About Johnson Electronics—A Legacy of Innovation and Community Commitment Since 1941

From a Radio Shop in Downtown Salinas to a Regional Leader in Technology Integration

Johnson Electronics didn’t begin as a low-voltage contractor—it began as a dream, a radio shop, and a man named Mel Johnson. In 1941, Mel founded Johnson Radio & Electronics in downtown Salinas, California, serving a growing community that was just beginning to experience the power of technology in everyday life.

Back then, the shop sold and serviced radios, record players, and vinyl records, helping families stay connected through sound. When television arrived several years later, Johnson quickly adapted, expanding into TV sales and repair, staying ahead of the curve in a fast-changing industry.

But Mel’s true vision extended beyond consumer electronics. By 1948, Johnson Electronics had already branched into intercom and fire alarm systems, paving the way for a future rooted in commercial and institutional technology.

Early Innovation That Shaped a City

Mel Johnson wasn’t just a technician—he was a builder of infrastructure. In the 1950s, he made a bold move by selling off the company’s retail side and turning the business toward commercial systems. Under his leadership, the company began specializing in:

During this time, Johnson Electronics played a key role in developing the first cable television systems in Salinas and Seaside, contributing to what would become the media backbone of the region.

A Family Business With a Future-Focused Mindset

In 1984, the second generation of leadership began as Dick Johnson joined the business with a passion for technology and a keen eye on emerging trends. He saw the future in telecommunications and data systems, steering the company toward those fast-growing fields.



When GTE Mobilnet launched cellular services, Johnson Electronics became one of the first local marketers of mobile communication—a move that showcased the company’s early commitment to being more than just an installer but a technology partner.

After the passing of Mel Johnson in 1989, Dick continued the evolution, phasing out consumer services like radio and television repair to concentrate fully on integrated commercial systems.

Growth, Expansion, and a Third Generation of Excellence

In the 1990s, the business experienced a period of remarkable growth—expanding by over 500%, serving more clients across a broader range of technologies. During this time, Bryan Johnson—representing the third generation of the family—began playing an active role in the company’s operations.



Together, the Johnson family transformed the company from its humble beginnings into a regional leader in commercial and institutional low-voltage systems.

Who We Are Today

Today, Johnson Electronics is recognized across Salinas, Monterey, Santa Cruz, San Benito, and San Jose as a trusted integrator for:

Our team includes certified technicians, project managers, and sales engineers, each specializing in their fields and trained by national and state-recognized organizations. Every system we deliver is grounded in compliance, tailored design, and long-term reliability.

Licensed, Certified, and Built to Last

We are fully licensed in the state of California under:

These classifications allow us to deliver complete solutions—from wiring and systems integration to project management and inspections—all under one roof.

Our Mission Has Never Changed

What began as a small shop in downtown Salinas is now a multi-generational company committed to service, safety, and smarter technology. Through it all, our mission remains the same: to protect, connect, and empower the organizations that keep our communities strong.



We’re proud of where we’ve come from and even more excited about where we’re going next.