About Champion
Who We Are
Since 1991, Champion Electric has served Southern California with a commitment to excellence, integrity, service, and people.
Our Story
Founded on Purpose
In 1991, Glenn and Cynthia Rowden founded Champion Electric, from their small family home in Riverside, California. Our company was built on the belief that business can be a force for good — honoring the Lord, serving customers with excellence, and creating opportunities for employees and their families to thrive.
In 2016, the Rowdens presented their son and longtime employee, Tom Rowden, as the new President of the company. Tom, along with his wife, Jill Rowden, Controller, and his Executive Team began carrying out the vision and mission of Champion Electric Inc. as the Rowdens have reduced their role in the company to pursue their community service and missionary callings.
Today, Champion Electric is a trusted electrical contractor specializing in K–12 education, higher education, healthcare, public works, and commercial construction, supported by a dedicated Service Department and experienced residential team.
While our projects have grown in size and complexity, our purpose remains the same: to build lives through our work in the electrical industry.
Core Values
What We Stand On
Safety
The Champion of Safety not only carries a stellar safety record for themselves and their team members – the Champion of Safety creates a culture of safety in all situations by assessing the risk of the working environment prior to commencing work and effectively addresses the environment to create a safe environment and reduces all risk levels to a manageable level. The Champion of Safety communicates the risk assessment to all team members including peers, supervisors, subordinates, subcontractors, suppliers, etc. The Champion of Safety proactively and efficiently removes risk, reports near misses, and plays a key role in creating a culture of safety that provides the foundation for a great work environment. The Champion of Safety has an attitude of service before self and accepts responsibility and ownership of their actions and results.
Integrity
The Champion of Integrity keeps commitments and promises to the Champion team, our customers, vendors, subcontractors, and with all interactions while fulfilling the requirements of their job. The Champion of Integrity creates a culture of trust and respect amongst all team members. This person addresses and confronts issues appropriately while never publicly berating or tearing down team members in front of others or behind anyone’s back. The Champion of Integrity has an attitude of service before self and accepts responsibility and ownership of their actions and results.
Quality & Excellence
The Champion of Quality and Excellence provides exceptional quality and service to all they serve. This person creates a culture of Excellence through their high standards of performance and quality. The job is done right the first time, on time, and under budget. The Champion of Quality and Excellence sets team members up for success by ensuring the transfer of data is turned in timely and accurately. The Champion of Quality and Excellence has an attitude of service before self and accepts responsibility and ownership of their actions and results.
Teamwork
The Champion of Teamwork embodies and embraces the philosophy that the team will always accomplish more than an individual. This person creates a culture that nurtures and vigorously protects the team atmosphere through accountability, sacrifice, and humility. The Champion of Teamwork always has a positive attitude that is contagious throughout the team. This person is excited to teach/train other team members to empower them and propel them further in their career. The Champion of Teamwork has an attitude of service before self and accepts responsibility and ownership of their actions and results.
Employee Development
The Champion of Employee Development desires to never stop learning. This person creates a culture that encourages continuous development and growth personally and professionally. The Champion of Employee Development continues to learn knew skills that will empower them in their careers and add value and versatility to the team. This person understands the development of their skillsets creates opportunities for themselves, the company, and the rest of the team through further training and development. The Champion of Employee Development has an attitude of service before self and accepts responsibility and ownership of their actions and results.
Vision Statement
Building Lives Through Our Work in the Electrical INdustry.
Champion Electric, Inc. believes our work is a vehicle for a greater purpose. Through meaningful careers, strong relationships, technical excellence, and a commitment to service, we create opportunities for our employees, families, customers, and communities to thrive.
Leadership
Executive Team
Guiding the vision, culture, structure, and long-term direction of the company with a shared commitment to Champion's mission.
Tom Rowden
President
As President of Champion Electric, Tom Rowden provides the vision, leadership, and strategic direction that drive the company's continued growth and long-term success. Having grown within the organization, Tom brings a deep understanding of Champion's culture, values, and operations, allowing him to lead with both experience and purpose.
Working alongside a talented executive leadership team, Tom oversees all aspects of the business, including strategic planning, operational performance, financial management, process improvement, and business development. His leadership focuses on creating sustainable growth while maintaining the high standards of quality, integrity, and customer service that have defined Champion Electric since its founding.
Tom's expertise in financial planning, resource management, and organizational development has helped position Champion Electric to successfully adapt to the evolving demands of the construction industry. His ability to identify opportunities, streamline operations, and implement innovative solutions ensures the company remains strong, competitive, and prepared for the future.
