Uncover how Alterman’s commitment to safety redefines electrical contracting in Texas 

Quality workmanship from experienced and dedicated employees has established Alterman as one of the top electrical contractors in Texas. By consistently completing superior installations on schedule, the company provides its clients with lasting solutions that minimize life-cycle costs. Since 1923, Alterman has been catering to a diverse range of commercial and industrial clients from its corporate office in San Antonio. Following its acquisition of Hill Electric, renowned for its exceptional workmanship and cost-effective services to the city of Austin and surrounding areas, Alterman has extended its operations into Austin. Today, its capabilities encompass electrical construction and pre-construction management, alongside the design and installation of voice and data communications systems, video cabling, access controls, security and surveillance systems, preventive maintenance and round-the-clock emergency support. 

Customer satisfaction and success

We take a deep dive into Alterman’s rich history, which began in the 1920s, back when the company was established as Nathan Alterman Electric Co., Ltd. In 1923, at the age of 24, Nathan Alterman made a pivotal move by acquiring an existing company thereby commencing operations and laying the cornerstone for what would become Alterman’s enduring legacy. Over the course of the following decades, downtown remodeling emerged as the mainstay of the business, culminating in a significant milestone when Alterman was awarded the first San Antonio River beautification project in the late 1930s. This endeavor involved the installation of conduit and wiring along the banks and under bridges to illuminate iconic landmarks such as the Arneson River Theater as well as the river’s walkways. During World War II, Alterman began engaging in vital military work at the various air force bases in San Antonio and surrounding areas such as Laredo and Del Rio, further solidifying its reputation for excellence and reliability. 

Upon graduating from Texas A&M University in 1949, Nathan’s son, Richard Alterman, joined the family business. By 1972, his dedication had propelled him to the position of President within the company. A major turning point occurred in 1968 when Alterman completed 30 projects at HemisFair Park for the World’s Fair. Indeed, the success achieved in executing these projects brought recognition to the company as a dependable and qualified electrical contractor. This then laid the foundation for a period of tremendous growth in the 1970s and 1980s, during which Alterman prospered by undertaking various construction projects, including the development of hospitals, manufacturing plants, hotels, regional shopping malls, and high-rise office buildings. The year 1984 marked a significant milestone for the company as it transitioned into an employee-owned enterprise, exemplifying its dedication to shared success and collaboration. Under the leadership of Jerry Kolinek and Don Kuykendall, Alterman underwent strategic restructuring to ensure its continued growth. By emphasizing excellence in installations, timely project completions, and the implementation of inventive and cost-effective solutions, the company has consistently delivered a superior level of service, highlighting its commitment to customer satisfaction and success.  

After decades of expansion, Alterman’s capabilities have evolved significantly, transcending electrical construction and pre-construction management to include technology, industrial projects, instrumentation and control (I&C), and service and maintenance.  

Today, the 1200 employee-owned company has seven office locations with a new 20-acre headquarters campus in Live Oak, just north of San Antonio. Designed by Studio8 Architects, the masterplan is adaptable for growth, fosters community and connection, and instills authenticity and pride. It includes a 90,000-square-foot office building and a 100,000 square foot logistics and manufacturing facility, bringing together all Alterman divisions in a centralized hub. The campus also includes indoor and outdoor areas for employee events and gatherings, an important aspect of the company’s commitment to fostering a sense of community and supporting employee well-being. 

The two-building campus enhances manufacturing and office efficiency despite the site’s restrictive access and challenging contours. The office building boasts a striking three-story conduit feature screen, custom bent conduit designs, exposed cable tray with corridor lighting, and a transparent MDF room. 

Industry-leading installations 

Alterman has been instrumental in the electrification of numerous iconic landmarks and contemporary structures in San Antonio. The company’s pre-construction services encompass design, pre-fabrication, tooling, Building Information Modeling (BIM), and Computer-Aided Design (CAD). Recognizing the importance of optimizing project schedules, reducing costs, and minimizing waste, Alterman is committed to delivering the most productive and cost-efficient installations through lean design principles. In the realm of technology solutions, Alterman provides cost-effective designs, installations, and low-voltage cabling services using industry-leading products and services. Its expertise extends to the implementation of fiber optic and copper media hardware, computer networking, telephone interconnection and uninterruptible power supply systems.  

Alterman also possesses the personnel and skills to undertake projects of any size and offers design support to engineers and owners. Leveraging this expertise, the company can effectively design, install and maintain all facets of industrial projects, like water wastewater treatment facilities. Meanwhile, the Alterman Instrumentation and Control group provides clients with comprehensive turnkey services for control systems, instrumentation, and upgrades or new installations. Its seasoned project managers, engineers, integration experts, and automation specialists deliver top-tier responsive designs, system development, and control panel design and fabrication. Lastly, Alterman’s service and maintenance unit uses state-of-the-art tools to detect electrical problems such as overheating, vibrations, loose connections, faulty insulation, and high voltage anomalies, before producing detailed reports of potential failures and innovative solutions to prevent business interruptions. 

Proactive safety program 

Upholding excellent quality and service standards forms a core part of Alterman’s business ethos, complemented by a strong focus on safety and ongoing training initiatives. In fact, the company’s uncompromising dedication to safety practices has been recognized through accolades such as being honored as AGC’s Safe Specialty Contractor of the Year in 2022. As an active member of the South Texas Electrical Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (JATC), Alterman ensures that its electricians complete a comprehensive five-year apprenticeship program. This program combines 1000 hours of classroom instruction with a minimum of 8000 hours of practical, on-the-job training. To successfully complete this program, apprentices need to demonstrate a firm commitment as well as a strong work ethic centered on honing skills, acquiring knowledge, and having the right attitude. In addition to that, Alterman has implemented a proactive safety program through which it supplements electrical training with in-house technology training and certification, code classes, continuing education, and new product training. The company is authorized by the State of Texas to teach continuing education courses essential for maintaining electrical licensing, enabling it to foster a culture of constant learning and development. This program emphasizes accident prevention through planning, training, testing, awareness, recognition, elimination of hazards, communications, continuous improvement, and reinforcement.  

Streamlining operational efficiency 

At Alterman, safety is every employee’s primary responsibility, a commitment which has resulted in the company maintaining a Workers’ Compensation experience modifier rate well below the national average and favorable insurance rates. In a strategic move to further enhance safety measures and streamline operational efficiency, Alterman has formed a partnership with Highwire. As a result of this collaboration, the company will be empowered to create a complete picture for each of its subcontractors, offering real-time visibility into safety records, financials, work in progress, insurance information, incident rates, inspection data, and performance metrics (both positive and negative). All this information will be centralized in one place and readily accessible to anyone within the Alterman team. 

Alterman’s commitment to superior workmanship, safety, and innovation has solidified its reputation as a leader in the Texas electrical contracting industry.  

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