Our tailored fixtures and committed client relationships help us stand out from the competition. We are a family owned business and we treat our clients like family—offering open communication, honesty & integrity in everything we do.
Our attitude and expertise make for a cohesive experience, but it is our people who make us truly special.
Meet Our Team
Kip Driver | President
Kip is the third generation of Advance Electric and has worked with the company since he was three years old—the business is a huge part of who he is. Born and raised here in Gaylord, he graduated with a degree in business from Michigan State University. He has built long-term friendships with clients at both of our locations, as he spent 15 years growing the North Carolina branch before returning to Gaylord. He is always looking for expansion & growth opportunities for Advance.
His vision for making custom cabinetry is “new and now” fully functional custom cabinetry. Kip's approach includes a full-service experience for the client, featuring specialty custom design offerings, building a client’s idea, and on-site warehouse stock.
His father transitioned the business from his parents and Kip will do the same for his children when the time comes. He emphasizes that growth is built on the solid foundation of the company, that family values are a big part of the business, and that clients become like family. Kip loves small-town living and giving back to the community, where his family plays an integral part. He currently sits on the Board of Directors for the Home Builders Association. In his off time, he enjoys outdoor activities like skiing, riding on his side-by-side, and camping. Kip’s family includes his wife Megan—a Gaylord native—and the fourth generation of Advance Electric, their sons Christoper (5), and Blake (10).
To him, the Advance Electric Culture is—
Focusing on client comfort—great customer service means it feels like a family.
Providing expertise, so that clients can have a product that works best for them.
Understanding that the kitchen is the cultural part of the home.
Doing the right thing for clients with honesty and transparency.
Andy Driver | Former President
The son of founders Jim and Kathy, Advance is part of his family legacy. Andy attended Central Michigan University and he has worked with the business since the beginning—running it for the past 20 years. He has many accomplishments over his tenure, which includes adding a division to manufacture cabinets and cabinetry trim at the Michigan location and opening the North Carolina location in 2009 with a focus on cabinetry. This expansion has allowed the company to expand its reach and offerings. Andy is now semi-retired, but still often assists with deliveries and customer service.
Andy lives in Boyne City with his wife, Karen. In his free time, he enjoys boating and spending time with his grandkids, Blake and Christopher.
To him, the Advance Electric Culture is—
Consistency, Quality and Service— our client retention speaks volumes to this.
Stephanie Chapman | General Manager & Lead Designer ( N. Carolina)
Stephanie has spent 20 years in kitchen and bath design and specializes in custom cabinetry. She has been with Advance for 10 years and enjoys the family atmosphere where she enjoys working with her team every day to provide their best for their clients. She dedicates her time to meeting with clients and understanding how they will use each room and the best way to design a space that meets the maximum function and aesthetic appeal for them. She measures success by the end result that the homeowner is thrilled with their kitchen and able to enjoy it for years to come. As the general manager of the North Carolina location, she enjoys keeping the business running and focusing on the growth of the company and the future of the impact in the community. She serves On the Board of Directors for the Builders Association of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
After growing up in the Atlanta area and graduating with a degree in interior design from The University of Georgia, Stephanie and her husband, Kris, got married and moved to the Asheville area where they fell in love with the mountains and have built their family here. In her time off, she enjoys playing tennis, shopping, spending time with her family, traveling to new places she has never been before, and watching her son, Tyler, play sports.
To her, the Advance Electric Culture is—
Educating clients on everything related to cabinetry design and helping them develop and build their dreams.
Truly listening to the clients in both what they say and what they don’t, to understand how they use their spaces and what is important to them.
Working closely with industry partners to create a team, communicate, and work together for the common goal of a beautiful space.
"It’s the little details that are vital. Little things make big things happen" - John Wooden
Kim Crawford | Accounting
Kim joined the Advance team 24 years ago to handle all the accounting and office tasks. After running the accounting department at the Holiday Inn for 14 years, Kim decided to switch from accounting in the hospitality industry to accounting in the design and building industry. She often says that "accounting is like a good puzzle, it's fun to put all the pieces together to produce a complete final result". Kim has an undeniable talent for being detail attentive, and she loves ensuring all the pieces of the puzzle check and balance. For Kim, a key component of working at Advance for over twenty years is that everyone cares for each other like family.
