About Cal-Tex Electric

“Everyone at Cal-Tex is ‘all in’ on projects. Each of us takes Cal-Tex’s reputation personally and clients know that we will do whatever is needed to take care of our clients.”

In April of 2005, Ronnie Bassett turned his dream into reality and named it Cal-Tex Electric. Although he had zero employees and not a single customer when he started, he had a belief in the knowledge that he acquired from observations in the field that a client and team focused merit-based electrical company could thrive in the Twin Cities market and any market thereafter.  20 years later, Cal-Tex Electric has a main office in the Twin Cities, a satellite office Sioux Falls, South Dakota, while also working all over US. Cal-Tex fields a team of nearly 150 employees, hundreds of clients, and a reputation as a leading electrical and technology services company.

Cal-Tex’s growth is linked in large part to three core strengths, according to Ronnie. “One, our team members in the field. Two, everyone in the company embraces Cal-Tex’s mission. Three, our never-ending focus on training. Our guys in the field are better trained than any of our competition. And that translates into better outcomes for our clients.” Ronnie has been steadfast in his pursuit of providing an education system that matches any competition. The Cal-Tex education and training is married to the Mike Holt training classes, which allows Cal-Tex to provide in-house continuing education. Something Ronnie has sought for years.

Ronnie got his start in the industry from the ground floor. He was an electrician for almost a decade in Minnesota, California and Texas before starting Cal-Tex and understands the challenges facing the electricians in the field. “We wouldn’t get the jobs we do if we didn’t have such talented guys in the field and their pursuit of excellence.

Ronnie is the proud parent of four daughters and currently lives in Prior Lake with his wife and three of his daughters. Most of his travel time is now spent at their winter home in Lake Havasu, AZ, where he and wife intend to spend more and more time each winter. He is an avid reader, which is what he spends most of his leisure time on or planning out another office location.

“I can’t say enough good things about this company. It seems everyone always strives to be better not just from last year but from last week. I love the sense of dedication I see.”

Matt Trevis has known Cal-Tex Owner Ronnie Bassett for over two decades. They first worked together beginning in 2001 at a south metro electrical construction company. He joined Ronnie at Cal-Tex Electric in March 2007, working as a journeyman electrician and a job site foreman. Eventually, in 2011, Matt moved into an office job as a project manager/estimator. In late 2018, Matt was promoted to Vice President of Cal-Tex Electric and became a shareholder in the company in January 2019. He has now been again promoted to our Chief Operating Officer as of August 2024.

His day-to-day duties at Cal-Tex include training sessions with our exiting COO Mike Toepfer as well as remaining with his ownership duties as Vice President. Although he will continue bidding, he will be moving away from Project Management duties as of the end of 2024.

Matt grew up in and graduated High School in Farmington, MN. After High School he earned an AAS degree and a degree in electrical construction at Dunwoody Institute. He now lives in the South Metro Twin Cities with his two daughters, Haddie and Lenora. In his free time, he enjoys walking their dog Copper, cooking, doing home projects, and spending time with his daughters.

“We have such a great team of people here at Cal-Tex who motivate each other to be the best at their jobs. That kind of teamwork is what produces the level of customer service that we are noted for in our industry.”

The lure of working with a company bursting at the seams with growth opportunities plus being closer to his daughter was enough of an incentive for Mike Toepfer to move from warm California to the frozen tundra called Minnesota in 2017. Mike is the Chief Operating Officer for Cal-Tex , a new position that is a result of the company’s expansion to three divisions and explosive growth in its client project list.

The move to Minnesota was made a bit easier by the fact that Mike’s daughter Cara is the wife of Ronnie Bassett, the founder and President of Cal-Tex. Plus Mike had owned a trucking company with Ronnie  more than a decade ago. “I had been involved off and on with Cal-Tex since their inception, mainly with strategic insights and operational organization. In 2016 Ronnie told me he would be honored if I would come to work for him in Minnesota. My wife had just retired, so it figured ‘why not’ and we moved to Minnesota and I started in the middle of winter – January 16, 2017. I’ve enjoyed every moment since I moved here.”

Mike’s job is a little bit of everything, from developing and implementing policies and procedures designed to strengthen the company’s client-centered approach to keeping an eye on finances and making sure the company thinks strategically as they expand. “I bring decades of experience working in large companies at the management level to Cal-Tex, and there isn’t much I haven’t experienced first-hand in business.”

