Founder Stories Why They Chose Astra
Building a successful mechanical services business takes vision, resilience and years of hard work. When it comes time to think about the future — growth, succession, legacy — choosing the right partner is everything.
In these exclusive Founder Stories, hear firsthand from industry leaders who faced critical decisions about their company’s future. Each of these founders and executives chose to partner with Astra Service Partners—but for different reasons.
Whether it was preserving their company culture, scaling for the future or securing long-term stability for their teams, these stories offer unique insights into what makes a partnership with Astra different.
The Generational Growth Story – Gary & Evan Forosisky – GE Mechanical
Former GE Mechanical owner Gary Forosisky, his son Evan Forosisky, and current GE President Rob Cain share why they chose to partner with Astra Service Partners. From securing the company’s future to expanding opportunities for their team, they discuss how Astra’s people-first approach and strong network made all the difference.
The Living Legacy Succession Story – Gary Dunn – APPCO
Gary Dunn, President & CEO of Applied Process Cooling Corporation (APCO), shares his journey from founding the company to partnering with Astra Service Partners. After 42 years of growth, he wanted to ensure the legacy of APCO while providing new opportunities for his employees. Gary explains why Astra’s commitment to people and servant leadership made them the right fit.
The Emergent Leader Story – Mike DeVito – Air Comfort
Mike DeVito, President of Air Comfort, reflects on the unexpected transition from Vice President to leading the company through its acquisition by Astra Service Partners. He shares how Astra’s support, autonomy and strategic planning helped Air Comfort grow from $39M to $70M in just three years — with a goal of reaching $100M soon. Learn how their business evolved while keeping its identity and people at the forefront.
The Reluctant Founder Story – Mike Peet – Modern Controls
After 35 years of building Modern Controls, Mike Peet wasn’t ready to hand over the keys without the right assurances. In this video, he shares why he partnered with Astra instead of selling outright. He discusses Astra’s hands-off approach, its commitment to keeping his team intact, and the opportunities the partnership has created for Modern Controls to expand its building intelligence expertise.
The Family Business Story – Eli Champion – Champion Industrial
Eli Champion, leader of Champion Industrial Contractors, shares why he and his family made the decision to partner with Astra Service Partners. From keeping the company name to maintaining the leadership team, he explains the critical factors in their decision — and how joining Astra helped Champion grow their revenue, expand preventative maintenance agreements, and create more opportunities for employees.
The Surprised Team Story – Kelli Mussett – Jackson Mechanical Services
Kelli Mussett, VP of Finance at Jackson Mechanical, recounts the company’s transition from a family-run business to a key part of Astra Service Partners. She shares how the acquisition allowed them to expand into new markets, invest in better systems and provide greater opportunities for their team — all while staying true to their company culture.