Accelerating Growth with DBE Certification: Taylor Electric Company, Chicago

Photo: IDOT OBWD Director Pam Simon, CEO Kendra Dinkins with IDOT Secretary Omer Osman

For nearly 100 years, Taylor Electric Company has been serving the Chicago area. The family-owned and -operated company specializes in road construction, traffic signal and lighting maintenance, as well as vertical structures, multi-unit, residential and commercial electrical maintenance. Since receiving certification through the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program with Illinois Department of Transportation, the company’s door has been opened to more opportunities to participate in highway, transit and airport projects.

“We’ve gone from a few hundred thousand dollars a year in revenue to averaging about $15 million a year,” said CEO Kendra Dinkins. “Every aspect of IDOT’s DBE program is designed to bring diverse businesses to the table and position them to shine.”

Taylor Electric was founded in 1922 by Sam Taylor with his son Rufus Taylor joining the company in 1958 and later assuming the role of president. Today, the company is led by third- and fourth-generation descendants overseeing a team of more than 80 employees.

Beyond certification, IDOT fosters many more opportunities for DBE firms and individuals interested in doing business with the agency to learn, grow and network.

Learn more about Taylor Electric’s success and opportunities provided by IDOT’s DBE Program.