Fort Wayne Business Journal article by Gwen Eastlake-Decrow.

THROUGHOUT FORT WAYNE and northeastern Indiana, the name Korte Electric has meant quality and reliability in residential and commercial electrical work since the company's founding in 1965 by area electrician and businessman Jerry Korte.

What many people don't know is that over the years, the company has become a full-service business, offering heating and air-conditioning, security systems, plumbing and sewer services, in addition to electrical wiring. As a result, in April 2001 the company underwent its first name change in 36 years to become Korte Does It All Inc. Little has changed at the core though — the company is still family owned and operated.

"We decided it was time to change the name to help our customers recognize that we offer so much more than electrical services," Vice President of Inside Operations Kevin Kratzman states. "For example, one of our electricians would be on a job and the customer would ask him if he could recommend a good plumber. Because of the name Korte Electric, the customer wasn't aware that we offered other services as well. We are the area's 'one-stop shop' when it comes to installation, heating maintenance or repair, air-conditioning, plumbing, sewer or electrical equipment."

Operating under the direction of President Jerry Korte and his son, David, an electrician and Vice President of Outside Operations, the Korte Does It All team includes 102 employees working out of a single Stellhorn Road location, as well as 68 fleet trucks on the road and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

"With one phone call from a customer, we can fix about any problem he or she is having," Kratzman explains. "We do a lot of commercial and residential new construction, as well as remodeling and provide free estimates. We work together with customers on their 'design/build' plans. We sit down with them to review their blueprints and look for ways to help them save money."

Kratzman adds, "We also offer a three-trade discount when the customer utilizes Korte Does It .All for his or her heating/air-conditioning, electric and plumbing. Jobs go smoother, especially the ones with a tight schedule, when we can send in one crew right after the other. If the customer has a question about any of the services, one of our tradesmen can make a phone call back to the office and get the answer for him or her right away."

The Korte Does It All team points out that this is a great time of year for home and business owners to have their heating equipment, furnaces, boilers, etc. checked and maintained — particularly with the rising costs of fuel of late. According to Kratzman, consumers can save 10 percent to 20 percent annually on energy bills if they have the equipment cleaned and maintained as regularly as they would their automobiles.

"We take care of our customers' needs," Kratzman says. "Several home builders who started working with us in 1965 still rely on Korte Does It All today. They know we have long-term employees and long-term customers, and we have built great relationships over the past 36 years. People trust our fully licensed, bonded and insured staff. We do it right. We do it on time, and we will be here in the future when they need us again."

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