The Will Group

What The Will Group does

The Will Group is a privately-held, MBE-certified integrated infrastructure services company founded in 1986 by Stephen L. Davis and headquartered in Wheaton, Illinois, operating across 12 states with 160+ employees. The business operates five core service lines — Infrastructure Solutions (manufacturer's representative for roadway, ornamental, and smart city lighting plus EV charging and preconstructed bridges), TWG Engineering (licensed engineering, surveying, GIS, and planning supported by a patented cloud-based asset assessment platform), Warehouse Services and Contract Manufacturing (kitting, packaging, pre-assembly, quality inspections), Program Management (construction and program management for aviation, education, and government clients), and Distribution (wholesale electrical supply). Its primary customers are municipalities, electric utilities (ComEd, Southern Company, NIPSCO, BrightRidge), aviation authorities (JFK, O'Hare), and government agencies, with anchor engagements including the Chicago Smart Street Lighting Modernization (~$160M material value, 280,000 fixtures), JFK Terminal 1 PPP construction management ($9.5B program), and a 6-year $63M Southern Company warehousing contract.

The company's competitive positioning rests on a vertically integrated services-plus-supply model: it acts as both a manufacturer's representative for 15+ brands including Valmont, GE Current, and ChargePoint and an in-house assembler via the 135,000 sq ft K-Town Business Centre on Chicago's West Side, supported by a Carol Stream warehouse and engineering offices in Shorewood and Mattoon. Go-to-market is sales-led and relationship-driven, with multi-decade anchor relationships (City of Chicago 20+ years, IDOT 30+ years, JFK 30+ years) and project-based pricing through competitive bids and government contracts. The K-Town Phase 2 build (completed 2025) represents a $50M capital commitment to scale clean-energy contract manufacturing, while the 2023 acquisition of Ruettiger, Tonelli and Associates brought engineering design and GIS capabilities in-house. Marketing combines digital channels (LinkedIn, Facebook, Google Ads), industry events, and community/earned media positioning, with the Tuskegee NEXT foundation and minority-owned business certifications reinforcing public-sector procurement advantages.

Name

The Will Group

Legal name

The Will Group

Website

https://thewillgroup.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1986

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

The Will Group is a privately-held, MBE-certified integrated infrastructure services firm providing lighting, engineering, warehousing, distribution, and program management to municipalities, electric utilities, aviation authorities, and government agencies across 12 states.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Infrastructure Engineering & Construction Services

NAICS

Electric Lighting Equipment Manufacturing (33513), Electrical Equipment Manufacturing (33531)

SIC

Electric Lighting & Wiring Equipment (3640), Electrical Industrial Apparatus (3620)

akta.pro primary industry

Transformer/Driver/Power Supply Service & Replacement (HSAIAHAL)

akta.pro secondary industries

Industrial Power & Energy Electronics Manufacturing Services (UPS, converters, inverters, chargers) (IMAGAGAI), Renewable Monitoring, Controls & SCADA Hardware Manufacturing (Sensors, RTUs, Meters) (EUAMAHAJ), Energy & Renewables Specialty Contracting (Solar PV, Storage, EV Charging) (IMAFALAJ)

Keywords

• Infrastructure solutions
• Electrical distribution
• Engineering services
• Program management
• Warehouse services

Headquarters

HQ city

Wheaton

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices6 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Infrastructure Solutions: Revenue from providing Smart City IoT solutions, EV charging, roadway and ornamental lighting, preconstructed bridges, and manufacturer representation since 1992.
2. Engineering Services: Professional engineering, surveying, GIS, and planning services for public, private, and utility clients with advanced technology and licensed professionals.
3. Warehouse Services & Manufacturing: Contract manufacturing, storage, inventory management, kitting, packaging, pre-assembly, quality inspections, and distribution for supply chain optimization.
4. Program Management: Expert program management services in construction, aviation, education, retail, and residential sectors, including energy efficiency programs.
5. Electrical Distribution: Privately-owned wholesale electrical distributor providing complete lines of electrical, lighting, industrial, data and telecommunications products, wire and cable, tools and safety equipment to utility, construction, commercial, industrial, and residential markets.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

The Will Group delivers integrated infrastructure, engineering, distribution, warehousing, and program management services to municipalities, utilities, aviation authorities, and government agencies. Operating as a manufacturer's representative for leading lighting and infrastructure brands since 1992, the company combines licensed engineering professionals, a patented cloud-based asset assessment platform, contract manufacturing, wholesale electrical distribution, and program/construction management into turnkey project delivery across 12 states.

