ABC Texas Gulf Coast

What ABC Texas Gulf Coast does

IEC Texas Gulf Coast is a nonprofit trade association founded in 1927 and headquartered at 601 N. Shepherd Drive, Suite 330 in Houston, Texas, operating as the local chapter of Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) National. The organization represents over 200 electrical contractors and more than 2,000 journeyman electricians, associates, and engineers in the Houston/Gulf Coast region, advancing the business interests of independent (open-shop) electrical contractors in opposition to unionized alternatives. Its mission is to promote the success of independent contractors through workforce development, regulatory advocacy, and peer networking.

The core product is a U.S. Department of Labor-certified, Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR)-approved 4-year electrical apprenticeship combining 8,000 hours of supervised on-the-job training with 576 hours of classroom instruction, taught by 25+ instructors. Curriculum includes NEC code updates, OSHA safety, blueprint reading, motor controls, fundamentals of PLCs, and solar/photovoltaic training; graduates receive 57 transferable college credit hours through American College of Education. Adjacent product lines include state Journeyman and Master Electrician exam prep, continuing education for license renewal, supervisor enhancement courses, labor/lien law seminars, and the Shared Man Program for cross-contractor workforce sharing during demand cycles. Annual flagship events include the Wire-Off Competition (which qualifies winners for the IEC SPARK National Convention), Graduation Ceremony, Golf Tournament, Christmas/Casino Night, and a Fishing Tournament.

The revenue model spans five streams: tiered monthly contractor membership dues (C-1 through C-9, $220 to $1,900 per month based on employee count, plus a $350 initiation fee); per-semester apprenticeship tuition ($882.50/semester, two semesters per school year); unit-priced continuing education and exam preparation courses ($25 to $780); tiered annual associate membership for manufacturers, distributors, and service providers (Basic $1,020 through Platinum $7,250); and event sponsorship/fundraising. Distribution is regional and primarily relationship-driven through direct sales and in-person engagement at the Houston training facility, with national affiliation via IEC National and IEC of Texas enabling brand credibility and legislative reach via PRIDE PAC.

Name

ABC Texas Gulf Coast

Legal name

IEC Texas Gulf Coast, Inc.

Website

https://iectxgulfcoast.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1927

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

IEC Texas Gulf Coast is a 1927-founded, Houston-based nonprofit trade association that runs a DOL-approved 4-year electrical apprenticeship and continuing education programs for 200+ independent electrical contractors and 2,000+ electrical professionals in the Gulf Coast region.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Houston

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Contractor Membership Dues: Monthly dues paid by electrical contractor members based on the number of electrical field employees, ranging from Class C-1 (0-5 employees, $220/month) to Class C-9 (200+ employees, $1,900/month), plus a $350 initiation fee.
2. Apprenticeship Tuition: Tuition charged per semester ($882.50 per semester, two semesters per school year) for apprenticeship classroom instruction.
3. Continuing Education Class Fees: Fees for continuing education and exam prep courses including electrical license renewal ($25-$35 per class), Journeyman exam prep ($315-$370), and Master Electrician exam prep ($675-$780).
4. Associate Membership Dues: Annual associate membership dues across five tiers: Basic $1,020, Bronze, Silver, Gold $5,100, and Platinum Partner $7,250 per year.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

IEC Texas Gulf Coast is a nonprofit trade association founded in 1927 that provides a U.S. Department of Labor-certified 4-year electrical apprenticeship program, continuing education classes for license renewal, journeyman and master electrician exam prep, technical courses (motor control, PLCs), and membership services for independent electrical contractors and industry partners in the Houston/Texas Gulf Coast region.

Product overview

IEC Texas Gulf Coast operates as a membership-based trade association for independent electrical contractors, not a traditional software product company. The organization offers a portfolio of workforce development and business support services structured around its core 4-Year Electrical Apprenticeship Program (a Department of Labor-certified, TDLR-approved program combining 8,000 hours of on-the-job training with 576 hours of classroom instruction). The service ecosystem includes Continuing Education and License Renewal Classes, State Exam Prep Programs (ME/JE), and specialized technical training (Motor Controls, PLCs, OSHA Safety). Business membership programs provide contractor services (Shared Man Program, Supervisor Enhancement, Labor/Lien Law Seminars) while the Associate Membership tier serves industry partners. Annual programming like the Wire-Off Competition and special events (Golf Tournament, Fishing Tournament, Christmas Party) support member engagement. These services connect through shared infrastructure including TDLR licensing processes and contractor directory listings, functioning as an integrated ecosystem rather than discrete software modules.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• PRIDE PAC: Federal Political Action Committee set up by Independent Electrical Contractors for political advocacy and supporting legislative priorities.

