Fifth Generation In Local Business
submitted by Jackie Stroffoleno
As local electrical contracting firm J.A. Bradley and Sons begins its centennial year, the fifth generation family firm looks forward to a bright future while honoring its long history and pride in its community, family, friends and associates. To put into context just how rare it is for a business to celebrate its 100th year, the US Small Business Administration states that historically, 33 percent of small businesses will survive 10 years and only 25 percent will make it to 15 years. To get to 100 years is a testament to the dedication, workmanship and loyalty J.A. Bradley has had to its craft and community. In celebrating this milestone, J.A. Bradley looks forward to continuing to serve its customers and community for many years to come as the family’s fifth generation begins to make its mark in the community it calls home.
J.A. Bradley and Sons, Inc. was founded when cars were few, running water and indoor plumbing still scarce and air travel unheard of. The Bradley Electric Shop was started by Philip Bradley in a storefront at 6 John Street in the Village of Hoosick Falls in 1913. At that time electricity and power to homes, businesses and farms was in its infancy and it was groundbreaking work in a new environment that today we take for granted.
The business continued to expand and grow through the Great Depression and two World Wars, and Philip’s son, Joseph (Joe) A. Bradley entered into the business, expanding in all areas of residential, commercial and agriculture service. Joe Bradley and his sister Julia formally took over the business in 1942 with the passing of Philip. In 1955 they moved the business to its second location on Hall Street in Hoosick Falls. Two of Joe’s sons, Don and Phil, began working in the family business in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Joe Bradley ran the business until the early 1970s when Master Electricians Don and Phil Bradley took over day to day operations with both continuing to serve to this day. In the early 1980s the business moved for the third time to its current location just north of the Village on Route 22. Master Electrician Scott Stroffoleno, Don’s son-in-law, now runs the daily operation and recently his son Colin entered the business, ensuring that the family firm’s commitment to its community and customers will continue for many years to come.
Today J.A. Bradley serves a wide customer base over a large area of eastern New York and Vermont. The company still provides service for residential, commercial and farm needs. The firm’s electricians strictly adhere to the National Electrical Code. Not resting on its laurels, the company continues to expand to bring modern technology and energy saving opportunities to its customers. This spring J.A. Bradley will begin offering new state of the art services such as solar power installation and service. A customer can be confident in the craftsmanship and quality of the services provided as evidenced by the firm’s long life. The company provides 24 hour service to customers within an 80 mile radius of Hoosick Falls. A hallmark of this firm is its commitment to the customer, regardless of the time of day or distance to travel.
With its long family history and tradition of quality service, it is very common for employees of the firm to enter residential homes or family farms and see evidence of past installations and services by great-grandfathers, grandfathers and fathers. It is this ongoing relationship with the community over many generations that has enabled the company to reach this 100th year celebration.