Today we’d like to introduce you to Dustin Brooks.
Hi Dustin, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started Brooks Electric with a simple goal: to provide honest, reliable electrical work for my community and to build something that I can leave for my two sons to continue to build. My path toward this career began long before I entered the trade. I’ve always taken pride in working hard and challenging myself, graduating as the salutatorian of my high school class and later finishing #1 in my electrical apprenticeship class. Those experiences reinforced the value of discipline, preparation, and setting high standards, all of which play a major role in how I run my business today.
My early work experience also shaped who I am professionally. At 16, I started at Schnucks, and later worked at Dierbergs during college, both very customer-oriented roles. After graduation from Missouri Baptist University with my Bachelor’s in Applied Management, before beginning my apprenticeship, I managed two Valvoline Instant Oil Change stores in St. Louis. Each of these jobs taught me how to care for customers, communicate clearly, and solve problems quickly which are skills I rely on every single day at Brooks Electric.
Electrical work is also part of my family heritage. My grandpa was an IBEW Local 1 electrician and my dad is currently a Local 1 electrician. Becoming a third-generation IBEW Local 1 member is a tremendous source of pride for me and a big reason why I wanted my company to be an IBEW Local 1 contractor. Carrying forward that legacy of craftsmanship, integrity, and pride in the trade is something I take seriously.
After completing my apprenticeship and gaining experience across residential, commercial, and specialty electrical projects working for companies such as Microsoft, BJC, Boeing, Dell, Mastercard, St. Louis University, Nestle and many other major companies and organizations, I felt called to start my own company. Like most small businesses, it began with just me, my truck, and a commitment to doing things the right way. Over time, word of mouth grew and so did the business. I’ve been fortunate to serve incredible customers, work alongside local organizations, and stay actively involved in community and youth programs.
Even as a contractor with a full schedule, I still make time to give back to the trade. I teach a National Electrical Code “Codeology” class in the evenings in the spring and fall at the St. Louis Electrical Training Center for IBEW Local 1. Helping other electricians understand the Code and take pride in their work is something I truly enjoy.
Today, Brooks Electric continues to grow, but the foundation remains the same: pride in the trade, quality workmanship, and exceptional customer service. I’m grateful for how far the journey has taken me and excited for what’s ahead.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
One of the biggest struggles in building Brooks Electric has been learning how to balance everything at once: running a business, staying active in the field, teaching Codeology classes, and still making time for my family and community involvement. When you start a company, especially in the trades, you wear every hat: electrician, scheduler, estimator, bookkeeper, problem solver. That learning curve can be steep and there’s no manual for how to juggle it all.
Another major challenge was making the decision to leave an excellent job with a St. Louis electrical IBEW contractor where I spent 13 years of my career. It was a stable position with people I respected, and stepping away from that to take the risk of starting my own company wasn’t easy. However I felt strongly that it was the right move, and even though it came with uncertainty, it pushed me to grow and trust in my abilities.
Once I started Brooks Electric, there was the challenge of stepping into a very competitive industry on my own. There’s pressure to prove yourself, earn trust, and stand behind your work every single day. In the beginning, it meant long hours, taking calls at all times, and saying yes to almost anything to get the business moving. It takes a lot of resilience to push through those early stages and build a reputation from the ground up.
I’ve also worked hard to keep up with the pace of growth while making sure the quality of the work never slips. Maintaining high standards, even when the schedule gets full, has always been a top priority.
And like many small business owners, I’ve navigated constant changes with new electrical codes, evolving technology, material price changes, and unplanned job site challenges. This trade is always moving, and staying ahead requires continuous learning and adaptability.
Through all of these struggles, each challenge has ultimately strengthened the business. They’ve pushed me to become more organized, more intentional, and more confident as both an electrician and a leader. This year we were honored to win the award of “Best Electrical Contractor” in Jefferson County. Every hurdle and reward the has helped shape the foundation of Brooks Electric.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about The Brooks Electric and Data Company (DBA Brooks Electric)?
Brooks Electric is a family-owned, IBEW Local 1 electrical contracting company based out of De Soto, Missouri that serves St. Louis County, St. Louis City, and Jefferson County. We specialize in residential and commercial electrical work, with a focus on safety, quality, and customer service. Being a third-generation IBEW Local 1 electrician, we take a tremendous amount of pride in maintaining the level of craftsmanship and integrity that the union is known for.
We handle everything from service upgrades, panel replacements, lighting projects, remodels, new construction, and troubleshooting. We approach every job with the same level of attention and professionalism.
What truly sets Brooks Electric apart is our commitment to customer service. Before I ever entered the electrical trade, I spent years working in customer-focused industries grocery and management Those experiences shaped how I run this business. Clear communication, reliability, respect for the customer’s home or business, and doing things the right way every single time are the core pillars of how we operate.
We’re also known for being extremely detail-oriented and code-driven. Teaching National Electrical Code “Codeology” classes at the St. Louis Electrical Training Center keeps me sharp, up-to-date, and focused on delivering work that isn’t just functional, but safe and fully compliant.
I’m proud that Brooks Electric has built a reputation based on trust. Most of our work comes from word of mouth, repeat customers, and referrals, which tells me we’re delivering the level of service people want to stand behind. Our brand represents honesty, craftsmanship, and community. When people see our name, I want them to know they’re getting quality work from someone who truly cares.
At Brooks Electric, you’re not just hiring an electrician, you’re hiring someone who stands behind every job and treats your home or business like it’s their own. Whether it’s a small repair or a major project, we show up, communicate clearly, and deliver results we’re proud of. We’re dedicated to serving our community, supporting local families, and continuing the tradition of excellence that comes with being an IBEW Local 1 contractor
What do you like and dislike about the city?
St. Louis has a long history of stepping up when it matters, and you really see that through community involvement, like the Rebuilding St. Louis project, which I’ve had the opportunity to volunteer for. Getting to be part of something that directly helps families and strengthens neighborhoods is one of the things that makes me proud.
Another one of my favorite things about St. Louis is being downtown when you get that overlap of Cardinals, Blues, STL City, and Battlehawks games happening on the same weekend. The energy is unbelievable. It brings out the best of the city and shows the pride people here have for where they’re from.
Beyond St. Louis, my hometown of De Soto, MO has an incredible sense of community pride as well. Businesses support one another, people show up for each other, and the involvement in local events is exceptional. If you’ve never been to one of De Soto’s parades down Main Street, you’re missing out! They truly capture the heart of a small town that stands together.
If there’s one thing I’d like to see improve, it’s continued investment in growth. Whether that’s infrastructure, small-business development, or opportunities for young families. We have so much potential as a community, and sometimes it feels like certain areas don’t get the attention or resources they need to keep up. I say that not as a criticism, but because I care about our community and want to see it thrive. With the right focus, we can keep moving in a really positive direction.
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