Products and services

• 4-Year Electrical Apprenticeship Program

Quantifiable outcome

• Graduates earn 57 college credit hours through ACE (American College of Education) upon completing the 4-year apprenticeship program.
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers32 records

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

31 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• ABB Inc.coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPlatinum Partner and Wire-Off 2026 Merch Sponsor. A global producer of components and connectors for distribution and transmission of electrical power, offering multiple solutions for the electrical contractor. Located at 3700 West Sam Houston Pkwy, Houston, TX 77042.
• Milwaukee Electric ToolcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWire-Off 2026 Title Sponsor, Merch Sponsor, and Raffle Donator. A leading manufacturer of professional-grade heavy-duty power tools, accessories, and hand tools worldwide. Located at 3566 W TC Jester Blvd, Houston, TX 77018.
• Elliott Electric SupplycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPlatinum Partner and Wire-Off 2026 VIP Sponsor. A U.S. electrical distributor providing wiring, lighting, controls, and other electrical products, with over 180 locations across 13 states. Located at 7929 N Sam Houston Pkwy W, Houston, TX 77064.
• Crawford Electric SupplycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPlatinum Partner and Wire-Off 2026 Food Vendor. Crawford Electric Supply delivers top-quality electrical products and services, empowering contractors and businesses to work smarter, faster, and on budget with unmatched local support. Located at 7701 W. Little York Suite 800, Houston, TX.
• CED (Consolidated Electrical Distributors)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPlatinum Partner and Wire-Off 2026 VIP Sponsor. A leading electrical distributor offering quality products, dependable service, and local support to the electrical industry. Located at 850 Greens Pkwy Ste. 200, Houston, TX 77067.
• DeWaltcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPlatinum Partner and Wire-Off 2026 Raffle Donator. Specializes in the production of durable, high-performance power and hand tools built to withstand demanding job-site conditions. Located at 10245 W. Little York Rd Ste. 300, Houston, TX.
• EatoncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPlatinum Partner. An international power management company that delivers energy-efficient solutions designed to help organizations safely control and optimize electrical, hydraulic, and mechanical power systems. Located at 14825 Northwest Fwy, Houston, TX.
• Federated InsurancecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPlatinum Partner. A leading provider of business insurance and integrated risk management solutions. Located at 9001 Airport Fwy Ste. 500, North Richland Hills, TX 76180.
• Locke SolutionscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPlatinum Partner. Renowned for its reliable inventory, expert staff, and contractor-centered service, Locke Supply equips trade professionals with the products and guidance necessary to efficiently complete residential, commercial, and industrial projects. Located at 700 Almeda-Genoa Rd., Houston, TX 77047.
• Lonestar Electric SupplycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPlatinum Partner. An independent, locally owned wholesale distributor specializing in electrical supplies. Located at 6903 W Sam Houston Pkwy N, Houston, TX 77041.
• Summit Electric SupplycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPlatinum Partner. A trusted distributor of wiring, lighting, and power equipment, providing reliable electrical products and solutions for contractors and businesses. Located at 8718 Little York Rd #100, Houston, TX.
• Wildcat Electric SupplycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPlatinum Partner. Delivers quality electrical products and cost-saving solutions to projects worldwide. Located at 12045 Wallisville Rd Suite 200, Houston, TX 77013.
• Bell & McCoycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPlatinum Partner. A regional wholesale distributor providing electrical, lighting, and automation solutions to commercial and industrial markets. Located at 7210 North Loop East, Houston, TX 77028. Advisory Board Chairman Dave Gaska represents this partner on the IEC board.
• Absolute Testing ServicescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPlatinum Partner. A reliable partner for electrical testing and comprehensive power system solutions. Located at 8100 W. Little York Rd, Houston, TX 77040.
• FergusoncoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGold Partner. A major wholesale distributor of plumbing, heating, and electrical supplies serving contractors across North America. Listed as a Gold Partner sponsor.
• Graves Winlectric CompanycoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGold Partner and Wire-Off 2026 Wire-Off Sponsor. Electrical distribution company operating as part of the WinSupply network.
• ASD Lighting CorpminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGold Partner and Wire-Off 2026 Raffle Donator. Lighting products supplier.
• Champion Fiberglass, Inc.minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGold Partner. Supplier of fiberglass products for the electrical industry.
• TradestarminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGold Partner. Electrical industry supplier.
• IEC NationalcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe national parent organization (Independent Electrical Contractors Inc.) provides affiliation, national conventions, national committees, legislative representation, and the PRIDE PAC federal political action committee. IEC Texas Gulf Coast is a chapter of this national organization.
• IEC of TexascoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerState-level affiliation providing representation at the Texas state level, including state conventions, and access to IEC of Texas membership benefits.
• Emily Griffith CollegeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerListed as an affiliate on the website footer. Emily Griffith College offers apprenticeship training division programs that complement IEC's training offerings.
• Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerState regulatory body that approves and licenses electricians and electrical contractors in Texas. IEC Texas Gulf Coast's apprenticeship program and continuing education courses are approved by TDLR. Apprentices must obtain an Apprentice Electrician License through TDLR.
• U.S. Department of LaborcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFederal agency that certifies the IEC Texas Gulf Coast apprenticeship program as a federally approved apprenticeship, enabling apprentices to earn recognized credentials and college credit hours.
• American College of Education (ACE)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership that enables IEC apprentices to earn 57 college credit hours upon program completion.
• Enterprise ElectricalcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWire-Off 2026 VIP Sponsor, Wire-Off Sponsor, and Food Drive sponsor. Active member of IEC Texas Gulf Coast.
• MSF ElectriccoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWire-Off 2026 VIP Sponsor.
• Par3 ElectricminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorWire-Off 2026 Wire-Off Sponsor.
• BullardminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorWire-Off 2026 Merch Sponsor.
• DelMarminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorWire-Off 2026 Merch Sponsor.
• Fuse StaffingminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorWire-Off 2026 Merch Sponsor.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Regional players

