SPINDALE, N.C. (Oct. 16, 2026) – Fountain Electric & Services welcomed the community to its Spindale headquarters on Thursday, Oct. 15, for an open house marking the company’s 80th anniversary. Founded in 1946, the third-generation, family-owned organization has grown from a single local business into a regional leader of electrical contracting services for industrial, commercial and residential customers in key markets including Charlotte, Greenville/Spartanburg, Asheville and Hickory. The company has also expanded into a number of diverse services including plumbing, HVAC and Fountain Auto Tech. Guests were welcomed with live music from Trey Duncan and food from Rollin’ Roco, which catered the evening.
Around the grounds, artwork depicting major Fountain projects was displayed next to a collage of Fountain family photos celebrating 80 years in business. Throughout the evening, guests could visit tables staffed by Fountain team members. Fountain Auto Tech showcased its line of business, and a careers booth shared information on open positions and what it’s like to build a career at Fountain. Visitors also met LYNK Robotics, which introduced its organization and showed off its student-built robots.
Owner and CEO Terry Fountain took the stage to lead the crowd in an “80-year salute” before reflecting on how far the company has come. He recalled returning from college to work alongside journeyman electricians who moved from job to job with little stability and deciding then that the industry needed to change. “I haven’t changed the industry, but I feel like I’ve changed the company,” he said. “There are a few nights when we’re not at home, but overall, everybody gets home every night.”
Today, he said, the work has shifted. “Construction is about building people now. It’s not about building buildings.” He credited “craftsmanship and brotherhood” with holding the company together as electrical contractors, a spirit that has carried into plumbing, heating and air, and general contracting.
Looking ahead, Terry pointed toward the tree line a quarter mile from headquarters and described a future where residents live and work in the community, and young people no longer feel they must leave Rutherford County to build a future. “That’s not our story,” he said. “The next 80 years is going to be different.”
Terry concluded his comments by thanking everyone in the audience for their dedicated efforts and support that has contributed to the continued growth and success of the company.
A Look at What’s Next
Fountain Development Company showed off its proposed mixed-use development in Spindale, giving guests an early look at plans for the area. The development will include a 55+ community, apartments, retail and shopping, all designed around walkability.