In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, going on road trips, and visiting the National Parks. Kim and her husband, Ken, have made it their goal to visit all of the National Parks. Her hobbies include all things crafty, including baking and painting with acrylics.
To her, the Advance Electric Culture is—
Everyone cares about client satisfaction.
Make sure everything is perfect.
Not a box store feel.
Kathy Alston | Lighting
Kathy has been with Advance Electric for over five years. She is exceptionally knowledgeable in lighting and can provide valuable insight during the fixture and accessory selection process, allowing the client to bring their vision to "light". Whether you are looking to brighten your indoor space, elevate a room with modern touches, or enhance your outdoor lighting, Kathy would love to help you in our showroom. We have an extensive selection of product manufacturers and a variety of product lines, providing beautiful and unique pieces.
In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, creating new recipes, and crafting with various techniques.
To her, the Advance Electric Culture is—
Family oriented 3rd generation, local business that serves the community
When clients are overwhelmed, the staff at Advance Electric possess the unique ability to determine their needs
It’s the service that sets them apart
Assisting clients to find something that they like that fits the times
Brodie Ford | Custom Cabinetry Shop Manager
Joining the team in the summer of 2021, Brodie helped expand Advance into the world of custom cabinetry. Being raised in a woodworking family has helped him develop his knowledge of cabinetry building. Brodie has a profound and clear talent for building beautiful cabinetry that ensures high-quality craftsmanship and customer satisfaction. From the initial design review to fabrication and installation, Brodie takes great pride in his cabinetry that homeowners are sure to love for decades down the road.
Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Heather, and their four daughters. Brodie enjoys hunting, fishing, and tending to his chicken coop and expansive garden.
AmySue Jenkins | Head Kitchen and Bath Designer (Gaylord)
AmySue was born and raised in Gaylord and has deep roots in the Otsego County community. After earning her Bachelor of Applied Arts in Interior Design from Central Michigan University, she has acquired over 25 years of experience in residential design. Her main priority for her clients in understanding their wants and needs. Her expertise and outgoing personality coasts you through the design process, creating a beautiful and functional space. AmySue’s signature is her ability to infuse style and inspiration everywhere she goes.
AmySue is married to her best friend, Dan. Together they have two children, Madison and Wesley. The family shares a passion for adventure, often heading west to explore Colorado and Utah in their Jeep. When she’s not designing or off-roading, you’ll find her antiquing or shopping, where she is always on the hunt for unique or eclectic finds.
Bill Lathers | Director of Operations
Bill returned to Gaylord, his hometown, three years ago and joined the Advance team. Coming from a tile setting and home remodeling family, he is immensely knowledgeable in all aspects of home building. Bill enjoys seeing ideas and visions come to life, and attention to detail is the top of his priority list. After managing restaurants throughout metro Detroit for the better part of two decades, he understands the importance of hospitality and going above and beyond to exceed the customer’s needs and expectations. Bill specializes in appliances sales and installation in addition to helping to oversee the daily operations of Advance.
In his free time, he loves being outdoors. Outside is his happy place, whether he’s chasing birdies on the golf course, carving fresh powder on the slopes, or canoeing down the Sturgeon River.
Mikayla Mertes | Accounting/Digital Marketing
Mikayla is a current University of Michigan student working towards her bachelor's and master's in accounting and finance. She enjoys the attention to detail and organization that accounting requires, and believes that a proficient understanding in accounting supports all areas of a business. Mikayla is professionally certified in digital marketing and e-commerce and is always looking to acquire new knowledge in emerging markets.
In her free time, Mikayla can be found somewhere outside: hiking new trails with her camera, fishing with her family, or out on a snowmobile enjoying the Michigan winters. She loves to cook and bake and is often looking for and trying new recipes.