Our History
Our Company History
Gallaher Beginning
Gallaher & Associates, Inc.’s company history began in 1973 by Roy Gallaher as a rep firm carrying a variety of electrical manufacturers with products ranging from fire alarm systems to power distribution and lighting sold to end users and electrical contractors and grew from there into the company we are today.
1982 - Worlds Fair
One of several early milestones that helped stimulate Gallaher’s growth and reputation for excellence was the successful completion of the fire alarm systems installation in the high-profile International Pavilions at the 1982 World’s Fair.
1993 - 20 Years
By 1993, Gallaher had a solid team of 20 key members, of which many are still here today. In the same year, Roy’s son, Tom, joined the company full-time after graduating from Radford University with a BBA in operations management and a mathematics minor. The vision dedicated Tom’s efforts exclusively to the expansions of Gallaher offerings beyond Life Safety to include Security and Communications solutions and begin the long road of preparing a second-generation family ownership plan.
2000 - Chattanooga Branch Opens
In 2000, Gallaher’s success southward prompted the creation of our remote branch in Chattanooga and investment in local talent. The Chattanooga office quickly grew and thrived, successfully expanding Gallaher’s footprint into North Georgia and Alabama, making its mark in industrial, municipality, and campus environments. As part of the second-generation family purchase plan, Tom began transitioning into leadership-based roles within the organization.
2008 - 35 Years in Business
2008 – 35 Years in Business By 2008 Gallaher had passed the 10M mark in revenue of which less than .25% of 28 million businesses in the US ever reach, widening the gap in market share in East Tennessee between Gallaher and that of both local and national competitors. Gallaher was now offering a broader line of services and doing strategic projects across the Southeast and beyond.
2010
2010, Tom Gallaher became President and CEO with the plan of maintaining his father’s value system and standards of excellence and began formally building them into the everyday culture of the company as it expanded.
Today
Currently in our 50th year of providing solutions to more than 1,000 customers and delivering over 700 projects per year, Gallaher continues to grow both geographically and with the technology solutions offered. We continue to increase the value brought to our customers with established branch office locations in Nashville, Knoxville, and Chattanooga. Gallaher now serves clients and contractors in TN, KY, GA, NC, SC, AL, and in other locations across the country by remaining relentlessly focused on our core purpose and values.