Did You Know? Interstates Edition

Four smiling Interstates team members.

Kate Nusbaum, Content Specialist | February 27, 2026

As Interstates' printed newsletter, Current Connections, transitions to fully digital communication, we’re excited to continue sharing the moments, milestones, and memories that make Interstates what it is today. To kick off this new chapter of the Interstates story, here are a few “Did You Know?” facts that celebrate how far we’ve come together. 

Black-and-white historic photo of several 1950s–1960s service vehicles and vans parked in a row outside a small office building, likely an electrical contractor’s shop, with company signage visible near the entrance and a large tree partially covering the building.
Interstates, formerly known as Johnny's Electric, transitioned in 1967 to reflect its expanding offerings and services.

Founding & Growth

  • Interstates began as Johnny's Electric in 1953, selling television sets and installing antennas and power receptacles.
  • In 1967, Johnny’s Electric made the transition to Interstates Electric and Engineering to reflect its expanding service offerings.
  • Since then, Interstates has grown into a nationwide, multi-service organization with teams working across the U.S. and internationally.
  • Interstates completed its first international project in Egypt in 1983.
  • Interstates has worked in 49 states and more than 30 countries.
  • Currently, Interstates has 15 offices (including one in Frankfurt, Germany!).  

Culture & People 

  • Generations of families have worked at Interstates: parents, kids, siblings, and even in-laws.
  • Many team members started as interns or apprentices and eventually grew into leaders, project managers, or long-term technical experts.
  • Interstates has celebrated 85 team members reaching 20+ years of service.
  • Our longest-tenured team member has been with us for 41 1/2 years—longer than some of our apprentices have been alive! 

Fun Facts 

  • Interstates teams have weathered blizzards, hurricanes, scorching heat, supply shortages, a global pandemic, and the occasional surprise wildlife encounter on job sites.
  • Conservatively, Interstates has installed tens of thousands of miles of cable across its projects throughout its history.
  • Interstates by the Numbers:
    • Years in Operation: 73
    • Number of Employees: 1,733 (+3 in Germany)
    • Number of Apprentices: 288
    • Number of Interns: 30  

Technology & Innovation 

  • Interstates adopted automation and controls early, long before the term “digital transformation” became a buzzword.
  • Our automation teams currently provide 24/7 automation support for 152 control systems, with many being monitored remotely from Sioux Center and other offices.
  • The company’s engineering tools have evolved from paper schematics to CAD and 3D models. Prefabrication and modular solutions have also skyrocketed since Interstates’ beginning.  
  • Through the decades, Interstates has supported over seven key industries, helping power the products people rely on every day. 
Three women wearing Midwest Honor Flight T-shirts stand together outdoors on a grassy lawn, smiling at the camera.
Interstates is always looking for opportunities to support and celebrate the community. This photo of three Interstates volunteers was taken during the Midwest Honor Flight, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing Veterans with a trip to our nation's capital.

Community & Impact 

  • Interstates only recently started recording its community involvement, but we are proud of the many hours we have dedicated to volunteering and giving back over the years:
    • Since Interstates started recording in 2020, we have logged over 6,188 volunteer hours.
    • In 2025, approximately 850 team members participated in some type of volunteer activity.
    • 2025 was the first year that every single Interstates United States office participated in some form of community outreach, with a volunteer project taking place in each month of the year.

Social & Beyond 

  • The Current Connections newsletter is over 30 years old, dating back to the mid-1990s.
  • Interstates' first website launched in April of 1998.
  • Interstates has over 17,000 followers across Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. These platforms feature photos, videos, and other posts that are released almost every day.
  • On LinkedIn, Interstates has two digital newsletters with new editions posted monthly.
  • The Interstates blog has a new article posted every week. These include projects, culture features, industry insights, and more! 

Though this marks the end of the print era for Current Connections, it opens the door to new ways of staying connected. Going forward, look for fresh stories, project highlights, people features, and announcements on our digital channels. Wherever you’re working—from the office, the field, or on the road—Interstates news will be only a click away.   

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