Patrick Electric stays in the family with sale
Todd Patrick hasn’t owned Mike Patrick Electric since 1997. It just seems like it because he and his sister had been running the day-to-day operations since then.
That changed just recently as Todd bought the business from his father, who founded the business in 1983, and his sister, Joanne Buffum, left the company to pursue a teaching career.
And after some lean years during the recession and the company’s strong recovery, Todd Patrick has some big plans for the company on 617 NE 25th Ave. No. 2, just off Pondella Road in Cape Coral.
Expansion plans call for up to 20 new employees over the next year and additional workspaces and storage areas at the company’s headquarters, Todd said.
Currently, about 35 licensed electricians provide electrical repairs, service and new-construction installations for commercial, industrial and residential properties from Marco Island to Port Charlotte.
“We do everything from change a light bulb to 250,000- to 300,000-square foot-industrial warehouses,” Patrick said. “We have a broad spectrum. We’re even doing some bio-diesel facilities.”
It wasn’t always easy. In 2009, the company shrank from 34 employees and 14 vehicles to three as the housing bust ground development to a halt, with the three who remained sometimes sitting in the office waiting for the phone to ring.
Slowly, things returned to normal and the company began hiring again. Through a lot of hard work, Patrick has been able to build a network of clients, which has allowed him a steady stream of work.
“It’s still a competitive market, but the way I do things I’ve established relationships that enable me to be guaranteed some jobs without going through the cutthroat bidding department,” Patrick said.
A dozen workers report to the office for residential and service work, while the rest go to the 11 commercial sites. Patrick has steady work with area YMCAs, Arthrex, Algenol Biofuels and has done five Culver’s restaurants with two more on the horizon.
“It’s nice to have a recurring contract. We’ve done so many of them we know what needs to be done,” Patrick said.
Mike Patrick opened the company after working for Sprint. Todd, who grew up with the company, went to college, became a golf pro, and stumbled upon the opportunity to take over the company in 1997. Mike left briefly, only to return two years later, where he remains as the project manager for the commercial services division.
“He’s done it his whole life. It’s his passion and he’s not ready to fully retire yet. He’s with me for at least the next couple years,” Todd said.
To set up a service call, contact them at 772-5474.