Article Originally Appeared in USA Today

Rack has been a trusted name in South Florida’s electrical and backup power industries for over three decades. It’s known for its comprehensive services across electrical contracting, automatic standby generators, gas and propane work, and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.

Founded as a small, family-run business, Rack has grown into a respected and multifaceted enterprise that stands out for its reliability, integrity, and commitment to the communities it serves. Since the new owner and CEO, Jesse Rack, joined the company in 2013, it has experienced notable growth in revenue, reach, and impact.

Despite its steady expansion and sophistication, Rack remains proudly family-owned and fiercely independent, not backed by private equity or venture capital. This means every decision made comes from within the company and not from outside investors. This independence allows the company to prioritize people and purpose over profit, while investing in long-term solutions instead of short-term returns.

Rack’s milestones in recent years have been defined by a series of strategic acquisitions. One of the most pivotal was the 2023 acquisition of Energized Electric, a Fort Pierce-based electrical and generator company. The business had unexpectedly ceased operations, affecting a number of customers who were left with unresolved service needs or pending generator orders.

Jesse saw a community on the verge of crisis as hurricane season loomed. Instead of seeing a business opportunity, he deemed it a responsibility and stepped in. Rack acquired the defunct company outright, mobilized crews, and began fulfilling every uncompleted job. “We delivered on all outstanding contracts within weeks,” Jesse shares. “Our team worked seven days a week to make sure the customers left behind felt whole again.” This effort showcased Rack’s dedication to putting people first.

This acquisition wasn’t an isolated event. Rack has developed a reputation for rescuing and revitalizing struggling or failing businesses across the electrical and trades sectors. These moves are driven by the company’s desire to preserve legacies. Rack acknowledges that as America experiences the Silver Tsunami, there’s bound to be a generational shift.

“So many baby boomer business owners are reaching retirement age. Many of them don’t have a clear succession plan,” Jesse states. “It’s not just that. Their companies struggle to keep up with new technologies and customers’ changing expectations.”

Rack aims to serve as a bridge between generations, offering a dignified exit for retiring owners and a fresh start for the communities they once served. The company purchases businesses to reinvest in them, modernize them, and elevate their standards. Jesse shares that in many cases, this includes businesses that were previously mismanaged or teetering on bankruptcy.

Rack sees these situations as opportunities to raise the bar across the trades and not as liabilities. “Our goal is to reshape public perception of what it means to work and thrive in the skilled trades by setting a higher standard for workmanship, safety, and customer care,” the CEO adds.

Besides preserving legacies and elevating the trades, Rack keeps essential services alive while simultaneously creating high-quality job opportunities for local residents. After all, its acquisitions usually involve absorbing existing employees, training new ones, and bringing them under Rack’s growing umbrella of trade services, all of which contribute to stronger, more resilient local economies.

Indeed, Rack’s growth isn’t only about numbers but a movement to honor tradespeople, protect communities, and preserve the small businesses that have long been the backbone of American life. The company’s reach might continue to expand, but its roots remain grounded in service.