Neuenschwander family turns over reins of Kidron Electric to Smithville resident

• Kidron Electric was founded in 1938 by Paul Neuenschwander.

Kidron Electric has new ownership and is under new management.

Chad Beery purchased the company from Art Neuenschwander in a deal that closed in the spring. The Neuenschwander family started the business nearly 85 years ago, and Art will continue to be involved in projects for the foreseeable future.

Kidron Electric was founded in 1938 by Paul Neuenschwander, with some of the initial projects being to bring electricity to farms in the area. Over the years service offerings expanded to include plumbing, heating, refrigeration, appliances and agricultural systems.

When his sons, Art and Ken Neuenschwander, took over the business in 1989, they divested of the appliance and agricultural divisions to focus on electrical, HVAC, plumbing and refrigeration systems. The Neuenschwander brothers served together until Ken’s retirement in 2016.

Meet the new owner: Chad Beery

Beery joined Kidron Electric in 2016, having previously been employed by a mechanical contractor, as well as spending seven years in HVAC and plumbing design at a consulting engineering firm.

He and his wife, Katie, and their five children live near Smithville. He has been involved in the design and construction of commercial buildings for 20 years.

Outside of work he enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, woodworking and is active in his church.

“The amazing growth and success that our company has enjoyed, particularly over the last 30-plus years is a testament to the hard work and dedication of Art and Ken, and the team that they had supporting them," Beery said. "I will always be grateful for the opportunity to work with Art, and thankful for him entrusting me to lead the company into the future.

"I am honored to have the opportunity to lead Kidron Electric," he said. "I feel very blessed to have such a wonderful management team, field crew and office staff in place to support our company and serve our clients.”

Beery is supported by a group of employees that make up the management team, with over 150 years of combined experience. The key members of the management team are director of electrical services Terry Wenger, electrical superintendent Kevin Kindy, mechanical superintendent Paul Miller, service manager Jon Baker and office manager Dave Daniels.

Between the management team, the construction, service and office staff, there are more than 40 staff members with many years of experience to provide for Kidron Electric clients and their projects.