Family Values, Professional Results
Built on the legacy of Butch Kirkpatrick, our team brings personal accountability to every job. When we work on your home, we treat it like our own.
Family-owned electrical contractors proudly serving Missouri since 2010
First Choice Electric began with a simple belief: every family deserves to feel safe in their home. Howard "Butch" Kirkpatrick II (1951-2024), a Navy veteran who became a Master Electrician in the 1970s, founded Kirk's Electric in 1992. In 2010, he and his brother Bennie restructured the business as First Choice Electric, bringing decades of expertise to St. Charles County.
Butch's father, Howard Sr., never worked as an electrician - but his legacy of hard work, integrity, and service to others became the foundation for everything we do. Growing up in a St. Louis orphanage, then serving in WWII, Howard Sr. showed the family what perseverance looks like.
What started as two brothers with a shared work ethic has grown into a three-generation family business. Today, Zach Burris (CEO) and Sam Burris (Master Electrician) lead daily operations, with Sam earning his Master Electrician certification in 2024. The newest team member, Brody Dunsworth, continues the tradition of excellence that Butch established.
After more than 30 years in the trade and 409+ 4.9-star reviews, our mission remains unchanged: your safety and satisfaction come first.
Howard Kirkpatrick Sr. is born. He would grow up in a St. Louis orphanage until age 11, when he was taken in by Earl Nolan.
Howard Sr.At 18, Howard Sr. joins the Seventh Infantry Division, serving on Okinawa (1943-1945). He receives a commendation for entertaining troops.
Howard Sr.Howard 'Butch' Kirkpatrick II is born to Howard Sr. He would grow up watching his father's work ethic with the Teamsters Union and donut business.
Howard II (Butch)Butch is honorably discharged from the Navy at Imperial Beach, CA. He served as an aviation electrician working on helicopters.
Howard II (Butch)After his Navy service, Butch earns his Master Electrician certification. He works as a Railroad Signalman while honing his electrical expertise.
Howard II (Butch)Butch establishes Kirk's Electric, launching the family's electrical business. The entrepreneurial spirit inspired by his father takes form.
Howard II (Butch) - FounderZach Burris begins working summer months at Kirk's Electric while in high school, learning the trade alongside Butch.
Zach BurrisKirk's Electric is restructured as First Choice Electric. Butch and his brother Bennie bring their combined expertise to serve St. Charles County.
Howard II (Butch) & BennieSam Burris begins his electrical career with First Choice Electric, starting a decade-long journey toward mastery under Butch's guidance.
Sam BurrisZach returns to First Choice Electric full-time, stepping into leadership alongside Butch and taking on greater responsibility in daily operations.
Zach BurrisSam Burris graduates from Ranken Technical College, advancing his electrical expertise and continuing his path toward Master Electrician certification.
Sam BurrisZach Burris graduates Summa Cum Laude from Ranken Technical College, solidifying his technical foundation while leading First Choice Electric as CEO.
Zach BurrisSam Burris passes his Master Electrician exam. Brody Dunsworth joins the team, continuing the family tradition of excellence.
Sam & BrodyZach Burris (CEO), Sam Burris (Master Electrician), and Brody Dunsworth carry forward the family tradition, honoring Butch's commitment to safety and excellence.
Zach, Sam & BrodyWhen you choose First Choice Electric, you're choosing a partner who puts your family's safety first.
Built on the legacy of Butch Kirkpatrick, our team brings personal accountability to every job. When we work on your home, we treat it like our own.
Sam Burris earned his Master Electrician certification in 2024, representing the highest standard of expertise, safety knowledge, and code compliance.
Know exactly what you'll pay before work begins. No hourly surprises, no hidden fees. Our transparent pricing means peace of mind for your budget.
Licensed, bonded, and insured. We guarantee our workmanship and only use quality materials. Your complete satisfaction is our standard.
We only work with the best materials available and provide a guarantee on all labor. We never compromise quality for time and give our clients realistic schedules that accommodate their lives.
We strive for honest customer service, so contracts are only paid in full when the finished work is to your complete satisfaction. You've probably seen our trucks driving through your neighborhood, city, and county alike. We take great pride in serving our community.
Since our family-owned and operated company launched in 2010, we've helped thousands of families rest surely on our work, that takes into account your safety and satisfaction first.
From our headquarters in Cottleville, we serve homes and businesses across four counties in the greater St. Louis region.
Ready to work with a team that puts your family's safety first? Schedule your free estimate today and see why hundreds of families choose us.