Problems Striking Lightning Electric

Is the plug being pulled on Lightning Electric Inc.?

That’s what sources tell Whispers regarding the Fayetteville-based electrical contractor owned by Jason Kuncl. Kuncl did not return telephone messages asking for comment.

LEI, according to its website, includes Arkansas and seven other states in its coverage area. It also boasts an impressive number of projects and clients, including Tyson Foods Inc. and Wal-Mart Stores Inc.

Sources indicate LEI, however, is shutting its doors due to financial problems. One such problem is a debt Whispers was told exceeds $1 million to Wholesale Electric Supply Co. Inc., which is based in Texarkana, Texas.

Wholesale Electric president Buddy McCulloch told Whispers the matter is in the hands of his legal department and he therefore can’t comment.

This much we do know: Kuncl, through Kuncl Properties LLC, purchased a 1,554-SF building and adjacent land at 1102 S. Happy Hollow Road in Fayetteville in 2009, for $525,000. The former home of Northwest Arkansas Sign Shop Inc. was converted into Lightning Electric’s corporate headquarters.

Kuncl Properties also purchased a $300,000 building permit to develop an office space at the location. The project was reported to be financed through a loan from Benefit Bank of Fort Smith.