‘Showing Up When It Counts the Most’: Utility Infrastructure and Storm Response Leader Agostino Utilities Builds Reputation for Rapid Response and Reliability, Eyes National Stage

Agostino Utilities is a utility services company specializing in rapid response and restoration of power infrastructure following storms and outages. With a focus on safety, quality, and professionalism, the company offers a range of services from emergency storm recovery to installation of high-voltage utility poles for residential, commercial, and industrial projects. Leveraging experienced personnel, specialized equipment, and strong partnerships with utility providers, Agostino Utilities ensures rapid deployment and effective solutions in critical situations. This commitment to reliability and operational excellence has established the company as a trusted contractor in the utility services sector.

Agostino Utilities was founded in 2020 and is headquartered in Schwenksville, Pennsylvania.

SME BUSINESS REVIEW reached out to Albert Augustine Jr., owner and president of Agostino Utilities, for an interview to explore the company’s origins, operational strengths, safety priorities, and future plans. Here’s what Albert had to say.

Interview Excerpts

Could you elaborate on how Agostino Utilities was founded and discuss the initial vision behind its establishment?

My father, Al Augustine Sr., and I founded Agostino Utilities five years ago, combining our entrepreneurial spirit and long-standing desire to build a business together. Drawing from my experience as a ‘storm chaser’ lineman and our shared passion for the utility industry, we launched the company with a vision to create a family-oriented, values-driven operation. The name ‘Agostino’ pays homage to our ancestral surname, honoring our roots and heritage. Starting with just two bucket trucks and a digger derrick, our complementary skills fueled rapid growth, enabling us to expand our service reach and establish a strong reputation among utility providers. From the outset, our mission has been to become both an employer of choice within the industry and a trusted contractor for utility providers.

What systems or capabilities enable Agostino Utilities to respond so quickly when storms cause power disruptions?

Agostino Utilities responds quickly to storm-related power disruptions thanks to a combination of experienced personnel, specialized equipment, and a responsive operational structure. Rooted in storm restoration work and shaped by my background as a ‘storm chaser’ lineman, we have developed capabilities built around rapid deployment and adaptability. Our fleet, which began with essential assets such as bucket trucks and a digger derrick, has since expanded to support fast mobilization. Additionally, our commitment to being a contractor of choice has helped us maintain strong relationships with utility companies, enabling coordinated responses when urgent situations arise. Beyond that, our family-oriented culture also fosters a dedicated team environment, which helps ensure reliability during critical storm events.

How does Agostino Utilities ensure crew safety while meeting the pressing needs of communities during storm recovery?

Agostino Utilities ensures crew safety during storm recovery by prioritizing rigorous safety protocols, comprehensive training, and clear communication, even under pressure. Drawing from my firsthand experience in high-risk storm restoration work, we at Agostino Utilities maintain a safety-first culture, ensuring no job proceeds without proper precautions. Crews are equipped with the latest safety gear and trained to operate in hazardous conditions, including downed lines, unstable terrain, and severe weather. At the same time, our family-oriented values foster a strong sense of responsibility for one another, reinforcing a team mindset that balances urgency with caution. This approach allows us to respond quickly to community needs without compromising the well-being of our workers.

How does Agostino Utilities maintain strong relationships with utility companies and contractors to ensure effective collaboration during emergencies?

Agostino Utilities maintains strong relationships with utility companies and contractors by consistently delivering reliable, high-quality service and fostering open, transparent communication. Our reputation for professionalism and responsiveness, especially during high-stress emergency situations, builds trust with partners who rely on us. Our leadership, grounded in real-world storm recovery experience, understand the urgency and coordination required during outages, which helps them align effectively with utility operations. Additionally, we emphasize long-term partnerships over short-term gains, demonstrating commitment, flexibility, and accountability. This relationship-focused approach ensures smooth collaboration and reinforces Agostino Utilities’ status as a contractor of choice during emergencies.

What can you tell us about the term ‘culture of care,’ and what impact does it have on employee satisfaction and business performance?

