When it comes to preparing for the unexpected, especially in rural America, having a reliable backup generator can be a game-changer. In a recent interview, Rob Sharkey, a fifth-generation farmer from Bradford, Illinois, welcomed Amy Labruyere, owner of JD Belcher Electric, for an in-depth conversation on the essential role of backup generators in rural communities. JD Belcher Electric, a family-run business located in Lacon, Illinois, has established itself as a trusted Generac generator dealer, known for providing dependable, automatic backup solutions to keep homes and farms powered during outages.
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Amy explained that JD Belcher Electric’s roots run deep in Illinois communities, especially in rural areas where the company initially focused its efforts. “When you’re in the country and the power goes out, you don’t have water,” Amy noted, highlighting the importance of generators for rural families who rely on electricity for everything from water access to livestock management. But as power needs have evolved, so has JD Belcher Electric’s reach, now extending to nearby towns where power dependency is ever-growing. As Rob himself pointed out, people need reliable power not just to keep their homes running, but for everyday essentials like charging phones and staying connected.
What sets JD Belcher Electric apart is not just their high-quality Generac systems but their commitment to customer education and support. Amy, who has been in the field for over a decade, didn’t start out as a generator expert. She worked her way up by learning hands-on, joining technicians on-site, and gaining in-depth knowledge of every aspect of generator installation and maintenance. “I wanted to learn more,” she shared, “so I would stay on my installations, help out, and see how everything worked.” This dedication has allowed Amy and her team to handle a variety of setups, from farms with historic wiring to modern homes with integrated solar systems. They don’t just offer a product—they provide peace of mind through experience and a commitment to doing the job right.
Rob, who recently worked with JD Belcher Electric to install a backup generator on his own farm, was quick to commend the team’s knowledge and patience in explaining each step of the process. “Our farm’s old,” Rob shared, “with coat hangers and pie tins holding things together, but Amy and her team knew exactly what needed to be done.” It’s this level of dedication and hands-on expertise that has made JD Belcher Electric a trusted name in generator installation and service, especially in rural communities where power outages often last longer, and resilience is key.
From the beginning, JD Belcher Electric has been focused on offering reliable, tailored solutions to fit each customer’s unique needs. Amy highlighted the benefits of Generac’s automatic standby generators, which are hardwired into a property’s fuel source and electrical system to kick in immediately during an outage. These units can power either the entire home or specific circuits, based on the setup. Unlike portable generators, which require manual operation, these automatic generators provide hands-free power backup that keeps homes, farms, and essential systems running smoothly, whether homeowners are present or not.
Rob’s recent experience with JD Belcher Electric brought to light another aspect of their commitment to service: honesty and transparency in pricing and options. While the average generator installation for a typical home might range from $6,000 to $9,000, Rob’s older property required a more extensive setup, and Amy worked closely with him to identify the best solution. “I gave you the option,” she joked with Rob, “the one that would technically work and the one that would work right,” underscoring their focus on getting the job done to the highest standard rather than cutting corners.
JD Belcher Electric is not just a business; it’s a family legacy that Amy and her team have nurtured to serve the needs of the community. Founded by her father in 2001 after his early retirement from Caterpillar, the company started small, focused on general electrical work. But as demand for generators grew, JD Belcher Electric found its niche, ultimately specializing exclusively in Generac generators. The company’s transition was no coincidence—JD Belcher Electric has become a prominent name in Illinois for backup power, with the company earning Generac’s prestigious “Premier Dealer” status, a mark of distinction that reflects their dedication and level of service.
Beyond installation, JD Belcher Electric supports customers with year-round maintenance plans to ensure every generator is ready for action when needed. “Generators are like small engines,” Amy explained. “They need their oil changed, spark plugs checked, and batteries tested, just like a car.” By offering ongoing maintenance, JD Belcher Electric helps customers avoid the common pitfall of only thinking about their generator after an outage. Regular maintenance provides reassurance that, whether it’s a five-minute power loss or a multi-day event, customers can rely on their generator to function seamlessly.
With power outages becoming more common due to severe weather events, such as the recent derecho that left Princeton, Illinois, in the dark for four days, demand for reliable generators continues to rise. JD Belcher Electric is prepared to meet that demand, growing alongside the communities they serve and constantly enhancing their services to better serve customers in both rural and urban areas. Looking forward, Amy sees JD Belcher Electric continuing to expand its offerings and expertise while maintaining the personal, down-to-earth service they’ve built their reputation on.
For homeowners and business owners interested in exploring backup power options, JD Belcher Electric offers free, no-pressure estimates to help clients make informed decisions. With a reputation built on trust, skill, and community connection, JD Belcher Electric continues to be a lifeline for those seeking peace of mind during power outages. As Rob concluded, having a reliable generator from JD Belcher Electric means rural families no longer have to worry when the lights go out—they can rest easy knowing they’re protected.
If you’re ready to experience the security and convenience of a reliable backup power solution, JD Belcher Electric is here to help. We’re proud to offer free, no-obligation home generator estimates, tailored to meet the unique needs of your property. Our team will guide you through each option, ensuring you have the knowledge and support to make the best decision for your home or business. Don’t wait for the next power outage—reach out today at (309) 246-2102 and discover how easy it is to protect your property with dependable, backup power from JD Belcher Electric.
