Grand Rapids, Mich. – October 02, 2026 -- Parkway Electric & Communications has transitioned to 100% employee ownership through an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), ending nearly 24 years of ownership by Huizenga Group. The announcement was made to employees on September 15 at the company's annual meeting held at the Pinnacle Center.
Huizenga Group chose employee ownership over an outside sale
Huizenga Group, a privately held West Michigan investment firm, acquired Parkway in December 2002. As the firm weighed the company's long-term future, it considered a potential sale to an outside buyer but ultimately opted for the ESOP structure to preserve Parkway's independence, culture and customer relationships. "We concluded that the best way to honor that legacy was to transition ownership to the employees themselves," said J.C. Huizenga, Chairman of Huizenga Group.
The ESOP leaves day-to-day operations and leadership unchanged
The ownership transition does not alter Parkway's daily operations, management structure or service commitments to customers. Doug Mitchell, President of Parkway Electric & Communications, said customers will continue working with the same team under the same quality standards. The ESOP gives eligible employees a financial interest in the company's future performance while keeping Parkway independently operated.
A 28-year employee calls the ownership shift personally significant
Ryan Pate, an Electrical Site Superintendent who has worked at Parkway for 28 years, said the ESOP announcement recognized employee contributions to the company and gave staff a greater stake in its future growth.
Parkway provides electrical, communications and controls services
Parkway Electric & Communications offers electrical, communications, controls and audio visual services spanning design, build, repair and maintenance. The ESOP marks the formal end of Huizenga Group's nearly 24-year stewardship of the company.