Mike earned an undergraduate degree in economics “many, many years ago” he notes, and it gave him the foundation to thrive in the construction industry. He has managed more than one billion dollars (yes, $1,000,000,000) in construction projects in his career, but also has lots of hands-on experience in construction. “I started working construction when I was 17, and worked as a pipe-fitter before moving into the office and getting a college degree. I loved working in the construction industry and what we do at Cal-Tex feels very comfortable. I still jump out of bed every morning because I love working, mentoring young talent, and sharing my experiences.”

Mike and his wife Michelle have three children from their marriage plus two they adopted when Michelle’s sister passed away many years ago. All of their children are now grown, and they have 17 grandchildren. In his spare time, Mike loves to golf and do “anything outdoors.”

In 2014, after over a decade of being in Salon Management, Holly went back to school and received her degree in Accounting. She worked for a few years doing strictly payroll and decided it was time for a change, one with more variety in the Accounting field.

Holly started at Cal-Tex in January 2019 as the Assistant Controller.  The position was created to aid the Controller after some significant growth in the company. In 2024 she was promoted to Controller. She loves every aspect of her job at Cal-Tex and has gained an incredible amount of knowledge while working with really wonderful people.  She remembers everyone being very friendly when she came in for her interview and still feels the same way today.  “I really love that even with the growth of Cal-Tex over the years, there is still room for flexibility, good humor, fun, and a family-orientated feel.”  Holly said in our interview.  “This combination creates an amazing work environment where you want to come to work every day!”

She is always helpful and willing to assist wherever she can and loves to be a part of an amazing team.  She adds,  “I really like working for a company where everyone genuinely cares about each other and works hard to achieve excellence and success.”

Holly has 2 fur babies, Ralph and Richard, and in her spare time she enjoys camping and spending time with friends and family.

I have been with Cal-Tex for 18 years.  Seen many changes having been here that long.  Days off, what are those!  My wife and I enjoy traveling spending time with our 3 grandchildren.  Recently we have been spending summer weekends on our boat.

“Quality is our #1 goal. That’s what we are all about. Our team is detail oriented, customer focused, and filled with talented people.”

Josh has been “living electric” since he graduated from high school in Elk River, where he grew up. He started working as an installer and quickly was promoted to designing projects and managing installations on-site by the time he was 21. He earned a degree in electrical construction at Saint Cloud Technical College to enhance his knowledge base and joined Cal-Tex in 2008, just a couple of years after it opened for business.

Josh believes that a key reason why Cal-Tex has continued to grow into one of the Twin Cities leading electrical service providers is the company’s approach to its clients.  “Because our project managers design, estimate and manage a project, our clients receive superior overall service and quality. It’s one of the areas that really sets us apart from much of our competition, which divides each of those phases in a project to different people.”

The quality of the on-site teams of electricians that Cal-Tex assigns to a project are unmatched in the industry, Josh notes. “I’ve seen a lot of companies, and I’ve worked with a lot of electricians, and the Cal-Tex team is by far the highest in terms of teamwork and quality of work. Let’s face it, those guys are the reason we have grown to where we are today!”

Cal-Tex gets a lot of repeat business from clients because of “our unwavering devotion to the successful completion of their project. I talked with a contractor recently who said that we may not have had the lowest bid, but he was going to go with our bid because no one else could pull the whole project together from design to installation and do it under budget and on time.”

A big motivator for Josh is the ability to help other members of the Cal-Tex team grow in their jobs. “It’s all about giving back to the people around me, and helping other people grow and succeed.”

Josh lives in Becker with his wife, Laurie, and their two daughters and one son. He loves to deer hunt, go ice fishing in the winter and walleye fishing in the summer, and spend time with his family outdoors. He coaches his younger daughter’s softball team and teaches a religion class at his church to 2nd graders every week.

“I love to contribute to our customer’s success. They look to us to be a trusted resource and I want to help Cal-Tex grow on that until we are the largest electrical provider in the Twin Cities.”

“We’ve earned our reputation as an outstanding company because of the work we do. Clients can always count on us for quality and reliability.”

Dan Cameron has been a dedicated member of Cal-Tex Electric since 2009, starting as a Journeyman and bringing over 3 decades of expertise to the team. With a career in the electrical trades that began in 1991, Dan’s extensive experience has been invaluable in driving the success of countless projects.

In 2016, Dan transitioned into the office as a Project Manager, where his leadership and problem-solving skills quickly distinguished him. Now serving as a Senior Project Manager, he oversees complex projects with precision, ensuring they are completed to the highest standards.

