John Kavula

APG Electric, Inc. has been doing business in the Tampa Bay area since 1984.  However, our roots go back over a century to The Doan Electric Company of Cleveland, Ohio, founded in 1915 by A. P. Goulder, the APG of our name. Mr. Goulder began his business converting gas lighting to electric lighting and doing other small electrical repair work, before growing the company into one of the largest and most respected electrical contracting companies in Northeast Ohio.

Jerry Lightner

Adolph Paul "Puddy" Goulder

John Kavula had spent the early years of his career with Doan Electric before relocating to Florida in 1979. While working with Jerry Lightner for another Tampa Bay contractor, a partnership was born and the brainstorming of how to build their own outstanding contracting company began. On January 23, 1984, with the support of Doan principals Edmund Goulder and Lenny Heiser, APG Electric opened its doors in Largo, Florida. By the end of the first year, APG had grown to over 25 employees and sales exceeding $1.1 million.

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Edmund Goulder

With a "we can do that" attitude, the decision was made in 1994 to expand the business beyond basic electrical construction and service, starting with the addition of electrical engineering and design services, and continuing with installation and service of electrical systems, including fire alarm, voice/data/video and security. Audio/Visual systems and Virtual Design and Construction services were later added to meet strong demand. With these capabilities, we truly were able to become a full-service electrical contractor.

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Another milestone was reached in 1999 with construction of Universal Studios Islands of Adventure - The Lost Continent. This was the largest contract in the company's history at the time and led to expansion into the Central Florida area, with a satellite office in Orlando, which later moved to downtown Lakeland.

APG Electric in 1985

In 2013, our office expanded to accommodate a rapidly growing APG Engineering group which has brought on board top talent in mechanical, plumbing, and technology specialties to offer full MEPT engineering services. APG Engineering also provides our Virtual Design and Construction services for our construction teams.

​Today, APG has transitioned to the next generation of leadership with Michael Henley and Chris Johnson as President and Executive Vice President, respectively, and John continuing to serve as Chairman of the Board of Directors. With our growth, we are comprised of five specialized groups working together as one company, designing and installing any wired building system with one mission in mind - Do it right!

Jerry Lightner and John Kavula

Chris Johnson and Michael Henley