Buist: Raising the Standard for 60 Years
Buist, an employee-owned trade partner has been serving West Michigan since 1964. With headquarters in Byron Center and an office in Kalamazoo, the company employs a team of roughly 500 and provides a full range of electrical, technology, and engineering services. Their expertise spans across numerous markets including commercial, industrial, healthcare, education, and more.
From Brothers to Employee Ownership
Buist began when brothers Larry and Roger Buist founded Buist Electrical Contractors. Over the past 60 years, the company has grown, diversified, and expanded its reach. To better reflect its services, Buist recently dropped “Electric” from its name. In 2005, when co-founder Larry retired, the company transitioned to employee ownership in the continued efforts to consider employees’ well-being as essential.
Looking ahead, Buist’s goal remains the same: to honor God in all they do and to put employees first. “We have found that by putting employees first and taking care of them to the best of our ability, they then take incredible care of customers,” the team explains. Their philosophy is rooted in their tagline: “Raising The Standard.” Buist strives to keep raising the standard in all the services they provide, making sure they are doing right by God, employees, and customers.
Connected to Muskegon County
Although not headquartered in Muskegon County, Buist has been drawn to the community by both opportunity and values. The company has completed notable projects in the area, including Trinity Health Hospital (Mercy Health) in 2017, and is currently working on the Cytiva K-Star project. Buist also continues to provide routine service work in the area.
“What really motivated us to get involved in Muskegon was the opportunity to make more connections, be a part of the community,” the team shares. They note that jobsite experiences have been positive and that Muskegon’s community orientation is what makes doing business here so meaningful.
A Commitment to Community
Community has always been a core value for Buist, and the company has made it a priority in Muskegon County. Their involvement includes joining Muskegon Community College and GMED, partnering with Gilbane on the Cytiva job, attending events, and even participating in a GMED-hosted panel.
“One of the driving forces behind our partnership with GMED is our commitment to community involvement,” the team explains. “If we’re going to be working in the community, we want to be involved in the community in a greater way.” GMED has provided connections, resources, and new opportunities that help Buist build stronger relationships and expand their impact in Muskegon County.
Stronger Communities, Stronger Businesses
Buist believes economic development is critical for all businesses. Thriving businesses create opportunities for growth, expansion, and investment — and that’s where Buist comes alongside to support.
At its heart, Buist’s story is rooted in faith, integrity, service to others, a strong work ethic, and continuous improvement. These values drive how they support employees, serve communities, and keep raising the standard across West Michigan.