launch in January,” Monfredo says. “No one else in the industry can say that. We’re always looking to push the industry forward.”
Stalker Electric has been a NECA Boston member since its inception, but the recent merger brings EM Duggan officially into the fold as a bonafide electrical contractor. For Stalker, that affiliation continues a family tradition.
“We’ve been NECA members since day one,” Stalker says. “They helped us transition from data centers to solar to tenant work—they’ve always been there to guide us. We’re excited to continue that relationship now under Duggan.”
For EM Duggan, the collaboration is a natural progression as the industry moves toward electric and hybrid systems. EM Duggan’s move couldn’t be more timely. “Having electrical is the future, it’s where the industry is headed.” The combining of two strong companies is about following trends. It’s defining a bright and promising future for contracting in Greater Boston and beyond.