Degraf
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
About Us
Degraaf Systems has built a strong reputation by putting people, quality, and integrity first in everything we do. As a locally owned and operated company, we are proudly led by a Pensacola native who understands the community we serve. From the beginning, Degraaff has focused on dependable service, clear communication, and lasting customer relationships.
With over 20 years of experience, our team brings proven knowledge and confidence to every project. Because we are licensed, bonded, and insured, customers can feel secure throughout the entire process. Throughout each job, Degraaff Systems emphasizes professionalism, safety, and careful attention to detail. Guided by Christian-based values, our business operates with honesty, respect, and accountability. Rather than cutting corners, we take the time to deliver work done right the first time. Every client receives personalized solutions tailored to their unique needs.
Degraaf earns trust through reliable service and dependable results. Beyond technical skill, we value meaningful relationships and long-term partnerships. Degraaf Systems stands out by combining experience, faith, and local commitment into exceptional service customers can rely on.
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
Mission Statement
To establish ourselves as a respected presence in the contractor industry, illuminating every project we undertake with the values of Christ.
Our Vision
To create a thriving community of customers, vendors, and team members built on respect, collaboration, and a commitment to excellence.
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
Meet Our Management Team
James DeGraaf
Founder and CEO
James DeGraaf is the Founder and CEO of DeGraaf Systems, Inc., which he established in 2002 out of his garage with a clear vision, a strong work ethic, and a commitment to doing things the right way. He began his career in the electrical trade immediately after high school while attending college in the evenings, earning a degree in Business Administration.
James holds a Florida State–certified Master Electrical License, along with BICSI RCDD and NICET Level III certifications. He specializes in federal market projects throughout the Florida Panhandle as well as large-scale commercial work. His expertise spans electrical systems, low-voltage infrastructure, and fire and mass notification systems, allowing him to deliver comprehensive, technically sound solutions across complex environments.
With more than three decades of industry experience, James is known for his hands-on leadership, attention to detail, and unwavering commitment to quality, safety, and compliance. His deep understanding of mission-critical systems and federal requirements has positioned DeGraaf Systems as a trusted partner on demanding projects.
Read More
Outside of work, James places the highest value on time with his family. He has been married to his high school sweetheart Keila for 34 years and is the proud father of two children, Luke and Faith. In his spare time, he enjoys reading, weight training, boating, and motorcycle riding.
James’s faith in the Lord is the cornerstone of both his life and his business. He believes that work is a calling and that every project should be performed with integrity, purpose, and excellence.
– – – – – – – – –
Degraf
Darwin Franklin
Senior Project Manager
Darwin Franklin brings more than 40 years of hands-on experience in the electrical industry, with the last 20+ years proudly spent as part of the DeGraaf Systems family. He began his career in 1986 quite literally in the trenches, working line power and high-voltage systems and learning the trade from the ground up.
For the first decade of his career, Darwin worked coast to coast—traveling from the far East Coast to the West Coast and everywhere in between, from the North to the South—gaining invaluable experience on a wide range of commercial, industrial, and government projects. He was part of major, high-profile projects, including temporary power installations for the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. He also supervised the concourse level of the Columbus, Georgia Convention Center from start to finish—just one example of the leadership and attention to detail he brings to every project.
Read More
Darwin met James DeGraaf in 1993, where the two worked side by side in the field. Three years after DeGraaf Systems was founded, Darwin officially joined the company and has been a steady, trusted leader ever since. Today, as Senior Project Manager, Darwin’s deep industry knowledge, practical experience, and calm leadership are invaluable to both our team and our clients.
Above all else, Darwin loves God and puts Him first in all that he does. Family means everything to him, and when he’s not on the job, you’ll likely find him enjoying the outdoors, hunting and fishing, and scalloping—with his beautiful wife Tina. At home, they are kept busy by six beloved fur babies: four Goldendoodles (Lilly Mae, Daisey Fay, Rhett, and Madeline), one Yorkie Poo (Zeina), and a cat named Hazel.
Darwin’s dedication, integrity, and decades of experience are a cornerstone of who we are at DeGraaf Systems.
– – – – – – – – –
Degraf
Kelly Coates
Office Manager & Business Development
Kelly Coates has been with DeGraaf Systems since 2020, serving as the Office Manager and Business Development lead. Born and raised in Santa Rosa County, Kelly spent ten years away as a military spouse before returning home in 2009 to care for her parents. Her strong community roots and commitment to service influence both her personal values and professional approach.
Kelly began her career in customer service at the age of 15 and believes exceptional service is the foundation of a successful business. She brings a background in legal education and business management, providing a solid framework for leadership, operations, and client relations.
