When it comes to large and highly complex electrical projects, the Helix name stands out. The specialist contractor has worked on some of the largest and most prominent design and build projects in the western region in almost every field of construction.
“Our longevity comes down to consistency and adaptability, while challenging ourselves to grow in all areas of our business,” says Boris Shekhter, CEO of Helix Electric. “We invest in our employees through comprehensive training programs and promotion from within, which creates a culture of trust and commitment to continuous learning.”
As the company looks to the future, this year is also celebrating two milestones: reaching $1 billion in annual revenue and celebrating 40 years in business. A third milestone is being named ENR West California Specialty Contractor of the Year for 2025.
Space to grow
Helix has more than 3,000 employees and operates seven offices in California, Hawaii and Nevada. Shekhter says Helix Electric stays at the forefront of the industry through “strategic decisions that position us for future growth, including investment in advanced prefabrication facilities and new technologies, as well as geographic expansion into high-growth markets.”
This year, for the first time, Helix will exceed $1 billion in annual revenue, reflecting strong demand across all of its market sectors, including senior living, healthcare, hospitality, data centers, water treatment facilities and other large infrastructure.
Casey Long, Helix’s chief operating officer, says Helix Electric’s tremendous growth in the water treatment sector is driven by aging infrastructure and increased environmental regulations. “These projects demand precise power distribution, backup systems and advanced monitoring capabilities that can handle harsh environments and maintain continuous operation,” he says.
Shekhter says the company’s project portfolio is robust, extending well beyond 2028, with major developments planned across the country.
One of the company’s most notable current projects is the Orinda Water Treatment Plant project in Northern California, which marked a major milestone for the company as it delivered the largest prefab power building in the company’s history.
“The project involved two years of meticulous planning to design, build and deliver this critical infrastructure component,” says Long.
Another exciting project for Helix is the Mountain at Mullin Park, an arena and student center on the campus of Pepperdine University in Malibu, California. Construction began in early 2024 and will be completed in late 2026.
Team players
Jane S. Parry, project executive for Clark Construction Group, says the Helix team is professional, organized and skilled in managing the electrical scope of the project.
“Their focus on quality and safety specifically has added value to the project and is a constant priority for their office and field teams,” says Parry. “The Helix team has been proactive and willing to help resolve any issues or constructability issues the team has encountered.”
Bob Erskine, Northern California president of SJ Amoroso Construction, also praises the value of working with Helix.
“We treat people well, we set stretchable goals, we reach out, we’re always learning and we create a rewarding workplace…”.
—Boris Shekhter, CEO of Helix Electric
“Direct access to key leadership is especially valuable in our relationship with Helix,” says Erskine, who has worked on numerous projects with Helix over the past 30 years, including VA Stockton, completed in April 2024 with owner occupancy; Palo Alto VA, three contracts totaling about $250 million and a fourth on the way, bringing the total to about $400 million at that campus; and the VA Long Beach, valued at $200 million.
Erskine recalls how Helix helped during COVID when SJ Amoroso was hired by the government to repurpose a building for potential pandemic needs.
“Helix committed resources immediately at difficult times. There are many daily interactions that I would say have an impact, but this was a very unique situation at very unique times, and I remember that,” says Erskine.
Invest in the future
Shekhter cites five core values as the key to the company’s success: “We treat people well, we set goals, we reach out, we’re always learning and we create a rewarding workplace. We focus on building long-term relationships with our employees, partners and customers, fostering the trust that enables us to tackle the industry’s most challenging electrical projects.” Helix also prioritizes its employees by promoting from within, offering tuition reimbursement, and offering comprehensive benefits. According to the company, this has helped build a work culture that attracts and retains top talent.
In addition, Helix University, an in-house program designed to enhance employee skills, offers technical and leadership training programs that help team members grow professionally. Before joining Helix Electric as a full-time employee, students and recent graduates can see the immediate value of internship and co-op programs where they work alongside industry leaders on meaningful projects.
“These experiences build confidence and demonstrate the possibilities of electrical contracting,” says Shekhter. “We show young talent that joining Helix means joining a company that invests in their future success.”
