How Mutt’s Electric Owner Zack Mutnik Is Rewiring a Legacy Business

Buying an electrical company without ever working for one might sound like an impossible leap, but that’s exactly what Zack Mutnik did. Today, Mutnik is the owner of Mutt’s Electric in Punta Gorda, Florida, where he and his wife purchased an established electrical contracting business, rebranded it, and have spent the past year and a half modernizing operations while expanding its services.

For Mutnik, growing the company isn’t just about electrical work—it’s about building recurring relationships, strengthening company culture, and creating a business that can continue growing long after he’s stepped away from the day-to-day.

From the Navy to Business Ownership

Before purchasing what is now Mutt’s Electric in Punta Gorda, FL, Zack Mutnik served 5 years in the U.S. Navy as a gas turbine electrician and later worked on diesel generators. Despite enjoying a stable career, he knew he wanted something different.

“It just wasn’t mine,” Mutnik said. “Ultimately, I wanted a business my entire life.”

Rather than starting from scratch, Mutnik and his wife bought an existing electrical company using an SBA loan, purchasing the business for $1.7 million. The previous owner had operated it for nearly four decades, primarily focusing on residential electrical service work.

Mutnik admits his path wasn’t traditional.

“I just jumped headfirst into it,” he said. “It seemed like the best path for me so I can kind of skip a couple of years, the learning curve. And I can just dive into something that’s functioning and learn as I go.”

Since taking over, the business has grown to 12 employees, added several service vehicles, introduced generator installation and maintenance, and transitioned from handwritten carbon-copy work orders to digital job management software.

Building Recurring Revenue Through Home Maintenance

One of the biggest changes at Mutt’s Electric has nothing to do with wiring.

Mutnik is introducing a home maintenance membership designed around preventative care. The program includes services such as replacing HVAC filters, cleaning coils, draining water heaters, pressure washing, gutter cleaning, and routine electrical inspections.

“The way I see it is we can start by utilizing our current customer base,” he explained. “They trust us, they know us.”

The idea is especially appealing in southwest Florida, where many retirees and seasonal residents own homes that require ongoing maintenance even when they’re away.

Mutnik also sees the service as an opportunity to strengthen customer relationships over time.

“We’re in their home every six months, so they don’t forget about us.”

Each visit will include a documented home report with photos, giving homeowners a record of their property’s condition while also helping identify future repair needs before they become larger problems.

Culture Matters More Than Credentials

While Zack Mutnik expected running an electrical company to involve estimating jobs and growing revenue, he quickly learned that managing people would become one of his biggest responsibilities.

“I really try to make a place where people enjoy working,” he said. “I want them to be excited to work here.”

Drawing on lessons from the Navy, Mutnik has introduced weekly Monday morning meetings, standardized uniforms, notebooks for every employee, and clearer expectations around professionalism and punctuality. At the same time, he wants the company culture to feel collaborative rather than rigid.

“I miss the camaraderie out of the Navy,” he said. “It’s something that I wanted to bring into whatever business that I operate.”

That philosophy also extends to hiring. Rather than focusing solely on technical skills, Mutnik looks for people who fit the team’s culture and genuinely enjoy their work.

Looking ahead, Zack Mutnik says the long-term goal for Mutt’s Electric is to continue delegating responsibilities, expand into additional Florida markets, and keep building a business that customers return to for years. His advice for anyone considering business ownership is simple: surround yourself with great people. “Find good people, get to know these people on a personal level, and they’ll move mountains for you.”