1954
Humble beginnings
Walter Cochran and his sons, Bob and Gordon, open an electrical contracting office in a Seattle storefront at 30th and NE 55th St. They pulled wire and made service calls for small local businesses.
1962
Outgrowing our origins
Cochran moves its office to South Lake Union, where the company would win two awards for beautification of an office building with lighting design.
1970
Expanding into new territories
Unafraid of the challenges brought by the elements, Cochran establishes a second office in Alaska.
1975
The founder and his family
After more than 20 years serving clients, Walter Cochran retires and the business is taken over by his sons and partners, Bob and Gordon Cochran.
1980
Settling down in Seattle
With the company continuing to grow alongside the community it serves, Cochran moves headquarters to the current location on Aurora Ave. in Seattle, WA, taking over the old Pladium Dance Hall.
1985
Columbia Center
Formerly known as the Bank of America Tower, Columbia Center in downtown Seattle was a massive project that reflected Cochran’s own growth in size and skill. Cochran provided comprehensive, state-of-the-art electrical services that met the highest standards of safety and efficiency.
1988
Expansion into telecommunication
Cochran’s first major expansion of service offerings is the introduction of telecommunications technology, allowing the company to better serve large projects.
1990
Continued expansion
Cochran’s reputation for excellence continued to carry the company farther afield, leading to new projects in Saipan, a United States territory in the Northern Mariana Islands.
1991
Security solutions
Cochran begins to assert itself as a leading technology provider by adding a suite of security solutions to its existing telecommunications offerings.
1992
Working with the world’s best
A marquee year for Cochran: completing its largest-ever project (adjusted for inflation) for Boeing, a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility for Intel, and a new security for Sea-Tac airport.
1996
The family foundation
Ensuring family ownership into the foreseeable future, Walter Cochran’s grandchildren, LeeAnn and Michael, each purchase a 25% ownership stake in the company.
2001
A new era in the new millennium
Bill Doran is named President of Cochran, Inc., beginning a decades-long tenure overseeing dramatic growth and expansion.
2002
A new home for the Seahawks
The first of three major stadium projects for Cochran in downtown Seattle, Seattle Seahawks Stadium (now Lumen Field) is completed.
2003
Oregon Technologies Group is founded
A new permanent presence in Oregon continues the expansion of the company’s geographical footprint and technology leadership,
2004
Seattle Central Library
Another of downtown Seattle’s architectural gems is completed, as Cochran’s impact on the community becomes increasingly visible.
2005
Audio Visual solutions introduced
Cochran begins offering AV services alongside electrical, telecommunications, and security solutions.
2006
A new CEO
LeeAnn Cochran becomes CEO as the company continues to expand with a new office in Spokane, WA.
2008
University of Oregon
Completes the renovation of the historic White Stag Block at the University of Oregon, earning LEED Gold status.
2009
Solidifying company leadership
As Bob Cochran retires, Bill Doran takes a 25% ownership stake; Oregon Technologies completes Les Schwab Bend HQ Project.
2010
Distributed Antenna Systems
Cochran further expands its telecommunications offerings with the DAS simplified group; LeeAnn Cochran takes majority ownership as Gordon Cochran retires, making Cochran a certified Woman-Owned Business Enterprise.
2011
Wenatchee, WA
Wenatchee, WA office opens; Vunetrix is born; Cochran begins offering building controls services.
2012
Cochran East
With a new office in North Carolina, Cochran’s operations now span 5 offices across 3 states, employing over 700 people—remarkable growth from humble roots.
2018
Amazon Spheres
Cochran completes work on yet another architectural landmark of Seattle, the Amazon Spheres: home to 40,000 plants of 1,000 different species.
2021
Climate Pledge Arena
Continuing Cochran’s commitment to sustainable construction and energy, Cochran completes work on another downtown Seattle arena—the most sustainable arena in the world.
2024
Our family. Our future.
Over our 70-year history, our humble family business has grown to national prominence with a simple promise: to help our communities innovate and grow. And as our partners continue to seek inventive ways to make a transformative impact, we’ll always be there to help deliver on the vision of a better future.
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