Reaching the 100^th anniversary of your family owned and operated business is considered a huge milestone by many. But according to Steve Bohnet, secretary of Bohnet Electric Co., “it’s not really that big of a deal.”

Bohnet Electric Co., located at 2918 N. Grand River Ave. in Lansing, was founded in 1906 by Steve’s great-uncle William F. Bohnet. As the availability of electricity increased citywide, Lansing residents turned to Bohnet Electric Co. to get their homes wired and to purchase lamps. A spin-off company, Bohnet Brothers, was even created for building and repairing traffic lights.

By the 1920s washing machines were included on the showroom floor, by the ‘50s televisions and refrigerators. Then an unexpected twist of fate occurred in the 1960s when Bohnet Electric Co. relocated from Downtown Lansing to West Saginaw Street.  The Saginaw location, which was intended to be used for liquidation, surprisingly increased business, and the company has been going strong ever since.

Today, the showroom displays lamp fixtures and shades dating as far back as the early 1900s, and the Bohnet family can still be found greeting customers as they walk through the door. Ron Bohnet, Steve’s father, is president of the company; Patrick Bohnet is the master electrician; and Evelyn and Sherri Bohnet (who are grandmother and granddaughter) assure the store runs smoothly, along with Steve.

The company’s extensive knowledge in antique lighting and fixtures enables them to repair, remodel or recover just about any lamp or shade. Bohnet Electric has also assisted in the lighting restoration of historical locations such as the Turner-Dodge House and Clara’s Lansing Station Restaurant. “Some companies just do contracting work, or just retail; it’s really unusual for the two to be combined. It’s almost unheard of,” said Steve Bohnet.

Over the years Bohnet Electric Co. has become known for completing even the most specialized custom jobs, from lamp shades made of the same material as a couch to a musical instrument turned into a lamp. “We all really enjoy what we do,” Bohnet said. “Our focus is not to be the biggest company; our focus is to sell a good product, provide good customer service. Service is key.”

After providing service to the Lansing area for 100 years, the Bohnets just may know a thing or two about keeping customers satisfied. So do not anticipate any fancy banners or celebrations announcing Bohnet Electric Co.’s 100^th anniversary. Instead, expect the usual: good old-fashioned friendly service.