THE V.I.P. GUIDE 2017 A-List of Resources Home Design
1500 Martin Avenue, Santa Clara
800/681-0508; universityelectric.com » University Electric
In 1919, when Jacob Heintz, an enterprising Santa Clara University
student, began using his talent as an electrician to make a few
extra dollars, he had no way of knowing he was launching a Bay
Area tradition. But that’s exactly what Jacob did. As he wired
homes for local residents and later supplied them with lighting
fixtures and appliances, his work evolved into a highly successful
business—a family operation that has grown to become one of the
most respected home appliance centers in the country.
Jacob located his company near Santa Clara University, and
his son Walter joined him in the business after completing his
education at Santa Clara. Eventually, when a larger site was
46 South Bay Accent
needed to support the expanding operation, the Heintz family
stayed true to its Santa Clara roots and moved to a new site
within the city. Today, University Electric Home Appliance Center
employs four of Walter’s sons and four of his grandsons.
University Electric has a proud history in the Bay Area, not only
for the family’s involvement, but also because of time-honored
values embraced by both owners and employees: exemplary
customer service; honest and professional dealings with everyone
from homeowners to builders to manufacturers; and fair and
competitive pricing. That’s the way Jacob Heintz did business,
and that’s the way his family continues his legacy.