When the founder of RACK stepped into his family’s small electrical business more than a decade ago, it wasn’t simply to keep the operation afloat, it was to transform it. What began as a modest, one-truck electrical company with fewer than ten employees has grown into a multi-division energy and home services enterprise operating across Florida. Today, RACK employs hundreds of professionals, delivers fully integrated energy solutions, and competes head-to-head with billion-dollar, venture-backed corporations—all while remaining privately owned, disciplined, and deeply rooted in its community.

That growth did not happen by chance. It was built through a combination of long-term vision, relentless execution, and trusted partnerships, including a relationship-driven approach to banking with Paradise Bank.

From the Playing Field to the Jobsite
Raised in Queens, New York, founder Jesse R. grew up immersed in competitive sports, particularly football and basketball. Sports weren’t just extracurricular activities, they were formative experiences that instilled discipline, accountability, and a team-first mindset. Football, in particular, opened doors, earning him a full scholarship to the University at Buffalo and later a brief professional opportunity with the New York Jets.

While his professional football career was short-lived, it left a lasting impact. “It’s never personal—it’s always business,” he learned early on, a lesson that continues to influence how he approaches leadership, decision-making, and accountability today.

After football, Jesse transitioned into real estate with his family and later into collegiate coaching at Wagner College and Florida Atlantic University. Coaching reinforced many of the principles that would later define RACK: hiring for attitude, developing people from the ground up, setting clear expectations, and holding individuals accountable while still supporting their growth.

Everything changed when his father became ill.

With a strong sense of responsibility to his family—including his sister and stepmother—Jesse made the decision to step into his father’s small electrical business in Florida. What he walked into was a traditional trade operation largely dependent on new construction, limited in scale, and vulnerable to market shifts. But what he saw was something far bigger.

The “Aha” Moment: Building a Brand, Not Just a Business
Before officially joining the company, Jesse had a defining conversation with his father. He made one thing clear: if he was going to commit, it wouldn’t be just another electrician or caretaker of a small operation. He wanted to build a brand. He wanted to create an empire.
That moment brought clarity. Jesse wasn’t stepping into a job—he was committing to a long-term vision. He created an organizational chart projecting 10 to 12 years into the future, outlining leadership roles, operational structure, and growth targets that didn’t yet exist. The focus shifted from simply completing electrical jobs to building infrastructure, scalable systems, leadership development, and a strong internal culture.

To lead credibly, Jesse committed to mastering the trade himself. While running the business, he went back to school, learned every facet of the operation, and earned his master electrician’s license. That commitment set the tone for the company: lead by example, set high standards, and never ask your team to do what you’re unwilling to do yourself.

Scaling with Purpose and Discipline
Under Jesse’s leadership, RACK deliberately diversified beyond electrical services into generators, HVAC, propane, EV charging, and other energy solutions. This wasn’t growth for growth’s sake—it was a strategic decision to reduce risk, control the customer experience, and build a business capable of weathering economic cycles.

By bringing complex, high-skill services in-house, RACK maintained control over quality, efficiency, and long-term customer relationships. The company positioned itself as a true turnkey energy partner, handling everything from sales and installation to service and maintenance—all under one roof.

Equally important was building the right team. Jesse’s sports and coaching background shaped RACK’s people-first philosophy. The company hires for attitude and mindset first, then invests heavily in training and development. Clear career paths allow employees to grow into leadership roles rather than remain stuck in a single position.

This culture, often described internally as “RACK versus everybody”, became a competitive advantage. While larger, corporate competitors relied on scale and capital, RACK leaned into agility, discipline, and personal accountability. The result was a company that could compete and win against much larger players without sacrificing its values.

The Role of Paradise Bank
As RACK expanded in size and complexity, having the right financial partner became essential. Paradise Bank emerged as a critical ally in that journey, offering not just financing, but a relationship-driven approach aligned with RACK’s long-term vision.

Unlike larger institutions where decisions are often buried under layers of bureaucracy, Paradise Bank took the time to understand RACK’s business model, growth strategy, and operational realities. Their team remained accessible, responsive, and engaged as the company’s needs evolved.

Through SBA-backed financing and personalized guidance, Paradise Bank helped support RACK’s expansion while allowing leadership to stay focused on execution, discipline, and long-term stability.

“What stands out about Paradise Bank is that you’re working with people—not just a system,” Jesse says. “They understand our business, ask the right questions, and respond when it matters. That level of familiarity makes a real difference as you grow.”

A Business Built to Last
Today, RACK is recognized as a leader in the energy and home services industry. The company has earned national recognition, including Generac’s Impact Award—an honor given to only one dealer worldwide. For Jesse, however, accolades are secondary to something more meaningful.

The real achievement is seeing the vision he set more than a decade ago come to life: a disciplined, scalable business that elevates the trades, creates real career opportunities, and does the job right the first time. His name is on the trucks, and that accountability still matters.

 

Looking ahead, RACK plans to continue scaling responsibly while expanding its impact. One major initiative on the horizon is the launch of an online electrical school designed to train and develop the next generation of skilled professionals—further reinforcing the company’s commitment to education, opportunity, and industry advancement.