Founder’s experience and legacy made TZ Electric a leading business in the area
By Mike Danahey
When TZ Electric founder Tyler Zitz first became a tradesman, he never imagined he would wind up working for himself.
“My grandfather worked for himself as an electrician, and my parents are small business owners. So, looking back, I guess it’s not all that surprising that I ended up following in their footsteps,” Zitz said.
Traveling his family’s entrepreneurial path, Zitz started Catskill-based TZ Electric as a sole proprietorship in 2014. The business became incorporated in 2019. Today TZ Electric employs two office staff, five lead techs and two apprentices.
Over the years, TZ Electric has become a leading provider of sustainable residential and commercial solutions across the Hudson Valley, serving Dutchess, Ulster, Albany, Columbia and Greene counties. The company is a trusted partner in enhancing the comfort and efficiency of homes and businesses.
TZ Electric’s expertise includes heating and cooling, generators, electrical service upgrades, EV Chargers, indoor and landscape lighting and repairs. It specializes in Generac automatic standby generators, Mitsubishi heat pumps and all facets of residential and commercial electrical services.
“My wife continually jokes that all of my five year plans become six-month plans,” Zitz said. “The evolution from one-man-band to big operation didn’t happen overnight, but the growth has been steady.”
Zitz said his priorities have evolved over the last few years, too, and now this company is more than just a job to him.
“We recently took on interns through the Empower Kingston project, and I think that creating opportunities to grow the trade is going to be a big part of our next phase,” Zitz said.
This Kingston-based green jobs training program places paid trainees with local employers for four weeks of hands-on work experience and mentoring. Interns rotate among different worksites. They receive training in home air-sealing and weatherization, solar panel installation, heat pumps, geothermal energy systems, indoor air quality and energy auditing.
“One of the biggest challenges we face is the decrease in people joining the trade in recent years. Adding staff, as we grow, can be a slow process,” Zitz said. “Working with Empower Kingston to take on interns and expose the next generation to the electrical trade has been mutually beneficial.”
Zitz said TZ Electric is committed to eco-friendliness in all aspects of its work, from utilizing energy-efficient products and practices to minimizing waste and environmental impact. By prioritizing sustainability, the company aims to contribute to a greener, healthier planet for future generations.
“On a large scale, we are moving into the HVAC industry, focusing on installing eco-friendly means of heating and cooling. In our day-to-day operations we aim to reduce our carbon footprint by investing in sustainable products,” Zitz said.
As an example, Zitz said TZ Electric only uses reusable drop cloths and boot covers, to reduce waste. The company also uses route optimization software to minimize time spent on the road.
Beyond sustainable practices, Zitz said the TZ Electric workplace environment fosters opportunities for growth and advancement.
“That’s the beauty of a small, growing business. My staff has grown with me over the years, and I have been able to carve out new positions to both support the company and further their individual careers,” Zitz said.
Toward that, Zitz said he recognizes that some of the technicians he hires have aspirations of their own, which will naturally lead them to moving on one day, perhaps to run their own businesses.
“Part of the company culture is to have transparent conversations with my staff about their career goals, and how their time with the company can help them get there,” Zitz said. “I try to find opportunities to send my staff for additional training and certifications, when possible. Investing in my team is the only way to keep growing.”
With its office located in Catskill, TZ Electric is also deeply rooted in and supportive of the local community.
“TZ Electric has made contributions to the Greene County Women’s League, the Catskill School system and various other charity organizations,” Zitz said. “We also aim to do at least one charity project each year, to support local families and veterans.”
Assisting the public, the company’s work has included projects for the Palenville Fire Department. TZ Electric put up a large digital sign in the center of Palenville for the fire department. It recently repaired their siren and installed a generator for them, as well.
And for homeowners, Zitz said TZ Electric is constantly putting up posts on social media, advising them about being careful when applying their DIY skills to projects so they won’t create fire hazards and about why it might be best to hire a professional.
“Electrical is one of those areas where it always makes sense to have the work done once – and done right,” Zitz said.
