Sobre nosotros

We serve the greater St. Charles, Warren, and Lincoln County areas

FIRST CHOICE ELECTRIC

We chose to work in this industry because safety and quality are two things we wish to help other families enjoy all while making our living. The industry of electric is a dangerous one and takes many years of experience to handle in a manner that not only looks neat but also functions correctly and safely. Electric is very unforgiving and we know that our goal is to provide our customers with a pleasant experience while knowing they're safe in their homes and businesses when it comes to electricity. We’re rooted in our community and its path to a better today for a growing tomorrow.

First Choice Electric Wearhouse & Vans

OUR PROMISE

We only work with the best materials available and provide a guarantee on all labor. We never compromise quality for time and give our clients realistic schedules that accommodate their lives. We strive for honest customer service, so contracts are only paid in full when the finished work is to your complete satisfaction.

You've probably seen our trucks driving through your neighborhood, city, and county alike. We take great pride in serving our community. Since our family-owned and operated company launched in 2010, we've helped thousands of families rest surely on our work, that takes into account your safety & satisfaction first.

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First Choice: Home Heartbeat Initiative

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Starting in the 2023 holiday season; In the heart of our community, the First Choice Home Heartbeat Initiative stands as a beacon of progress and safety. Our groundbreaking Electrical Upgrade Program is designed to transform the lives of homeowners by offering free electrical panel upgrades, ensuring every home is not just a place of comfort but also a safe haven.

Once a year during the winter holiday season we upgrade one homeowners outdated or low capacity service & panel. Breathing new found life into the home with more capacity for modern appliances and renovations, as well as the added safety of NEC (National Electrical Code) updates. If you or someone you know could benefit from this Initiative APPLY HERE.

Electrical Assistant

BRODY DUNSWORTH

Brody is our latest hire and has taken a special liking to the electrical field and becoming an electrician. He started his journey in 2024 at the age of 18, and is already taking NEC code classes, OSHA safety, and Electrical Theory. With his primary learning style being hands on, he fits right in with our family company where hands on is daily work.

He is often times accompanying Sam throughout the work day but can also be found giving back to the community during our work volunteer days. Brody has helped us launch our 2025 initiative to give back to the community where we're dedicating 12 hours per person to varies services like foodbank sorting & delivering, spending time in soup kitchens; cooking, cleaning, and serving, and providing labor when possible for maintenance and upkeep.

Brody is willing to put in the hard work, and we look forward to his expanding knowledge in the trade and where he and the company can go with his success.

Master Electrician / Director of Operations

SAM BURRIS

Sam's journey in the electrical field began in 2013 with First Choice Electric, and since then, he has become an indispensable part of the company. In 2024, Sam achieved a significant milestone by passing his master electrician examination, a testament to his dedication and expertise. His educational achievements are equally impressive—graduating from Ranken with cum laude honors, Sam embodies the perfect blend of hands-on skill and academic excellence.

What sets Sam apart is not just his technical proficiency but also his remarkable ability to build strong, lasting relationships with everyone he meets. His character shines through in his interactions, and his unwavering commitment to integrity and hard work has become the foundation of his success. Customers frequently request Sam by name, with new clients reaching out based on glowing recommendations from those who have experienced his exceptional service.

Sam’s dedication to his craft is evident in his ongoing pursuit of education. He continually sharpens his skills through advanced courses in electrical system design, engineering, OSHA safety standards, and the latest updates to the NEC code. This commitment ensures that Sam—and First Choice Electric—stay ahead of the curve in delivering safe, reliable, and innovative solutions.

When you work with Sam, you can trust that your safety and satisfaction are his top priorities. He combines technical expertise with a customer-focused approach, making him a trusted partner for all your electrical needs. At First Choice Electric, Sam represents the gold standard, and you can rest assured that you’re in capable hands when it matters most.

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Chief Executive Officer / Co-Owner

Zach Burris

Zach has experience in the electrical field dating back to 2007 working the summer months with the company Kirk's Electric before going off to college to pursue a bio-chem education in 2011. After completing most of this degree with plans to go into the medical field, First Choice Electric was facing some hard times trying to adapt to the modern word of mouth, the internet.

