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And in 1960, Bill’s dream came true mentioned when he was traveling and set its vision that has remained true for
when he and his wife Barbara started the talking to the IEC chapters around the 25 years: IECF will help to advance the
Crawford Electric Company. The business, country. They soon raised $100,000 in electrical systems contracting industry
which started small, using word-of-mouth their first year. It was not long before the and improve the quality of life in our
advertising to gain work, grew steadily foundation had caught the eye of large communities and the world.
over the coming decades. sponsors who could support the financial
goals long-term. The Home Depot invited Bill celebrated his 93rd birthday in May
Bill never forgot the $25 fee that was Bill to Atlanta, where he was given a tour and now lives in Jacksonville, FL with
generously covered for him to foster of its headquarters. “I never thought a big Barbara, 90, and continues to golf weekly.
his curiosity of electricity. “All of this company like that would just jump in and He occasionally shares his story as a
started back in 1942 when I was offered support us,” Bill shared. However, Home motivational speaker in his area and is
the chance to go to school and some Depot could see the potential impact always willing to share his electrician’s
very generous local contractors put on the industry through the foundation. journey with any IEC member or future
money into a fund so that people like “They have faithfully supported the contractor. “I love that everyone keeps in
me could attend. I never forgot the foundation ever since, for all these years,” touch with me. I am looking forward to
help I got.” The success of Crawford Bill concluded with a smile. getting back to the convention and being
Electric wasn’t possible without the gift at the golf outing for the foundation,” Bill
he received, for which the contractors With fundraising and long-term sponsored said excitedly.
didn’t expect anything in return. programs, the foundation was able to

Starting the Independent Electrical
Contractors Foundation wasn’t necessarily
a hard sell to the IEC Board, but
finding funding certainly was an uphill
battle. Bill thought of a tangible way Bill’s intuition for electricity, continuous love for
to pay it forward and, along the way,
instilled a culture of generosity in the learning, and generous spirit has paved the way for
Foundation. “When we got the approval,
I asked Ike, ‘do we have any money?’” hundreds of young professionals to learn the trade
After hearing a resounding “No,” Bill to power communities, cities, and countries. Bill’s
consulted Barbara and they used money
saved from their business and gave parting advice for anyone looking for career wisdom:
the first $10,000 to the Foundation.
“You can do it! Keep on keepin’ on.
Word spread about the foundation. “When
something is successful everyone wants That attitude paid off for me and it
to be a part of it,” Bill said in jest. He can for you too.”
traveled around the country to get money
for IECF to fund the initial scholarships
for apprentice contractors. “Excitement is
contagious when they see it in you,” Bill

www.ieci.org | November/December 2021 | Insights Magazine 69