In 2016, Kelly entered the electrical industry, where she developed a deep respect for the trade and the people behind it. Her experience across operations, administration, and business development allows her to support projects from start to finish with care, efficiency, and attention to detail.
Read More
Guided by her faith, Kelly is grateful to be part of DeGraaf Systems—a company that shares her values and operates like a family. She is the wife of a Navy veteran, the proud mother of six, and grandmother to six. Outside of work, Kelly enjoys traveling, weight training, cheering on the Buffalo Bills, and spending quality time with her family.
– – – – – – – – –
Degraf
Jacob Cross
Fire and Security Division Manager
Jacob Cross joined DeGraaf Systems in early 2024 and serves as the Fire & Security Division Manager. Born and raised in Fort Worth, Texas, Jacob relocated to Santa Rosa County in 2016 and has since made it home.
Jacob brings more than 16 years of experience in the A/V industry and has quickly excelled in the fire and security field. His strong technical background, problem-solving skills, and commitment to excellence allow him to deliver reliable, high-quality solutions while leading his division with confidence and integrity. Jacob is known for setting high standards, providing exceptional customer service, and fostering a strong, cohesive team environment.
As a leader, Jacob brings excellence to everything he does and takes pride in supporting both his team and DeGraaf Systems’ clients. His dedication and professionalism make him a valued part of the company’s leadership team.
Read More
Outside of work, Jacob enjoys spending time with his beautiful wife, Krystal, and their son, Jack. He loves staying active through disc golf and dirt bike riding and especially enjoys making family memories on trips to Disney World.
– – – – – – – – –
Degraf
Shawn Wasielewski
Communications Division Manager
Shawn Wasielewski is the Communications Manager at DeGraaf Systems and has been a valued member of the team for the past 7 years. With over 10 years of experience in communications work, Shawn brings extensive knowledge, technical skill, and leadership to every project he oversees.
Highly skilled and detail-oriented, Shawn is a great asset to the company and plays a key role in the success of our communications division. He takes pride in delivering quality work, supporting his team, and ensuring projects are completed efficiently and to the highest standards.
Outside of work, Shawn enjoys coaching baseball and is a proud dad to his two sons, Ashton and Tyler. His dedication, leadership, and teamwork extend beyond the job site and into everything he does.
– – – – – – – – –
Degraf
Dan Degraaf
Construction Manager
Dan DeGraaf is a lifelong Northwest Florida resident with deep roots in the construction, electrical, and communications industries. He began his career in 1997 working in construction and electrical, building a strong foundation through hands-on experience and dedication to quality work. In 2000, Dan expanded his skill set into the communications field, further broadening his expertise and versatility within the industry.
Dan has been with DeGraaf Systems for over 10 years, where he has become a trusted and valued member of the team. Over the years, he has also successfully owned and operated his own home repairs business, earning a strong reputation for reliability, attention to detail, and exceptional craftsmanship. Dan takes great pride in his work and truly does a beautiful job on everything he touches. His commitment to quality, problem-solving mindset, and respect for each project, big or small—are evident in every finished product.
Read More
Outside of work, Dan loves fishing… fishing… and more fishing (he wouldn’t have it any other way 😄). He is a devoted family man with a beautiful wife, Heather, and two daughters, Hadley and Harper. Dan brings the same care, dedication, and pride to his family life that he brings to his work every day.
– – – – – – – – –
Degraf
Eugine Cates
Chief Estimator
Eugene Cates serves as Chief Estimator at DeGraaf Systems and brings decades of experience and deep industry knowledge to our team. A lifelong resident of Santa Rosa County, Eugene began his career working in the field, where he spent many years gaining hands-on experience as an electrician. He earned his journeyman electrician’s card and worked on a wide range of projects, including the Parade of Homes, while also driving a service truck and handling day-to-day field operations.
Eugene’s career later expanded to include work with the Department of Defense and all local Navy bases, giving him extensive experience with complex, large-scale, and highly regulated projects. In the 1980s, he transitioned into estimating, where his field background, attention to detail, and deep understanding of construction processes became invaluable assets.
Eugene has been with DeGraaf Systems since 2022, where his knowledge, accuracy, and insight continue to play a critical role in the success of our projects. His ability to evaluate jobs thoroughly and foresee challenges before they arise sets him apart and provides tremendous value to both our team and our clients.
Read More
Outside of work, Eugene has been married to his beautiful wife, Debbie, for over 40 years. He is the proud father of two children, Patricia and Kyle, and a devoted grandfather to five grandchildren. Eugene has sung in the church choir his entire life and enjoys boating and fishing whenever he has the time.
Degraf
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –