Britt Rice Electric powers its future with employee ownership

What began in 1973 as a niche manufacturer has grown into a cornerstone of Bryan-College Station’s business community. Now, as Britt Rice Electric charts its next chapter, it’s keeping that legacy close while turning to a future powered by its people.

In January 2025, Britt Rice Electric transitioned to an employee stock ownership plan, giving about 300 employees — most of which are based in the Bryan-College Station area — a share in the company. 

As part of the business’s transition, a new management team — led by division heads David Patton, Erin Brinkmeyer and Walter King — took the reins from founder Britt Rice and president Jeff Blanton.

“There’s a culture here we didn’t want to lose,” said Blanton, who has spent 33 years with the company. “We have spent decades building a name based on quality, experience and reliability. Keeping this business in the hands of our employees protects that legacy and positions us for growth.”

Across-the-board expertise

You may not be familiar with Britt Rice Electric, but you have likely encountered its work. The company has wired landmarks like Kyle Field and the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum, as well as businesses and homes in the region.

The transition to employee ownership is a new, exciting milestone for a company that has grown gradually while staying true to its roots. Britt Rice Electric traces its beginnings to the early 1970s, when Britt Rice, alongside Texas A&M collaborators, designed and built meat tenderizer stimulators. From there, the company expanded into electrical contracting.

In its current form, the company’s primary focus is on electrical wiring, including high-voltage systems (larger commercial projects) to specialized low-voltage services such as fire alarm and security systems.

The company operates across three divisions. 

• Britt Rice Electric handles large-scale electrical projects and everyday service calls. 
• Crown Systems has expertise in fire alarms, security and audiovisual systems.
• Carroll Systems is an Austin-based division specializing in data and fiber installations.

“We’re a true one-stop shop for just about anything with wiring,” Blanton said. “There’s nobody else in town with the range of capabilities we have all under one roof.”

Powering growth, preserving legacy

With an eye toward the future, the company is investing in expanding its low-voltage division and pursuing new opportunities in the growing Bryan-College Station market, particularly in private-sector work. Smaller service work — projects such as installing outlets, light fixtures and fire alarm devices — will remain a core part of the business as well. 

Britt Rice Electric approaches the big jobs and small jobs with the same customer-first ethos, according to King, division manager for low-voltage projects. 

“It’s our experience and our people that really set us apart,” Patton said. “We understand the importance of and are committed to quality service.”

Brinkmeyer, currently one of the company’s project managers, joined Britt Rice Electric eight years ago. He said that changes in the business’s ownership will not impact the guiding principles that have allowed it to sustain success in an ever-changing industry. 

“Being part of this team that’s been together for so long, it really feels like a family,” he said. “This move is about keeping the best of what we’ve built while opening the door to what’s next.” 

To learn more about Britt Rice Electric, visit briceco.net.

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