Dan deeply values the relationships he’s built with both his colleagues and clients over the years. His passion for teamwork and commitment to exceptional service continue to strengthen the reputation of Cal-Tex Electric as a trusted industry leader.

“Cal-Tex customers know we are reliable, and we’ll get their work done on time and on a budget.  It is rarer than you think; that a company will deliver day in and day out.”

Matt Bright joined Cal-Tex Electric in 2013 as a Field Electrician, bringing with him a strong work ethic and a passion for the Electrical Industry. Over the years, Matt’s technical expertise, leadership abilities, and dedication to delivering high-quality work have allowed him to progress through various roles within the company. He transitioned to the office as Service Manager, where he managed Service operations.  Eventually taking on the role of Senior Project Manager, where he now leads a variety of complex projects from start to finish.

Throughout his career at Cal-Tex Electric, Matt has thrived in the fast-paced, problem-solving environment, tackling challenges head-on and consistently delivering results. His ability to manage multiple projects, coordinate resources, and collaborate effectively with clients and team members has earned him a reputation for excellence. What Matt enjoys most about his work is the opportunity to collaborate with a talented group of individuals who share a commitment to success and a passion for the work they do.

Matt holds a Bachelor’s degree from Minnesota State University, Mankato, and a Graduate degree from The Ohio State University. His educational background, combined with his hands-on experience, has equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of the industry and a strong foundation in both technical and project management skills.

As Senior Project Manager, Matt is committed to maintaining the high standards of quality and safety that Cal-Tex Electric is known for. He is dedicated to ensuring every project is completed efficiently, on time, and within budget, while building lasting relationships with clients and vendors.

“The position offers me the chance to perform many types of problem solving, which keeps the job fresh and motivating.”

“Our clients stay with us because we go above and beyond their expectations.”

Gerry has over 25 years of experience in the electrical industry.  After joining Cal-Tex in 2016, he quickly advanced into the Service Manager position.  He has grown this department exponentially in the last decade, proving that he finds solutions for any commercial or residential challenge, no matter how big or small.

“Our clients stay with us because we exceed their expectations.  Cal-Tex Electric is a wonderful company that puts out a great product.”

Gerry lives with his family in Prior Lake with his family.

Kohl Bailey has been a part of the Cal-Tex team since 2007. After graduating from Dunwoody College of Technology, Kohl completed his apprenticeship with Cal-Tex and obtained his Journeyman’s and Master’s license. Throughout his career at Cal-Tex, he has taken on the roles of an Apprentice, Journeyman, Foreman, and Field Operations Manager. Most recently he was awarded the role of a Project Manager at Cal-Tex Electric.

Kohl enjoys teaching and mentoring his fellow team members and is always looking for ways to grow his knowledge and professional development.

Kohl grew up in Prior Lake, MN where he currently resides with his wife Morgan, and their four children. Kohl spends a lot of his time on Minnesota Lakes, enjoys completing DIY home projects, and loves spending quality time with his young family.

“The people on the Cal-Tex team have a passion for their work. They really hold true to our mission statement and take pride in the service they provide to our clients.”

When Stephanie Thom joined Cal-Tex in February of 2018 as the Executive Assistant to the senior leadership team, she wasn’t quite sure what her job would include or how busy she would be.

After about a year as Executive Assistant it became apparent that Stephanie’s talents were not being used to their fullest, so, she was moved to a much greater and more challenging position as an Assistant Project Manager where she helped Matt Bright, and Dan Cameron.

In 2021 Cal-Tex opened a branch location in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.  Stephanie was given the opportunity to start managing some of the projects herself. Just over three years into the branch opening, Stephanie and Dave Kleis our Sioux Falls Branch Manager are running a crew size of 35+ electricians and have an ongoing line up of projects.

Stephanie appreciates the opportunity to grow in her job and be challenged. “Ronnie takes pride in the people that work for Cal-Tex, and it’s amazing how they (Cal-Tex) take care of their employees. Although it is a fairly large company (over 100 employees) it feels more like a family run business.”

Craymond Jones began his career in the construction industry as a carpenter’s assistant in 2013 in his home state of Washington. In 2016, he was presented with the opportunity to move to Louisiana and begin an industrial electrical apprenticeship. After completing his apprenticeship in the industrial sector, Craymond relocated to Minnesota in 2019 after completing an assignment in California. He joined Cal-Tex in the fall of 2020 as a journeyman electrician and was promoted to Project Manager/Estimator in the fall of 2024.

In his spare time, Craymond enjoys spending time with his wife, Emily, and their three children.

