In September 2001, two friends set out to build an electrical contracting company that would do things differently.
Chipper Fitz and Andy Forgione wanted a workplace where employees felt valued, where customers received personal attention, and where quality workmanship was never compromised.
That people-first philosophy became the foundation of Elite’s culture and a driving force behind its success. More than two decades later, it still shapes how the company treats its employees, serves its customers and approaches every project.
I came from working at a big company where I was a number and nobody was ever recognised by the owner. We’ve always said we were going to do things different, and that is what we have done. I know everybody by their first names, their wives and kids. It makes a world of a difference.Chipper FitzCo-Founder
That difference shows up in morale and in loyalty — and it is why so many of the people who built this company are still here.
Southwest Florida
the job
and owners
on the road
From humble beginnings to a Southwest Florida leader.
Chipper and Andy came up in the trade at the same time. Both completed a four-year, state-certified apprenticeship, and both spent years working together on high-rises, schools, medical facilities and commercial projects across Southwest Florida before they ever had a company of their own.
A spare bedroom and one garage bay
Chipper and Andy opened Elite out of a spare bedroom in Chipper’s Lehigh Acres home, with a single garage bay for a warehouse. Their first customer was Faith Assembly Church of God in North Fort Myers, where the two of them worked side by side for nearly two years.
Thirty people, thirteen trucks
Showing up when promised and doing what they said they would do earned the trust of customers across Southwest Florida. Inside two years the company had grown to roughly 30 employees and 13 trucks on the road.
A larger home, and $15 million in sales
Continued growth took Elite to a larger facility on Metro Parkway in Fort Myers, where the company eventually reached 125 employees and managed more than $15 million in sales.
10,777 square feet on Unity Avenue
Elite moved into a newly remodeled 10,777-square-foot facility on Unity Avenue — another milestone in a decade of steady growth.
Residential, commercial and industrial
As Southwest Florida expanded, so did Elite. The company broadened across residential, commercial and industrial work — new construction, renovation and service — and added air conditioning and refrigeration so it could serve even more customers in the region.
More than 160 employees and 60 trucks
By 2019 Elite had grown to more than 160 employees and 60 service trucks, and it has kept growing since: a remarkable transformation from a spare bedroom and one garage bay.
Our commitment remains the same.
Through every stage of growth, Chipper and Andy have stayed with the principles that made them start Elite in the first place. They built a company where employees are recognised, customers are respected, and relationships matter as much as the work.
What began as two friends with a vision is now one of Southwest Florida’s established electrical contracting companies — built on hard work, lasting relationships and a habit of keeping promises.
Quality product
The right materials, specified correctly and installed to code — on every job, at every size.
Excellent workmanship
Skilled, state-certified people who sweat the detail and leave the site the way they found it.
Timely performance
Prompt service and honest scheduling. If we say we will be there, we are there.
Our mission remains the same: deliver exceptional work, earn our customers’ trust, and treat every employee and customer like family.
Want the same team on your job?
Talk to a state-certified electrician in Lee, Collier or Charlotte county.