Countywide Generators: Keeping Customers Generated, Not Frustrated

from Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors magazine, September 2020

Step Up Your Salts!

Business Profile by Christina Manning

Photos courtesy of Steve Di Toma

Steve Di Tomo, owner of Countywide Generators, LLC said there are two types of people: Those who have a generator and love it and those who don’t have one and get frustrated. Steve, a general contractor and licensed electrician, started Countywide Generators in 2018 after noticing an increasing need for whole-house generators. With changing weather patterns and outdated and overworked power grids leading to long power outages, his company’s motto has been Don’t get frustrated, get generated.

Steve has been an electrician since 1973 when he joined the Air Force and learned electronics and electrical skills while working on fighter and cargo aircrafts. After his military service, he found a job working at the Navy Yard in Philadelphia, first as an electronics apprentice and eventually as a supervisor. When the Navy Yard closed in 1996 and Steve “retired,” he was deciding what to do next. “I was always taught: Do what you know!” he said, “so, I took electrical code courses at Delaware County Community College and got my electrical license in Philadelphia.”

As an electrician, Steve had installed generators in homes over the years, but he wanted to gain more knowledge and make sure customers got the full advantage of owning a whole-house generator. Now more than ever, with people teleworking and students learning online at home, a permanently installed generator gives homeowners peace of mind. Generators can create enough power to meet all electric needs (TV/WiFi, cooking, lighting, cooling, etc.), all at the same time. They’re wired into a home's electrical system and require minimal maintenance once the generator has been professionally installed.

Countywide Generators installs generators from Generac, the industry leader. “When we get a Generac Generator, we get it right off the assembly line, so it’s brand new with all of the latest updates. Other generators from ‘big box’ stores may be older and more prone to issues,” said Steve. “Being connected to Generac’s mainframe allows us to quickly troubleshoot any issues and to keep up-to-date maintenance records. Having a dealer relationship with Generac opens a lot of doors for our customers. When we install your generator, you’re not alone; we deal with Generac directly so you don’t have to.”

A Generac runs on natural gas or liquid propane (LP) fuel. It sits outside just like a central air-conditioning unit, delivering power directly to the home’s electrical system in the event of a power outage. Customers can also use a Mobile Link™ app with any Generac generator. The app allows customers to monitor the status of their generator on a phone, tablet or computer from anywhere in the world.

“A whole-house generator brings peace of mind, especially in homes that run medical equipment 24/7,” said Steve. He explained that many people think they can't afford a generator and therefore must endure power outages caused by storms or downed power lines. When they learn that the monthly cost can be spread out over many years due to many flexible financing options, they realize what a sensible and practical decision it is.

Steve and his team of professionals meet warranty conditions, ensure safe and proper operation, and provide emergency assistance 7 days a week. During power outages, these reliable systems start up automatically, supplying electricity until the local power utility restores service. “If a customer has any issues, we dispatch technicians quickly,” said Steve, “and our team is equipped to resolve most repairs right then and there, even if the customer is not home.”

Countywide Generators’ staff includes Office Manager Michelle Saraceni, Worksite Foreman Marciano Capuzzi, Electrician Keith Grantland, Internet Coordinator Louis Di Tomo and Installer Valentin Flores. Michelle has worked with Steve for 20 years, and she handles everything from payroll to paying bills. She also monitors their customers’ generators online. As soon as there is an issue, Michelle gets an alert, and one of their technicians is sent out to do any repairs. “Twenty years ago, I didn’t know anything about construction or electrical work,” said Michelle, “but I’ve learned a lot over the years from the crew. And I’ve really loved getting to know our customers, who are more like friends.” “When something goes right, we’re all good,” added Steve, “but if something goes wrong, Michelle is the one keeping us all in line.”

Countywide Generators is located in Broomall, where Steve has been a resident for 15 years. In addition to owning Countywide Generators, Steve is also the owner of STD Construction and also works as a general contractor in Philadelphia and the surrounding areas. When he’s not working, he enjoys fishing, golfing and spending time with his children and 12 grandchildren.

To learn more about the benefits of generators, Mobile Link™ and financing options, visit www.CountywideGenerators.com or call 610-955-4397 for a free estimate.