photos by:  JODIE BRIM CREATIVE

Even after 70 years of serving the Winston-Salem area with the genuine basics of good, solid business, Ogburn Electric Company is just getting started!

Over the years, this dedicated team has had the privilege of serving multiple generations of families, watching neighborhoods, families, and local businesses grow and thrive along the way.

“Being family-owned means, we’ve never viewed this as just a business transaction,” shares Sam Ogburn, President of Ogburn Electric. “We’ve always believed we were serving our neighbors and our community, and that responsibility motivates us every day.”

Sam’s Dad, Max Ogburn, started the business with his brother, Bill, creating an awesome team and working well together to set the company’s foundation. Sam’s brother Jim also worked alongside Sam, Bill and Max, making it a real family affair. Still to this day, Sam attributes his work ethic to his dad.

Sam will also tell you what inspires him most is the importance of trust. 

“When someone calls Ogburn Electric — including commercial partners such as Davie Construction, Salem Academy, and Wilson-Covington Construction — many times they’re not just calling a contractor, they’re calling a company their parents or grandparents trusted before them. That means something to me personally,” he shares. “There’s something special about hearing a customer say, ‘You did work for my father years ago,’ or ‘You wired our first house decades ago.’ Those relationships are hard to put into words.”

Long before Ogburn Electric became a trusted name in the Triad, the Ogburn family had established deep roots in Forsyth County — traveling back generations, closely tied to the hardworking families who helped shape this entire region.

For 48 years, Sam’s wife, Carol, has also been the company’s heart and soul, keeping daily tasks running smoothly behind the scenes. From supporting customers and managing corporate details, to her role today as Chief Financial Officer, Carol has been a crucial element in creating the consistency and family atmosphere that both customers and employees have come to expect.

“When people talk about our company feeling dependable and organized, Carol deserves a tremendous amount of credit for that,” shares Sam. “She challenges everyone every day — including me — to improve and perform at our best. Our relationship is the lifeblood of this company.”

Built around family values since day one, the Ogburn team has been blessed with incredible employees over the years, and many have spent a large part of their careers here.

“I never wanted Ogburn Electric to feel like a place where employees were just numbers. We’ve created a culture where people feel respected and supported. Our team members take great pride in their craftsmanship and in caring for customers, along with our valued group of contractors, the right way,” adds Sam.

A shining example, Bob Shouse has been with Ogburn Electric for 40 years this June, starting out as an apprentice working for Sam in the field. Bob quickly became a great asset to the company, excelling in quality work, running projects, working in the service department, and grew into his current role as Service Manager. His integrity and customer care have truly embodied the company’s culture.

“Working for Ogburn has been both fun and challenging, but the best part is how rewarding it’s been to grow from an eager intern, to running the services department,” Bob shares. “I’ve loved getting to know the folks that rely on us, and how important it is that we treat their homes and businesses as our own.” 

Another employee, Mark Smith, worked with the company for 14 years and officially retired in 2023 — but has now returned as Lead Field Supervisor. Mark missed the challenge and his customers — and continues to inspire loyalty and commitment to those around him.  Eric Green, Estimator/Project Manager, and Adrienne Sheets, Office Manager/ Service Dispatcher, also join a long list of valuable team members in the field!

“Our philosophy has always been simple: do quality work, be honest with people, and stand behind what you do,” Sam shares. “We believe customers deserve clear communication, dependable service, and work done correctly the first time. Technology and the electrical industry have changed dramatically over the last 70 years, but those core principles have never wavered. We also understand when customers call, they are trusting us with their homes, businesses, safety, and investments. We take that responsibility very seriously.”

Relationships have been one of the biggest reasons for the company’s longevity — based on integrity and transparency — and the Winston-Salem community, through referrals and repeat customers, has played a key role in supporting the company’s growth.

From large-scale commercial construction to responsive service work, the team combines hands-on experience with modern project technology to deliver efficient, dependable results. The electrical industry continues to evolve, and so does Ogburn Electric. 

“We utilize cutting-edge technology both in the office and in the field, that includes digital estimating tools, onsite access to blueprints and change orders, and streamlined communication systems. When customers call, they speak to a real person, and technicians are equipped with modern tools that allow them to troubleshoot efficiently, and adapt quickly to changes on the job site,” Sam explains.

Come by the offices and you’ll see the phrase “Never Never Quit” displayed prominently on Sam’s desk, along with cherished photos of him and his dad through the years.

“That phrase is personal to me because it comes from experience,” Sam explains. “When I look back over 70 years of Ogburn Electric I truly believe success is not about avoiding adversity — it’s about refusing to stay down when adversity comes. No matter what happens, you get back up and keep moving forward.”

Like all families, the Ogburns have gone through challenging seasons over the years — but those experiences have taught resilience, humility, and perseverance. Sam shares that becoming an unlimited licensed electrical contractor in North Carolina — a certification he has held since 1984 — was one of the hardest professional challenges he has ever faced.

Ogburn Electric proudly serves commercial, industrial, and residential clients throughout Greensboro, Clemmons, High Point, Winston-Salem, and the surrounding Triad area. They are always ready to engage with other local businesses, support non-profits, veterans and seniors, and be active in professional associations. Sam has served in leadership and board level positions for the North Carolina Association of Electrical Contractors and has served the community on multiple boards over his 50 years.

With the glowing accomplishments of the past 70 years, Ogburn Electric is geared towards many more years of service to the Winston-Salem community!

Visit ogburnelectric.com to request a free estimate for your next project or schedule service online and follow them on Facebook and Instagram @ogburnelectric. Ogburn Electric Company is located at 5425 Murray Road in Winston-Salem, NC, 336-924-5166.