Compass Electric was preceded by an illustrious history with its owner, Mel Maki at the center. Mel started out in electrical work during 1961 as an IBEW union worker. Work preformed included substations, switch yards, steel towers, high line wooden poles, hot stick work, transformers oil circuit breakers, and storm jobs. After a time, Mel changed his ticket to “inside wireman”. It was with this change he expanded his experience with work at large plants such as, U.S. Steel, working with motor control centers, cable tray, rigid and EMT conduit, later going on to work for large manufacturing plants as a maintenance electrician.

Mel landed in Salt Lake City, Utah in 1975 and obtained a Master Electrician’s License. It was during this time, he began his ambition to be a business owner. With an old, beat up, ford van and no money in the bank, he was awarded a contract to wire and do maintenance for a new company hitting the Salt Lake Valley! 7-Eleven stores. This became his first big break and he went on to continue as their maintenance electrician. That led to more great projects; namely, the underground high voltage at the “This Is The Place” monument near Immigration Canyon, as well as the electrical wiring on the new maintenance garage, and offices at the site. He continued on to work on the then known, Walker Banks which are now Wells Fargo Banks. After a complete renovation of the Utah State prison in the cafeteria, and controls for the main tower, the Utah economy experienced a down turn, so Mel closed down and headed further West.

In 1985, he landed in Southern California, and began another business in 1986, Key Electric, Inc. With an old Ford Courier Pickup Truck, and no business connections, Mel began his adventure to grow an Electrical Service company in Southern California. This business grew to a fleet of 30 electrical service vans and 40 employees with the blessing of the Lord, a lot of good electricians, and outstanding office personnel. Clients there included, The U.S. Secret Service, namely President Ronald Reagan’s home, 20th Century Fox Studios – working on the set of “24”, DreamWorks Studios, and various television and movie stars. Key Electric, Inc. received 100 or more service calls daily and became known as one of the largest electrical service companies in Southern California.

In 2006, Mel sold Key Electric, Inc. to a large contracting firm, The Linc Group. Over the years, Mel has maintained residences in both Utah and California. After the sale of Key Electric, Inc he made the decision to reside exclusively in the lovely Salt Lake Valley. After 3 years off, Compass Electric was born. It is Mel’s greatest wish to continue bringing the highest levels of customer service to all areas of electrical. Be it Residential, Commercial, or Industrial, Mel’s years of experience and success have garnered him not only the desire to do this, but the actual capability to do it well. Mel brings a special respect to every customer’s home, and every business he is privileged to perform work.

Mel’s hobbies are fly fishing, skiing, and snowmobiling. He is a man of faith, and currently resides with his wife, Sandra of 15 years and their mini-pinscher, Lexie.

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