Providing More Than
60 Years of Service

About Electronic Specialties, Inc.

The team at Electronic Specialties strives to always over-deliver to our customers. From door access systems to two-way radio and video surveillance systems, our team can install various electronic products. Being a small, family-run company in Algona, IA, we have a reputation for professionalism and being approachable. We ensure you know what you are getting and that it’s your best option.

Exterior of Electronic Specialties office

Your Local Electronics Specialists for Communication and Security Solutions

View Our Services

As a trusted Electronics Specialist in North Iowa, Electronic Specialties, Inc. has built a reputation for delivering high-quality electronic systems and unmatched customer service. From advanced surveillance systems to reliable radios and custom wiring, we provide the tools businesses and communities need to stay secure, connected, and operational. Our experienced team works closely with clients across industries to design and install customized solutions — including two-way radios, door access control, and data cabling — that meet the evolving demands of today’s workplaces.

We pride ourselves on being more than just a vendor — we’re a long-term technology partner. With decades of expertise in electronic communication systems, we continue to support organizations throughout Iowa with responsive service, hands-on support, and cutting-edge equipment built for performance and longevity.

Our History

Based in Algona, IA, Electronic Specialties has been North Iowa’s communication professionals since 1961. Eugene Faulstick started the business with the primary focus on television sales and service. The mid-1960s saw color television become common as prime-time programming began broadcasting in color in the autumn of 1965. Faulstick also engaged in other electronic work.

The Early 1970s

In February 1971, Bryan Mortensen, an employee of Electronic Specialties, purchased the business. The business began to grow under the direction of Mr. Mortensen. Bryan began to take an interest in county and law enforcement radio systems. In 1974, Electronic Specialties became an EFJohnson two-way radio dealer. In 1975, Bryan initiated another substantial attribute to the business and built Iowa’s first trunked mobile phone system. Al-Com-Mobile-Fone operated a mobile telephone and pager terminal that served a 35-mile radius of Algona.

The Late 1970s

In 1976, Electronic Specialties erected a two-story warehouse and office located north of Algona on Hwy 169, which is the present site of the business.

On July 1st, 1978, Electronic Specialties became a corporation. Five months later, tragedy struck the company. Bryan Mortensen, president of the company, was killed in the company’s helicopter when it malfunctioned during flight. Bryan’s widow, Patricia Mortensen, assumed operation of the business. She was elected President of the corporation, and Donald Heidner became the service manager of the corporation.

The 80s and 90s

In September 1979, Patricia Mortensen remarried. She became the wife of Paul Weber. At that time, Mr. Weber assumed the responsibility of General Manager for Electronic Specialties.

During the eighties and nineties, the company built over seventy UHF community repeaters and twenty 800 MHz trunked radio sites. Agricultural businesses, industries, and schools utilize these sites even today for daily operations.

The son of Bryan and Patricia, Jeff Mortensen, moved back to the Algona area in 1999 after working in research and design in the hard disk drive industry. During the early 2000’s cellular phone usage started to displace some of the traditional two-way radio business. Electronic Specialties started to provide other products like video surveillance, door access control, and business telephone systems.

On to Today

In 2012, Jeff Mortensen and his wife Melanie purchased the business from Patricia as she and Paul Weber moved toward retirement. ESI-Talk, a six-site UHF digital trunked network, was built in 2018 across north central Iowa and connects to over twenty additional sites in Minnesota.

Electronic Specialties currently employs five full-time employees along with seasonal help. The service and sales territory covers over a hundred-mile radius of Algona. A small but very dedicated staff offers a stable company to serve your communication needs. There is a technician on call 24 hours a day/365 days a year, for any emergency need.

Meet Our Team

Jeff Mortensen

Owner

Jeff Mortensen has been with Electronic Specialties since 1999. He started as a technician and became the President in September 2012. Jeff is still involved as a technician helping with all aspects of service and installation.

After attending Iowa State University, Jeff worked at Western Digital in Rochester, MN as a servo-mechanical technician before moving back home to Algona. Jeff started in electronics and computers before cellular phones became popular, but after the 68HC11 became a popular microcontroller.

He has served as a volunteer firefighter for over twenty years. Jeff enjoys spending time with his wife Melanie, riding bikes with his four children, and training for marathons with the “local exercisers.” When not working, Jeff likes to disconnect from technology by taking his family on fishing trips to Island Lake in Northwest Minnesota or on canoe trips into the Boundary Waters Canoa Area Wilderness.



Phone: 515-295-7752



Email: [email protected]