Committed to preserving the vision established by Champion's founders, Tom continues to build upon the company's mission by investing in people, strengthening partnerships, and supporting the communities where we live and work. He believes that a company's greatest asset is its people and strives to foster a culture that encourages growth, accountability, creativity, and collaboration.
Through community involvement, employee development, and strong relationships with customers, trade partners, and industry professionals, Tom's emphasis on teamwork and servant leadership continues to advance Champion Electric's mission and create lasting value for everyone the company serves.
"This company is more than a business to me, it is a legacy; a legacy which has been passed down through generations. The Champion way is a part of my being; I bleed our colors of burgundy and gold. I am passionate about our employees, our customers and our projects, and I am proud to carry on my family's legacy. I am a believer in excellence!"
—
Tom Rowden
Jill Rowden
CFO / Controller
As Chief Financial Officer and Controller, Jill Rowden plays a vital role in Champion Electric's continued success, providing the financial leadership and operational oversight that support the company's long-term stability and growth. Her commitment to accuracy, accountability, and excellence ensures that Champion remains financially strong and well-positioned to serve its employees, customers, and partners.
Jill is responsible for overseeing the company's financial operations, including financial reporting, budgeting, cash flow management, payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and billing processes. Through timely, accurate, and transparent reporting, she provides the information and insights necessary to support sound business decisions and strategic planning.
In addition to managing Champion's financial health, Jill develops and maintains the systems and processes that keep daily operations running efficiently. Her leadership helps ensure that employees are paid accurately and on time, customers are served effectively, and financial obligations are managed with consistency and integrity.
Beyond her financial responsibilities, Jill is dedicated to fostering a positive workplace culture and strengthening the organization's future through mentorship and leadership development. She works closely with office staff and company leaders to uphold high standards of professionalism, accountability, and continuous improvement across all departments.
Much of Jill's work takes place behind the scenes, yet its impact is felt throughout every aspect of the organization. In a deadline-driven environment where accuracy and timeliness are essential, her attention to detail and commitment to excellence help ensure the smooth operation of both the office and the company as a whole.
Through her leadership, financial expertise, and dedication to Champion's mission, Jill continues to help build a strong foundation for sustained growth, operational excellence, and long-term success.
Kevin Shearer
Director of Project Management
As Director of Operations, Kevin Shearer plays a critical role in ensuring Champion Electric's projects are executed safely, efficiently, and to the highest standards of quality. With extensive industry experience and a solutions-oriented mindset, Kevin brings practical expertise and innovative thinking to every challenge.
Known for his ability to identify opportunities and develop effective solutions, Kevin oversees operational performance across the company's major projects, providing leadership, guidance, and support to project teams throughout every stage of construction. His commitment to excellence helps ensure projects are completed correctly, on schedule, and in alignment with Champion's expectations for quality and customer satisfaction.
As a member of the Executive Team, Kevin monitors project performance, manpower planning, and operational needs across the organization. Through proactive communication and strategic oversight, he helps keep leadership informed of project developments while ensuring teams have the resources necessary to succeed.
Kevin's dedication to continuous improvement, teamwork, and operational excellence makes him an invaluable leader and a key contributor to Champion Electric's ongoing success.
Evan Banda
Director of Service Operations
As Director of Service, Evan Banda is committed to delivering the exceptional service and responsiveness that Champion Electric customers have come to expect. Through leadership, training, and a strong focus on continuous improvement, Evan guides the growth and development of Champion's Service Department while maintaining the highest standards of quality and professionalism.
Evan oversees all aspects of service operations, from account management and customer relationships to technician development and field execution. His dedication to education and training helps ensure that every member of the Service team is equipped with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to deliver outstanding results.
Focused on efficiency, consistency, and customer satisfaction, Evan works closely with both office and field personnel to ensure service requests, repairs, and maintenance projects are completed accurately, on schedule, and within budget. His leadership has helped strengthen the department's ability to provide reliable electrical solutions for commercial, industrial, educational, and residential customers throughout Southern California.
Through his commitment to excellence and customer care, Evan continues to advance Champion Electric's mission of delivering high-quality service while building lasting relationships with those we serve.
Serving Beyond the Jobsite
Community
Our purpose extends past the projects we complete — supporting meaningful causes and encouraging our people to make a positive impact wherever they serve.
Work With A Team That Cares
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