Maddie has been with Cal-Tex since August 2018, she was originally hired as the Administrative Assistant. After a year with the company Maddie applied for a promotion as an Assistant Project Manager. She now works directly with Matt Trevis, and Craymond Jones. Maddie also added IT Support Manager to her title in 2023.

Maddie’s favorite part about working at Cal-Tex is the appreciation upper management shows towards their employees. The environment in the office is one you want to come back to every day. Every day we are set with new challenges, and as a team we accomplish our challenges and reach our goals.

Maddie says, “This year, I am getting my certificate in Master Gardening, continuing on our house renovation in our 100-year-old home, and read as many books as possible.”

“The culture and environment at Cal-Tex is unmatched. The family feel and cohesiveness of our team allows us to excel, both in our personal and professional endeavors.”

With 8 years of experience in the electrical construction industry, Samantha has developed strong project management skills, along with a solid grasp of the administrative side of things. Whether it’s scheduling, managing budgets, tracking project progress, or handling day-to-day tasks, she is committed to ensuring everything runs smoothly from start to finish. Throughout her career, she has supported diverse projects—ranging from commercial builds to infrastructure—and prioritizes staying organized and focused under pressure.

Outside of work, Samantha has a variety of hobbies; fishing & golfing, painting & reading, all while spending time with her sidekick, a crazy Aussiedoodle named Rizzo.

“We strive for excellence at Cal-Tex Electric.  My goal is to create a reputation with our customers, and our service team, that is built on both respect and trust.”

Jessica is a service-focused professional who enjoys connecting with customers and building long-lasting relationships. As the Assistant Project Manager in the Service Department, she leverages her tenured experience in client services to ensure a positive experience for our clients.

Jessica has a bachelor’s degree in Business Management from the College of Saint Benedict & Saint John’s University. Before joining Cal-Tex Electric in 2020, she worked as a Personal Insurance Agent at a boutique insurance agency in Minneapolis for over a decade. Jessica has devoted countless hours to volunteering at her daughter’s school and in the community. Community outreach is incredibly important to her.

When Jessica heard that Cal-Tex was hiring, she jumped at the opportunity and hasn’t looked back since. “I’m very passionate about making meaningful connections and helping others in and around the community, which aligns with the mission of Cal-Tex Electric,” says Jessica. “That’s why this is such a comfortable fit for me. I’m proud to work for such a great company.”

“I wanted to be part of the Cal-Tex team for years before I joined. I always admired the leadership strong, positive, hard-working mentality. It makes me proud of the work I do and grateful to be part of this team.”

April joined us in August of 2022.  Prior to working with Cal-Tex, April worked in sales management and ran her very own photography business. Now, April works with Project Managers Josh Humphrey and Kohl Bailey, and assistant project manager Karla Schmidt.

April and her family have lived in Prior Lake for over 120 years. She has a 11-year-old corgi named Butters who comes to the office to visit us on a weekly basis. She is a step-grandma to 3 kids, and her favorite place to vacation is Mexico.

Karla came to Cal-Tex Electric in the summer of 2023 with over 20 years of construction experience in accounting and project coordination.  She is on a team that includes Josh Humphrey, Kohl Bailey and April Sprank.  Karla enjoys the financial aspect of the project process.

“I enjoy the variety of duties and projects that my Cal-Tex team works on from bidding to close out.  We have fun but work hard at getting the job done.”

Karla enjoys spending time with her family that includes her husband and two sons.  In her spare time, she enjoys making candles, enjoying winter activities as well as traveling.

We brought Sydnie onto our team in June 2023 initially to take over the front desk position. However, it did not take long for her to make growth at Cal-Tex. Within 3 months of her being brought on, she became an Assistant Project Manager for not one, but two of our Project Managers while simultaneously being a full-time student earning her undergraduate degree at Metropolitan State in Saint Paul.

She is now graduated from school as of December 2024 and working full time as our Senior Project Manager, Dan Camerons assistant. She enjoys working with Dan because he and her previous Project Manager Stephanie both have had a lot of knowledge to teach her, in which her two favorite things about her job are keeping busy and the constant opportunity to learn and grow.

Sydnie grew up in Prior Lake and has been living around the Twin Cities her entire life. She has two dogs named Neji and Nala which she enjoys spending time with, along with her friends and family. She also enjoys cooking, traveling, and shopping.

Amy is an Assistant Project Manager at Cal-Tex Electric and joined the company in 2024.

Although new to the electrical industry, she approaches each challenge with eagerness and a strong commitment to learning. Amy’s diverse background enhances her ability to bring a fresh and innovative perspective to her role.