The term ‘culture of care’ refers to a workplace environment where the well-being, safety, and personal growth of our employees are genuinely prioritized. At Agostino Utilities, this culture is deeply rooted in our family-oriented foundation, where leadership views every team member not just as a worker, but as part of a close-knit community. This approach fosters trust, loyalty, and open communication, leading to higher employee satisfaction and lower turnover. When workers feel valued and supported, they are more motivated, perform more effectively, and take greater pride in their work. As a result, a culture of care not only enhances morale but also drives overall business performance by creating a stable, dedicated, and safety-conscious workforce.

Could you share a success story that demonstrates how Agostino Utilities positively impacted a community through its work?

Restoring Holiday Hope: Connecticut Christmas Storm, December 2022

In December 2022, just days before Christmas, a severe storm swept through Connecticut, leaving more than 100,000 residents without power and flooding many coastal communities. By Christmas Eve, nearly 900 customers were still in the dark. Agostino Utilities was called upon to support the urgent recovery efforts, and our team rose to the occasion, working tirelessly through challenging conditions to accelerate power restoration.

Crews worked extended shifts, some up to 24 hours, renting additional lighting equipment to safely continue operations through the night. Their dedication paid off, and power was successfully restored to over 12,000 customers in the region. Remarkably, this was accomplished without a single safety incident.

For Agostino Utilities, this storm response was more than a job, it was a deeply meaningful opportunity to serve communities when power and comfort mattered most. The effort not only reinforced our reputation for reliability and resilience but also underscored the heart of our mission: ‘showing up when it counts the most.’

Does Agostino Utilities have any upcoming services or initiatives planned that you can share with us?

We at Agostino Utilities have several exciting initiatives underway as part of our ongoing growth strategy. Most notably, we are expanding our operational footprint with the opening of a yard in Jackson, Mississippi. This move is designed to enhance our rapid response capabilities across the Gulf and Southeastern regions, allowing for more efficient and scalable storm mobilization. As part of this expansion, we are actively recruiting storm general foremen, signaling a strategic investment in both leadership and field capacity to better serve communities in high-risk areas. Additionally, we are broadening our service offerings to include professional installation of high-voltage utility poles for residential, commercial, and industrial projects, complementing our core strengths in outage response and infrastructure restoration. These efforts reflect our commitment to both operational excellence and long-term resilience.

What is your long-term vision for Agostino Utilities, and how do you see the company strengthening its impact and capabilities in the years ahead?

The long-term vision for Agostino Utilities is to become a nationally respected leader in utility infrastructure and storm response, recognized not only for technical expertise, but also for our people-first culture and consistent reliability. We aim to strengthen our impact by continuing to invest in talent, equipment, and regional expansion, ensuring rapid and effective service wherever it’s needed. Future growth will be driven by strategic partnerships, advanced training programs, and expanded service offerings to support evolving industry demands. At our core, we remain committed to upholding our family-oriented values while scaling responsibly, consistently striving to be both an employer of choice for skilled tradespeople and a contractor of choice for utility providers nationwide.

ALBERT AUGUSTINE JR. | OWNER & PRESIDENT

Albert Augustine Jr. is a Florida State University graduate who built his career from the ground up, advancing through an apprenticeship to become a skilled lineman. Focused and driven, Albert co-founded Agostino Utilities with a vision to create a competitive and reliable storm restoration contractor. Over the past five years, he has successfully grown the business substantially, establishing it as a trusted name in the industry. Beyond business, Albert is deeply committed to giving back to the community and fostering a positive impact. He maintains a strong focus on creating a great future both personally and professionally, balancing growth with values that support his team, customers, and the communities they serve.

The long-term vision for Agostino Utilities is to become a nationally respected leader in utility infrastructure and storm response, recognized not only for technical expertise, but also for our people-first culture and consistent reliability.

At our core, we remain committed to upholding our family-oriented values while scaling responsibly, consistently striving to be both an employer of choice for skilled tradespeople and a contractor of choice for utility providers nationwide.

The name ‘Agostino’ pays homage to our ancestral surname, honoring our roots and heritage.