• Houston Community College - Trade & Technical Education: Houston Community College offers electrical technology programs and continuing education in the same Houston geography. Comparable as a regional alternative pathway for electrician training and CE credits, competing for the same apprentice and continuing-education audience on tuition and convenience.

Direct peers

• Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) National: IEC National is the parent trade association of IEC Texas Gulf Coast and operates the same open-shop apprenticeship, continuing education, and advocacy model across the U.S. Most directly comparable as the franchise/network for which Texas Gulf Coast is a chapter.
• Electrical Training Alliance: The NECA-IBEW joint training program that delivers DOL-approved electrical apprenticeships for union contractors. Directly comparable as a competing DOL-recognized 4-year apprenticeship pathway targeting the same electrician credentialing market that IEC Texas Gulf Coast serves for the open-shop segment.
• International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW): IBEW is the union labor organization for electrical workers and the architect of the union apprenticeship pipeline through NECA/ETA. Comparable as the dominant union-side alternative for electrician training and the workforce competitor for independent contractor hiring in the same Gulf Coast market.
• National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA): NECA represents union-signatory electrical contractors and partners with IBEW to deliver apprenticeship training through the Electrical Training Alliance. Most directly comparable on the union side as the flip side of the open-shop/independent contractor positioning IEC Texas Gulf Coast takes.
• IEC of Florida East Coast Chapter: Another IEC chapter offering the same DOL-approved 4-year apprenticeship, continuing education, and contractor membership model. Directly comparable as a sister chapter under the same IEC National franchise, operating in a different regional market but with effectively the same curriculum, dues structure, and Wire-Off-style competitions.

Others

• Mike Holt Enterprises: A leading provider of electrical code training content, exam prep, and continuing education used by electricians across the country. Comparable as an adjacent training content provider that competes for the same continuing-education and licensing exam prep dollars IEC Texas Gulf Coast earns from journeyman/master electrician candidates.

Broad incumbents

• Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC): ABC is the largest U.S. merit-shop (open-shop) construction trade association, offering apprenticeship training, continuing education, and advocacy across all construction trades, not just electrical. Comparable as the broader open-shop counterpart to union construction associations and a competitor for member contractors and apprentices.

Market position

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/IECTXGC
• Instagraminstagram.com/iectxgulfcoast
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/iec-texas-gulf-coast-inc

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles14 records

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 ABC Texas Gulf Coast