Named an Inc. Best Workplace 2026
We are honored to be recognized by Inc. Magazine as one of the nation’s Best Workplaces for 2026. This achievement reflects the culture of service, teamwork, and employee development fostered by our leadership and embraced by our team. At Eau Gallie Electric, we believe investing in people is the foundation of long-term success, for our employees, customers, and community.
- Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned
- Employee-Owned ESOP
- Melbourne, Florida
- Since 1948
The Customer Case
Why does this matter to our customers?
Companies with strong workplace cultures attract and retain experienced employees who are committed to delivering exceptional service. That means knowledgeable electricians, consistent workmanship, responsive communication, and a team dedicated to doing the right thing on every project.
As a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business and Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) company, we believe our people are our greatest asset. This award is a reflection of the team members who live out our mission and core values every day, and the quality service our customers have come to expect.
About the Award
An award you cannot buy
Inc. Magazine’s Best Workplaces list is not a directory listing or a paid placement. Companies are evaluated on the strength of their culture and the experience of the people who work there, not on size, revenue, or advertising spend.
For a 78-year-old electrical contractor in Melbourne, Florida, standing alongside companies from every industry in the country is a distinction we do not take lightly. This recognition belongs to our team. It reflects the electricians, project managers, and support staff who show up for each other, and for our customers, every day.
Employee Ownership
Our employees are owners
Eau Gallie Electric is an ESOP company. Every employee holds a real stake in the business through an Employee Stock Ownership Plan, funded by the company, at no cost to them.
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01
You start working
Eau Gallie Electric contributes company shares to an account in your name.
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02
Your stake grows
The longer you stay, the larger your share of the company becomes.
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03
The company grows with you
As the value of Eau Gallie Electric increases, so does the value of your account.
ESOP is rare in the electrical trades, and it is in addition to a company-funded pension, a 401(k) match, and full benefits. Ownership changes how work gets done. When the person wiring your facility holds a stake in this company’s reputation, quality is not a policy. It is personal.
Since 1948
Growing fast. Built to last.
Eau Gallie Electric has served Central Florida since 1948. Chris Hughes, a West Point graduate, mechanical engineer, and service-disabled veteran, took ownership in 2005.
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1948
Founded in Melbourne, Florida. Central Florida’s original electrical contractor.
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2005
Chris Hughes takes ownership. Annual revenue the prior year: $286K.
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2022
Revenue reaches $18M.
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2025
Revenue reaches $40M.
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2026
$75M anticipated.
Our vision: to rank among the Top 50 electrical companies in the United States.
From the Team
In their words
Eau Gallie Electric fosters a culture focused on family, faith, and caring by offering flexible work schedules, supporting diverse beliefs, encouraging community involvement, and promoting open communication and well-being among employees.
Scott Sallade
Commercial Manager
This company’s culture truly stands out—leadership genuinely cares about you as a person, not just as part of the workforce. I’ve never worked for a more giving company. Chris and Keturah’s heart is evident in everything we do, and the benefits here are truly unmatched.
Vanessa Valentin
Marketing Manager
The culture at Eau Gallie feels like being part of a community working toward our common goals. From the moment I joined, I noticed how Eau Gallie genuinely supports its employees, both on and off the job. The benefits are great, and it’s clear that the leadership truly cares about our well-being. Employees care for the company and the company cares for its employees.
Josh Ickes
Industrial Electrical Services
At Eau Gallie Electric, our people are not just employees. They are owners, partners, and key players in our future. Our goal is to create an environment where you can thrive, contribute, and be recognized for your achievements. Join us, and be a part of a company that is as invested in your growth as you are in ours.
Thank You
One award. Two invitations.
Thank you for taking the time to read about this. If you would like to be part of what comes next, there are two ways.
See a day on the job
A short look at the work itself, with one of our generator service technicians.
Worked with us?
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Want to join us?
Know of anyone interested in joining an award-winning workplace? We’re hiring. Explore open positions, or read more about what life at Eau Gallie Electric is actually like.