Our unique fixtures and client relationships help us to 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 here since he was 3 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. Over the years he has built long-term friendships with clients at both of our locations—he helped start and spent 15 years growing the North Carolina branch before returning to Gaylord a few years ago. He is always looking for expansion & growth opportunities for the business.
His vision for making custom cabinetry is “New and now” fully functional custom cabinetry— this includes a more full-service experience for the clients, 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 wants to stress that growth is built on the solid foundation of the company, family values are still a big part of the business, and people become like family. Kip loves small-town living and giving back to the community where his family plays such 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 2, and Blake 6.
To him, the Advance Electric Culture is—
A strong focus on people feeling comfortable—great customer service means it feels like a family.
Providing expertise, so that clients can have what’s best for them.
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, the business is part of his family legacy. A graduate of Central Michigan University, he has worked with the business since the beginning—running it for the past 20 years. He has many accomplishments over his tenure—adding a division to manufacture cabinets and cabinetry trim which offers Northern Michigan 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. He plans to retire soon and pass the torch to Kip.
Andy lives in Boyne City with his wife and Karen and in his free time enjoys boating and spending time with his grandkids, Blake and Christopher ( The 4th Generation of Advance Electric).
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)
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.
She 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 to 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. Now 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. 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 Sanders
Kim has been with Advance Electric for a year. Her favorite thing about working here is the impressive showroom that she helped design. Her Industry experience includes 3 years at Preston Feather assisting designers. She handles many of the walk-in showroom clients that need a few items & helps with overflow in all aspects of the business. Her focus is on interiors and heavy on design, style, and abilities.
A Gladwin native, Kim has lived in Gaylord for 28 years. An outdoors-loving person; hiking and walking are her main stress relievers. She loves farm animals—especially chickens, water activities, and snowshoeing. She has two boys ages 19 and 21.
To her, the Advance Electric Culture is—
Offers Unique custom design.
has something for everyone, not just high-end—all are welcome.
Respecting & listening to what the client wants, and tailoring to their desires, at the end of the day it is their home.
Kim Crawford | Back Office/Accounting
She joined the team 20 years ago as a bookkeeper and now works in the back office and accounting. She moved to the area from downstate and enjoys working for a family-owned business where everyone cares about each other!
Her family includes her husband Ken and their 20-year-old son & 26-year-old daughter she enjoys traveling & hiking with. Her hobbies include painting, baking, and visiting National Parks.
To her, the Advance Electric Culture is—
Everyone cares about client satisfaction.
Make sure everything is perfect.
Not a box store feel.
Kathy Alston | Purchasing
Kathy has been with advance Electric for two years and works in purchasing for the lighting showroom. Her duties include answering phones, placing orders, and delivery of products. She is a homebody that loves cooking and crafting. She has two daughters, ages 21 and 23.
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 | Cabinet Shop Lead
Brody is a friend of the family who does custom cabinetry.