About Bright Electric
Bright Electric is a trusted electrical contractor serving Evansville and the Tri-State area since 1994. Family-built, locally operated, and deeply rooted in the Evansville community, our company is committed to delivering safe, reliable, and high-quality electrical solutions for homeowners, builders, and businesses.
With more than
80 years of combined electrical experience, our leadership team brings unmatched craftsmanship, professionalism, and integrity to every project — from small service calls to complex commercial installations.
Our Story
Bright Electric began in 1994 when founder Darrel Pinkston, a Master Electrician with 17 years of experience at the former Welborn Hospital, set out to build an electrical company grounded in honesty, skill, and community care. Darrel’s years at the hospital shaped the high safety and quality standards that still guide the company today.
What started as a small local service operation grew steadily through reputation alone. As more homeowners and businesses trusted us with their electrical needs, our capabilities expanded from residential troubleshooting to commercial buildouts, multi-family housing, restaurants, tenant spaces, and new construction projects across Evansville and surrounding counties.
Three decades later, Bright Electric continues to honor its founding purpose:
Helping people by offering great electrical solutions — done right, done safely, and done with integrity.
Matt Pinkston
Operations Manager & Master Electrician
Matt joined Bright Electric in 1997 and has been instrumental in shaping the company’s growth for nearly three decades. He earned his Journeyman license in 2000 and his Master Electrician license in 2017. Today, Matt oversees operations, project quality, and customer experience alongside his sister, Melanie, and his son, William — representing the third generation of Pinkstons in the electrical trade. Matt is proud to help guide the next generation of electricians within the family and the company.
Darrel Pinkston
Founder & Master Electrician
Darrel founded Bright Electric in the early 1990’s after almost two decades of electrical work at Welborn Hospital, where he developed deep technical expertise in a demanding environment. His commitment to quality workmanship, personal service, and customer trust created the strong foundation Bright Electric stands on today.
Brian Hofmann
Service Manager & Master Electrician
With more than 25 years of electrical experience at Bright Electric, Brian is known for his diagnostic expertise and calm, solution-focused approach. His troubleshooting skill ensures repairs are completed safely, efficiently, and professionally.
Melanie Laidlaw
Office Manager & Licensed Electrician
Melanie is the backbone of Bright Electric’s operations and a licensed electrician, giving her rare insight into both the technical and administrative sides of the business. Her leadership extends into the next generation — her son, Jackson, is actively working in the business and developing his electrical skillset.
Melanie ensures every customer receives accurate, well-coordinated service supported by real electrical knowledge behind the scenes.
Our Mission
Bright Electric is committed to brightening the lives of our customers — providing practical, reliable electrical solutions with transparent pricing and exceptional service, while building strong community connections one home and business at a time.
Our Core Values
1. Integrity In Action
Integrity isn’t just a principle — it’s the foundation of everything we do.
We keep our promises, communicate honestly, and never sacrifice safety or ethics for convenience. Customers trust us because we consistently do the right thing.
2. Professional Excellence
Excellence is our baseline.
Our team of Master and Journeyman electricians stays ahead of industry standards, continues ongoing training, and delivers high-quality workmanship every day. Quality isn’t just an act — it’s our habit.
3. People-Centered Service
We measure success by the lives we improve.
Putting people first means listening carefully, responding thoughtfully, and serving with purpose.
4. Innovative Collaboration
We believe in the power of partnership.
Whether working with homeowners, builders, inspectors, or community organizations, collaboration elevates our service, strengthens relationships, and pushes industry standards across Evansville forward.
5. Boldly Authentic
We’re proud to be refreshingly different.
Bright Electric embraces authenticity — thinking boldly, speaking confidently, and standing out in the best possible way. People trust us because we are unapologetically ourselves.
Our Promise to You
Your safety and satisfaction come first — always.
We follow the highest industry standards, local codes, and strict internal quality practices to ensure:
- Safe, code-compliant installations
- Clean, professional workmanship
- Clear, transparent communication
- Reliable solutions backed by warranty
When you choose Bright Electric, you’re choosing electrical work done right — with integrity, excellence, and genuine care.
Ready to Work With a Trusted Evansville Electrician?
Our team is here to help with any residential, commercial, or new construction electrical project.
Contact us
today to get started!
