From Apprentice to CEO: Jason Zipprian Takes Helm at Facility Solutions Group

AUSTIN, TX – March 27, 2026 – Facility Solutions Group (FSG), a titan in the national electrical contracting industry, has named 30-year company veteran Jason Zipprian as its new Chief Executive Officer. The appointment, effective immediately, marks a significant milestone for the company, elevating an individual who began his career as an apprentice electrician to the highest leadership position. The move is part of a deliberate succession plan that sees founder Bill Graham transition to the role of Chairman of the Board and Chief Financial Officer, ensuring continuity while ushering in a new era of leadership.

A 30-Year Journey Through the Ranks

Zipprian's career trajectory embodies the narrative of internal growth that FSG champions. His journey began three decades ago in Corpus Christi, not in a corner office, but on the job site as an apprentice electrician. From these foundational roots, he methodically advanced through nearly every facet of the company's operations. His progression included roles as a Service Dispatcher, Service Manager, Project Manager, and eventually Division Manager. For two decades, he provided executive leadership as the Executive Vice President for FSG's Corpus Christi, Harlingen, and West Texas regions. Most recently, he served as the Chief Operating Officer for the company's entire Construction division, a position that gave him a comprehensive view of one of FSG's core business lines. This deep, hands-on experience is complemented by a strong academic foundation, including both a Bachelor's and a Master's degree in Business Administration from Texas A&M Corpus Christi. His commitment to the industry is also reflected in his role on the Associated General Contractors Board of Directors. Zipprian's own words reflect his focus. "My passion is growth — growing this company, growing our people, and making sure that anyone who walks in the door at FSG can see a real path forward for themselves," he stated upon his appointment.

A Calculated Transition for a Founder-Led Company

The leadership change at FSG is not a sudden shift but the culmination of a carefully orchestrated succession process. For over four decades, the company has been synonymous with its founder, Bill Graham, who established the firm as American Light in 1982 and grew it into a national powerhouse with over 3,000 employees and revenues exceeding $920 million. Moving beyond a founder-led structure is a critical juncture for any organization. FSG's Board of Directors sought a leader who had not only the business acumen to navigate a complex market but who had, as they noted, "lived its mission from the inside." In Zipprian, they found a candidate whose entire professional life has been intertwined with FSG's evolution. Graham, who remains a central figure, will now guide the company's financial strategy and governance as Chairman and CFO. His endorsement of his successor was unequivocal. "I have every confidence that Jason has both the capability to lead the business and the character to protect the heart of the institution — the part that makes FSG what it is," Graham said, signaling a seamless transfer of stewardship.

Navigating an Evolving Industry Landscape

Zipprian takes the helm at a time of both immense opportunity and significant challenge for the electrical contracting industry. His deep operational background is seen as a critical asset in navigating this dynamic environment. The market is being propelled forward by powerful tailwinds, including a rebound in construction and massive federal investments from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act. These initiatives are fueling demand for grid modernization, transportation projects, and broadband expansion. Furthermore, the structural shift towards electrification—encompassing everything from EV charging infrastructure to building-to-grid integration and renewable energy projects like solar and wind—is creating a new frontier of work for contractors. FSG has already been actively positioning itself to capture this growth, with recent strategic acquisitions like Lighting Management, Inc. (LMI) and Greenleaf Energy Solutions expanding its national service and renewable energy capabilities. Zipprian's leadership will be pivotal in integrating these new capacities and steering the company through the complexities of rapid technological adoption, from smart building systems to prefabrication.

Culture as Strategy in an Era of Labor Shortages

While market opportunities abound, the industry's most persistent challenge is a severe and deepening shortage of skilled labor. The difficulty in finding and retaining qualified electricians is a top concern across the sector, threatening to constrain growth. In this context, FSG's decision to promote from within is more than just a leadership change; it's a powerful strategic statement. Zipprian’s "apprentice-to-CEO" story serves as a tangible example of the company's commitment to career development. It sends a clear message to current and prospective employees that FSG is a place for long-term careers, not just short-term jobs. This "people-first" ethos, which Zipprian has championed throughout his career, becomes a critical competitive advantage in the war for talent. By demonstrating a clear and achievable path for advancement, the company aims to foster loyalty and attract the next generation of tradespeople, directly addressing the industry's most pressing issue. Zipprian's goal to ensure anyone at FSG "can see a real path forward for themselves" is a direct reflection of this culture-as-strategy approach.

Doubling Down on Austin with New Headquarters

Solidifying its commitment to its roots and future growth, FSG announced plans to construct a new corporate office in its headquarters city of Austin, Texas. The new facility will be built on company-owned land south of downtown, a significant investment signaling long-term confidence in both the company's trajectory and the vibrant local market. While FSG operates nationwide, its Austin headquarters serves as the central nervous system for finance, IT, marketing, and human resources. The move to a new, modern campus will support this hub and accommodate future expansion. The decision is particularly timely, as the Austin-Round Rock metropolitan area continues to experience a construction boom, with a surge in new industrial and commercial projects creating a robust pipeline of local work. Zipprian and his family will relocate from Corpus Christi to Austin, centralizing the company's new top leadership in the city where it was founded, ready to steer the firm into its next chapter of growth.