In 2018, Josh Estrella and partner Joel Leineke launched their company Utilion with a vision of providing quality infrastructure construction services through multiple subcontractors in various trades at a corporate price. Today, Estrella, Leineke and partner Tom Wilbert oversee Utilion as the parent company of two subcontracting companies providing service throughout Northern California and Nevada.

In 2019, Utilion acquired PTS Masonry and now, in 2022, has acquired Placer Electric, Inc. Both subcontracting companies are approaching 50 years in business and have long-established goodwill in the industry — pre-requisite for every Utilion acquisition.

“We started Utilion with a focus on community-minded utilities infrastructure,” Estrella says. “Our CPA firm, BFBA, has been instrumental in identifying and brokering our acquisitions, and as we take on Placer Electric this year, we’re also thankful to Richard Nogleberg, former president of Placer Electric, who’s staying on board to ensure the transition goes smoothly.”

“We’re eager to support and grow Placer Electric over the next few years and to be able to service California’s electrical infrastructure.” — Josh Estrella, President

Estrella served for more than six years in Army 3rd Ranger Bn, serving six combat deployments. In recognition of his status as a disabled veteran, California’s Department of General Services has granted Utilion and its subcontracting companies a Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise certification. With this DVBE certification, a percentage of funding is set aside for public works and state funded projects, giving Utilion companies a competitive edge in bidding.

Headquartered near Roseville, Placer Electric focuses on schools, hospitals, water treatment, data centers and mining, which aligns with Utilion’s community infrastructure commitment. As a very people-focused parent company, Utilion is looking to invest in Placer Electric’s human capital and continue company growth. “When our employees thrive, our companies will thrive,” Estrella says.

Proud to be bringing Placer Electric under the Utilion banner and looking ahead, Estrella concludes, “We’re eager to support and grow Placer Electric over the next few years and to be able to service California’s electrical infrastructure.”