Our History

Established in 1926 by Van Hayes and O.T. Lunsford, Hayes & Lunsford Electrical Contractors, Inc. has a rich legacy of service and innovation. Originally known as Hayes & Lunsford Electric Company, we began as a humble electric motor repair shop. In response to the evolving needs of our industrial clients in the mid-1930s, we expanded our services to include electrical wiring systems. This pivotal development laid the foundation for our growth into the comprehensive electrical contracting firm we are today.

  • 1926: Hayes & Lunsford Electrical Contractors, Inc. founded by Van Hayes and O.T. Lunsford as Hayes & Lunsford Electric Company.
  • 1928: Ralph L. Presley joined as bookkeeper and office manager, later becoming a partner and eventually the sole owner.
  • 1949: Incorporated as Hayes & Lunsford Electrical Contractors, Inc.
  • 1959: After serving in the army & attending UNC-Chapel Hill Ralph P. Presley joined the company, focusing on the motor repair department.
  • 1960: After serving in the Marine Corp and attending UNC-Chapel Hill Eugene L. Presley joined as an estimator in the electrical contracting department.
  • 1971: After a career in the Marine Corp Richard H. Presley joined as project manager.
  • 1979: Ralph L. Presley retired; his three sons, Eugene, Ralph P., and Richard H., purchased the company and expanded outside Western North Carolina.
  • 1984: Formed two divisions: Electric Motor Repair and Electrical Contracting. Established Presley Group Ltd. with both divisions as subsidiaries.
  • 1990: Company forms H&L Technologies, focusing on Low Voltage Systems.
  • 1991: After earning a B.A. from Mercer University Michael P. Presley, son of Eugene L. Presley, joined as an electrical apprentice.
  • 1997: The company opens a SC corporate Office.
  • 2000: Michael P. Presley heads up the Greenville, SC corporate office.
  • 2008: Eugene L. Presley became Executive Chairman, and Michael P. Presley became President and COO of Presley Group Ltd.
  • 2018: Atlantic Electric, LLC acquires the company’s South Carolina Operations.
  • 2022: Comfort Systems, USA Inc. acquires Atlantic Electric, LLC and Hayes & Lunsford, LLC.