Product overview

The Will Group is a family of diverse companies providing comprehensive infrastructure, engineering, distribution, warehousing, and program management services to the construction and utility industries. The portfolio consists of six core offerings: Infrastructure Solutions (roadway/ornamental lighting, Smart City IoT, EV charging, and preconstructed bridges as a manufacturer's representative), TWG Engineering (licensed professionals combining GIS, surveying, and real-time data collection for infrastructure assessment), Warehouse Services (contract manufacturing, kitting, packaging, and quality inspections), Program Management (construction, energy efficiency, and outreach services), Distribution (wholesale electrical equipment), and the K-Town Business Centre (135,000 sq ft manufacturing hub). The company also includes acquired entities including TWiG Technologies (engineering services, acquired 2023) and its predecessor Ruettiger, Tonelli and Associates. Founded in 1986 as Electrical Resource Management, the company operates under the philosophy 'Where There's A Will, There's A Way' with 160+ employees and operations across 12 states.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• The Upchurch Group, A Will Group Company: A Will Group company located in Mattoon, Illinois providing general contracting and infrastructure services.
• TWiG Technologies (DBA TWG Engineering)

Products and services

• Infrastructure Solutions Provides innovative roadway and ornamental lighting solutions, Smart City IoT solutions, EV charging infrastructure, cutting-edge LED lighting, and preconstructed bridges for municipalities, transportation departments, utilities, and private customers. Operating as a manufacturer's representative since 1992.
• TWG Engineering Combines advanced technology with licensed professionals and skilled field technicians to deliver engineering, surveying, GIS, and planning services guided by 'Ground Truth on Every Asset.' Leverages GIS mapping and real-time data collection for tailored solutions for public, private, and utility clients, supported by a patented cloud-based infrastructure assessment program.
• Program Management Offers expert program management services in construction, aviation, education, retail, and residential sectors. Includes construction management, energy efficiency services, outreach, marketing, workforce development, kitting/distribution, account management, and customer experience services. Includes a 30+ year legacy on projects such as JFK Terminal 1 and O'Hare Modernization Program.
• Warehouse Services Provides comprehensive warehouse and logistics services including contract manufacturing, storage, inventory management, and distribution. Offers value-added services such as kitting, packaging, pre-assembly work, and quality inspections utilizing advanced technology and a local skilled workforce.
• Distribution Privately-owned, full-line, full-service wholesale electrical distributor providing complete lines of electrical, lighting, industrial, data and telecommunications networking products, wire and cable, tools and safety equipment to utility, construction, commercial, industrial, and residential markets.
• Bridge Solutions Provides preconstructed bridge solutions including Valmont's U-BEAM Complete Bridge Solution, the first galvanized cold-formed steel tub girder bridge solution, for bridge replacement and construction projects.

Quantifiable outcome

• Chicago Smart Lighting Program saves over $100 million in electricity costs over 10 years
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers15 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered core and major.

