When Thomas Giella Jr., launched his business, he was a one-man operation — and he wasn’t sure how to get it where he wanted it to go.
So, he took advantage of various programs offered through the Pasco Economic Development Council Inc., and began learning more about the ins and outs of being an entrepreneur.
That helped get his business rolling, and now, six years later, he still uses what he has learned through those programs.
Now, he has five employees, and he expects to add at least two more in the foreseeable future. He also expects to be required to move from his current location, on Wesley Chapel Boulevard in Lutz, as the business outgrows its space.
Giella thinks the future is bright for entrepreneurs who want to launch businesses in Pasco County.
“Pasco is hot,” the Dade City native said. “Pasco is growing.”
Entrepreneurs and manufacturers should realize the county has much to offer, Giella said.
If they can’t find what they’re looking for in Pasco, he said, “they should start it themselves.”
He added: “Who knows what’s going to happen in the next decade?”
His interest in technology dates back to his teenage years, when he built his own computer.
When he started his business, called Gear Spinners, he offered website design aimed at the small to mid-sized business market.
Over time, his business pursuits have evolved and grown.
Now, he is chief executive officer of Complete I.T. Corp, which owns and operates three different brand divisions, including Complete I.T. Computer Repair and Network Solutions, Tampa Bay Installs and Diverge Laser Systems.
Complete I.T. provides computer repair and computer/network solutions. It also designs, repairs and replaces business network of all sizes.
“We started off as a website company. We have added so many services. We started doing IT — helping companies set up networks,” Giella said.
Giella estimates he has roughly 800 clients on the IT side – residential, commercial and enterprise.
“Our primary market for the computers and networks is Tampa Bay and Florida,” Giella said.
But, it has expanded its reach, he said. “Sometimes, we’ll do work for a local franchise that’s starting up or something, or a business — and word will get to one of their other offices, what we did, so they’ll say, ‘Can you put in a bid for us over here?’”
Tampa Bay Installs provides a variety of services. It installs and services access control gates and security cameras for homeowner associations and community development districts, Giella said.
For instance, at a clubhouse, company services include installing speakers and Wi-Fi, inside and out, cameras by the pool, in the clubhouse and in the parking lot, televisions and access control systems.
His primary market for gate access systems stretches from Brooksville to Riverview and from Kissimmee to the Gulf of Mexico, Giella said.
Most recently, his company branched into lasers.
Giella co-owns Diverge Laser Systems with Charles Bourne.
The company provides support and sales for Universal Laser Systems.
It sells and services equipment for a vast array of clients in the fields of manufacturing, education, education, military and government.
He believes lasers will help the county attract more manufacturers.
“Pasco’s mission right now is to bring manufacturing jobs back to Pasco County. We can now provide equipment to companies, who will then be able to create the manufacturing jobs using the equipment,” he said.
To find out more about Giella’s companies and services, call (813) 235-0554, ext. 103.
Want to know more about running a business?
Pasco Hernando SCORE offers numerous free workshops and seminars at various locations around Pasco County. The Pasco Economic Development Council Inc., also offers free and low-cost programs. To find out more, visit these websites: PascoHernandoScore.org or PascoEDC.com.
Published March 18, 2020
