History
Following in the footsteps of their father, Frank Varney, Sr., Ray and Jeryl Varney started "Varney Electric Company" in 1955. Their office was located on Grandin Road Extension in Roanoke County. In 1965, as the business grew, they decided to become incorporated in the State of Virginia. Ray Varney was the President and Jeryl Varney was Vice President.
In 1984, they decided to add mechanical and plumbing contracting to their business. The company had approximately 35 employees at that time and the annual sales were approximately 1.5 million dollars. They moved their office and warehouse to the current location on Shenandoah Avenue in 1992.
Over the years Ray and Jeryl had mentored their sons, Michael and Roger Varney, along with Woodford Flowers to take on the legacy that is now “Varney, Inc.” Upon the passing of Ray Varney in 1994 and Jeryl Varney in 1995, Michael Varney, Roger Varney and Woodford Flowers became owners and officers of the company. They began to look for ways to get their investment out of the company upon retirement, while keeping it strong for the employees. A sell-out to a consolidator was not the answer. They did not want the employees, many with 20 years of service, to work for an out-of-town company. They also felt it was important for those who do business with Varney to know that all decisions for Varney are made locally in Roanoke, Virginia. Therefore, they implemented the employee stock ownership plan in 1997 and the employees of Varney, Inc. became owners of the company in May 2001.