• Valmont IndustriescoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Long-standing partnership since 1992 with Valmont Industries supporting Lighting Solutions of Illinois (now TWG Infrastructure Solutions). TWG represents Valmont's U-BEAM Complete Bridge Solution, including the first Illinois installation in Champaign County. Valmont's Rambo Award recipient (multiple times).
• GE CurrentcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorManufacturer's representative for GE Current (formerly GE Lighting) providing LED solutions, smart lighting, and infrastructure products to municipalities and utilities across Illinois and expanding territories.
• Gensler & ARUPmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborated on JFK Terminal 4 Phase 2.5 redevelopment ($1.5B project) alongside construction manager Turner Construction, completed 2021-2024.
• Turner ConstructionmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerConstruction manager for JFK Terminal 4 Phase 2.5 redevelopment program valued at $1.5 billion.
• Inherent HomescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for K-Town Business Centre Phase 2 development; Inherent Homes' mission is to transform lives through homeownership by building prefabricated homes for vacant city lots using local, diverse workforce.
• Public Building Commission of ChicagomajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommissioned New Kennedy-King College ($198M project) as one of the most significant construction projects in Chicago's South Side.
• Hitachi EnergycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrategic partnership for manufacturing and assembly of capacitor banks for ComEd's voltage optimization project at K-Town Business Centre. TWG provides turnkey model including procurement, assembly, warehousing, logistics, and 142-point quality checks.
• Hanson Professional ServicesmajorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerDesign consultant for Evans Mill Road Bridge Replacement project in Peoria County, Illinois.
• Strand AssociatesmajorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerDesign consultants for Creekside Drive Bridge Replacement project in Wheaton, DuPage County.
• Christopher B. Burke Engineering, LTDmajorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerDesign consultant and resident engineer oversight for Palmer Ave. over Addison Creek Bridge Replacement project in City of Northlake.
• Resource InnovationscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnered for ComEd's Standard Program from 2022-2024, providing inspections scheduling, logistics support, and quality control services.
• NIPSCOcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMultiple programs including Circuit Reliability - Worst Tap Program, Underground Jacketed Cable Inspection Program, and Asset Management/Pole Replacement Program with 500+ pole replacements completed.
• BrightRidgecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFiber Make-Ready Pre-Inspection Program partnership for verifying pole conditions and confirming available space for future fiber installations.
• Blue Diamond, Visco, Vega, StressCrete, Shakespeare, Sentry Electric, King Luminaire, HCI Lighting, ClearBlue Technologies, ChargePoint, Carolina High Mast, UBICQUIAcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor15+ manufacturer partnerships represented through The Will Group's manufacturer's representative network for electrical, lighting, infrastructure, and smart city products.
• Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-time partnership with IDOT's district offices and Springfield headquarters for state projects spanning over 30 years. Collaborates with contractors and local municipalities on projects.
• Chicago Infrastructure TrustmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAwarded Smart Streetlight Projects by both ComEd and Chicago Infrastructure Trust in 2016 for streetlight replacements and upgrades.

Scale indicators15 records

Recent moves13 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Emerging players

• ChargePoint: EV charging network and equipment provider that Will Group represents and assembles — comparable as a strategic product partner in the company's EV charging infrastructure offering to municipalities.

Broad incumbents

• Acuity Brands: Leading North American lighting and building solutions manufacturer — comparable to The Will Group's lighting manufacturing, assembly, and distribution activities in the LED street lighting and smart city infrastructure market.
• Valmont Industries: Global manufacturer of infrastructure products including lighting poles, structures, and the U-BEAM bridge system — a long-standing strategic partner and product supplier to The Will Group, comparable in its lighting and bridge infrastructure focus.
• MYR Group: Specialty contractor serving electrical utility infrastructure including T&D construction — comparable to The Will Group's utility-focused asset management, pole replacement, and grid reliability work for ComEd, NIPSCO, and Southern Company.
• Hubbell Incorporated: Manufacturer of electrical products, lighting, and utility solutions — comparable to The Will Group's electrical distribution portfolio and utility infrastructure products supplied to ComEd, NIPSCO, and Southern Company.
• Sonepar USA: One of the largest privately-held electrical distribution companies globally — comparable to The Will Group's wholesale electrical distribution business in target markets and product breadth.
• Quanta Services: Largest pure-play infrastructure services provider for electric, gas, telecom, and renewable energy — comparable to The Will Group's utility infrastructure and program management work, though at much larger scale.

Direct peers

• IES Holdings: Electrical and mechanical contractor providing infrastructure services to utilities, data centers, and commercial clients — comparable to The Will Group's combination of electrical distribution, infrastructure services, and program management capabilities.
• Border States Electric: Privately-held 100% employee-owned electrical distributor serving utility, commercial, and industrial customers across the Midwest and beyond — directly comparable to The Will Group's Distribution arm in geography and customer mix.
• Graybar Electric Company: Large privately-held full-line electrical, lighting, and communications distributor with significant services and project management capabilities — comparable to The Will Group's Distribution and Infrastructure Solutions offerings across utility and commercial markets.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/TheWillGroupInc
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/thewillgroup
• Xx.com/TheWillGroup_

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about The Will Group