What Amy finds most rewarding is seeing large-scale projects evolve from inception to completion. She thrives on the sense of accomplishment that comes with assisting and guiding a project through every stage and credits Cal-Tex for providing the resources and support necessary to excel in her position. The collaborative and positive office environment is another key aspect that makes Amy look forward to each day, where she works closely with her Project Manager, Stephanie, to manage the Sioux Falls division. Together, they tackle challenges and achieve success as a team.

Outside of work, Amy enjoys spending time with her dog, Honey, indulging in a good book, or taking full advantage of Minnesota’s diverse outdoor activities throughout the year. Her passion for learning and exploration drives both her personal and professional life.

“Cal-Tex is one of those companies that always has excellent name recognition, whether it be from customers, inspectors, or other team members. Being a part of the hard-working team we have is why I’m proud to be a part of Cal-Tex, and why we keep our clients happy.”

Ryan started at Cal-Tex as a Journeymen in 2009 after graduating from Riverland Community College in Albert Lea with a Construction Electrical Degree in 2008. Ryan was then promoted to an Electrical Foreman position and 2015, and was awarded the Field Operations Manager at the beginning of 2023!

Ryan enjoys teaching the apprentices and watching them progress throughout their electrical career. He says it’s great to be able to watch them improve in real time. He feels it’s exciting to be able to be a part of the decisions that help Cal-Tex grow and make it a great place to work with and for.

Ryan was born, raised, and currently resides in Webster, MN with his Boston Terrier, Bena. He enjoys spending time with friend and family, traveling, working on home projects, and spending time up north fishing, canoeing, and riding ATVs.

Tanya Ernst is an Accounting Associate at Cal-Tex Electric, Inc., where she specializes in accounts receivable, accounts payable, and billing within the construction industry. With over 15 years of experience, Tanya plays a key role in managing daily financial operations, ensuring accurate billing processes, and assisting the Controller with various accounting tasks.

Having earned a Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Accounting in 2013, Tanya brings a strong foundation in accounting principles, paired with hands-on expertise in the construction sector. Her meticulous attention to detail and commitment to accuracy have contributed to the efficient flow of financial transactions at Cal-Tex Electric, Inc.

Known for her fun-loving personality, Tanya embraces a positive and collaborative approach to both work and life. Outside of her accounting responsibilities, Tanya enjoys riding her Harley with her husband and cherishing time with her grandchildren. Her enthusiasm for life and family brings an extra layer of joy to everything she does at Cal-Tex.

Always wearing a smile, Ciara thrives on supporting her team at Cal-Tex as the go-to admin and office mom! Ready to learn, grow, and make every day brighter!

In her spare time she stays busy with her three kids, friends and family. She also enjoys traveling, reading, rollerblading, and trying new restaurants!

“As large as Cal-Tex has become, it still feels like a small family run shop. Everyone knows you and you feel valued every day you work here.”

If it’s 7 a.m. on a Sunday morning and you decide to drop by the warehouse at Cal-Tex Company headquarters, don’t be surprised if you find Adam Kack working feverishly to fill an order for a field crew. More than likely, it was an order placed late on a Friday afternoon or sometime Saturday.

“I love working under stress,” says Adam, who joined Cal-Tex Company in October 2017 and brings 14 years of warehouse management experience to his job. “Guys will text me over the weekend for supplies they need next week, and I’ll just come into the warehouse and fill the order. That’s my work ethic. I like feeling overwhelmed because I know I can get the job done no matter what the obstacles.”

Part of what motivates Adam to “get it done right away” is the sense of team that he feels working at Cal-Tex Company. “They made me feel welcome and like I belonged here as soon as I started. It is a really tight group here in the building and we get along really well. I value our guys in the field, and it is important to me that I build trust with them so they know that they can rely on me the same way our clients rely on them.”

So what exactly does Adam do in his role as warehouse manager? “If the guys need any tools or products, they call or text me. I handle all the shipping and receiving for our projects. We ship directly to the job site about 70% of the time – the rest comes to the warehouse and I make sure it gets to the job site when it is needed.”

Adam lives in Prior Lake with his wife Stephanie, their son Brantley, and his two step-children. When he’s not working in the Cal-Tex warehouse, Adam does a lot of bow hunting in the fall and fishing for muskies or walleye (especially on the ice).

With over 20 years in the electrical field, Josh has moved from apprentice to safety director at Cal-Tex, where he’s thrived for 14 years. A Wisconsin transplant now living life in Minnesota. When not working he likes to travel.