Sierra Electric’s history dates back to the early 1900’s. Jake Stadtner, the founder of Sierra Electric’s predecessor company Stadtner Lighting, can be seen in the photograph on the left. Stadtner Lighting sold gas and electric fixtures and performed residential work. Shortly after WWII, Dave and Rose Stadtner, Jakes son and daughter-in-law, were instrumental in growing the business from smaller residential projects to larger commercial and industrial projects. Rose became President and ran the business operations and Dave ran the work in the field. It was at this time the company was renamed Sierra Electric. David recalls some of the more interesting projects during the companies early growth; “During the late 50’s there was a lot of growth down on the piers. Some of the older buildings, particularly restaurants had holes in the floorboards where they would just dump the garbage into the bay. The rat problem under the piers became so unbearable for the electricians we had to arm our electricians with pistols to fend off the rats.” Other interesting memories were the construction boom in the financial district during the 1960’s. David recalls construction on top of the old Barbary Coast”. “During this time, it was not unusual to unearth old artifacts and even an occasional forgotten bar while digging the foundation of a new building. “Several of our electricians were able to find interesting souvenirs during this period.”