This is where Zach stepped into the company and hard shifted his educational focus into the school of business. Taking three years of business at both Lindenwood and UMSL he started working with First Choice Electric full time. Rapidly solving many of the new issues the company faced like not having a website, local online listings, and procedural steps for estimating and invoicing.

The company now utilizes this website to generate most of our leads organically, we have a vibrant customer database that has helped us interface with our clients seamlessly so no job gets left behind in a stack of paper. First Choice Electric moved over to a flat rate pricing system to take advantage of our expertise in solving electrical issue effectively and efficiently so each client knows the price up-front before we ever start on their project.

Although his primary focus has been business administration, he has also gone through Ranken's Electrical System Design program, graduating with Summa Cum Laude honors and is now pursuing his Master Electrician certification alongside Sam and Howard.

With Zach's help First Choice Electric is now able to better serve our community day to day, year to year, and decades to come.

Journeyman Electrician / Co-Founder

BENNIE KIRKPATRICK

Bennie was a fundamental part of First Choice Electric, from the beginning. Applying his ability to learn fast and interact with people in a loving way, many customers know and remember him on a first-name basis. He was often name-dropped and requested through our online reviews and booking form. Bennie is both loved by our loyal customers, and our family alike.

Now retired, Bennie has spent time with family; his children and grandchildren, traveling across the United States, and still remaining that cool laidback guy anyone would be lucky enough to share time with. We love Bennie here, and we hope if you run into him out in the world wherever he may be this time of year, you’ll get to know him the way we do.

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Master Electrician / Co-Founder & Owner

HOWARD KIRKPATRICK II

Howard also known as "Butch" is the original founder and sole proprietor of First Choice Electric, established alongside his brother Bennie. Father and business partner to Zach & Sam, and grandfather to Brody. He received his education in electrical systems maintenance while serving in the Navy as an aviation electrician and corrosion control specialist, primarily working on helicopters before his honorable discharge in 1973 from Imperial Beach, California.

After retiring from active duty, Howard returned home and secured a position as a Railroad Signalman. He quickly ascended the ranks of the railroad union, mentoring his fellow union members and empowering them to understand their contracts and pursue better lives in the careers they had dedicated themselves to. Howard often shares the invaluable knowledge he gained while working for the railroad in downtown St. Louis, MO. This experience ultimately inspired him to embark on an entrepreneurial journey, initially going into the produce market and later establishing Kirk's Electric in 1992, which then lead to the founding of First Choice Electric in 2010.

Howard has instilled the core values that define our company today: Integrity, Advocacy, Service, Enthusiasm, Impact, and Excellence. These principles reflect the way he lived and envisioned life, guiding us in our mission to deliver exceptional electrical services where your safety and satisfaction come first.

Our inspiration for it all

HOWARD KIRKPATRICK Sr.

Howard Sr. is the father of Howard “Butch” and Bennie, and the great-grandfather of Zach, Sam, and Brody. He remains one of the greatest inspirations behind our family’s entrepreneurial spirit, compassion for community, and deep care for the less fortunate.

Howard grew up in the St. Louis orphanage until the age 11, when he was taken in by a man named Earl Nolan of Quincy, IL and journalist for the Quincy Herald Whig. Earl had a profound impact in the lives of Howard Sr. and his children and we're left with this amazing story that comes from Earl's "eulogy".

Six years after being taken in by Mr. Nolan, Howard joined the military. At the young age of 18 in 1940, he was handed a government-issued cigarette and thrust into the challenges of war, serving on the island of Okinawa as part of the Seventh Infantry Division. He received a commendation for his service, including his role in entertaining thousands of troops during his deployment from July 1943 to September 1945.

After the war, Howard transitioned into civilian life with the same determination. He owned and operated a doughnut business in St. Louis, MO, managing several satellite locations. His son, Butch, often helped maintain and run the operations, giving him his first taste of entrepreneurship and instilling values of hard work and ownership.

Later, Howard dedicated 38 years to providing for his family as a proud member of the Teamsters Union. Upon retiring, he cherished his time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, sharing his wisdom and values. He left behind a legacy of integrity, a commitment to helping others, and the courage to do what’s right, even when it’s difficult.

SO WHY WAIT?

Schedule your Free Estimate today and see what it's like to have a white glove experience for your home electrical services!

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