Dobbelsteyn Service & Maintenance Ltd. (DS&M) formerly known as Dobbelsteyn Electric Ltd., are electrical contractors who began at a time when governments were beginning to realize electricity was critical to the commercial and industrial advancement of the province and for the comfort of its citizens.

Ernest Dobbelsteyn started his own electrical maintenance and repair business from a shed behind his house on Argyle Street.

In 1934 he struck out on his own with just a single helper, and his bicycle pulling a cart full of tools and equipment.

A short time after he started Ernest expanded the company, buying out the former Jones Electric on Queen Street.

From the start the electrical company serviced commercial and light industrial enterprises and institutions as well as residential.

Before long a second generation of Dobbelsteyns joined the company. Joe Dobbelsteyn became an apprentice electrician to his father when he was 19.

Ernest died in 1969 and for the next decade his wife Mary was president of the company with Joe at her side to carry on the business.

Joe became President in 1972 and after 40 years in the electrical business, retired in 2009.

Joe’s son Michael became owner in 2003 and is now President and CEO.

The company continues to grow with each generation. In 2009 a new branch office was opened in Moncton.

DS&M has built an outstanding reputation for excellence through quality workmanship, safety, on-time performance and dependability.

In memory of the company founder, each year the Canadian Construction Association (CCA) presents the Ernest Dobbelsteyn Memorial Trophy, the trade contractor award of excellence.

It was first donated by the Dobbelsteyns in 1969, and continues to be sponsored by the company.

The trophy is given to a member of the CCA in recognition of outstanding contribution to the construction industry in general and in particular to the CCA trade contractor council.