Allied Electrical Contractors’ conception grew from an alliance of six journeyman electricians in 1985.  Without venture capital for start-up, the professional electricians agreed to perform all the work and pooled their equipment, tools and a stake of funding out of their own pockets.  The early years were extremely difficult.  Eventually, only two of the original founders (Michael Eskridge, President and Tommy L. Ray, Secretary/Treasurer) remained with the Company.  Today, Allied has grown to be one of the largest and most recognized minority-owned businesses in Memphis.  Allied has key business relationships with Memphis Light, Gas & Water, Tennessee Valley Authority, City of Memphis, Memphis/Shelby County International Airport, Memphis Area Transit Authority, The MED and Memphis City Schools, to name a few.  2001 was a monumental year for the Company.  Allied was selected as the electrical contractor to perform the renovation of the Pyramid for the Memphis Grizzlies NBA Team.  In 2002, Allied was selected as one of the lead electrical contractors on the FedEx Forum.   Allied’s mission focuses on providing a sound and profitable business model that will inspire other African Americans.