Cargas Celebrates 30 Years in Business

June 17th was the official 30-year milestone of the day Chip Cargas launched the company in the corner of his bedroom with a 9” Macintosh SE computer and a dot matrix printer. The business put Chip’s passion for developing efficient, effective, streamlined systems and procedures in action. It started as a computer consulting firm to help businesses use computers effectively and is now a thriving business software and consulting company specializing in solutions for Accounting & Operations, Sales & Marketing, and Fuel Delivery & Service, as well as Custom Development.

During the past 30 years, Cargas has passed numerous milestones, growing from a one-man operation into an organization with three business units and 113 employees. In 2005, the company launched its own software product, Cargas Energy, for fuel delivery and HVAC service companies and is now one of the leading software providers for this aspect of the energy industry.

In 1998, Cargas established a unique employee-ownership program and has successfully transitioned ownership from founder Chip Cargas (now a 39% shareholder) to the company’s employees. Today nearly 70 Cargas team members have made the personal financial investment to purchase Cargas stock. At the end of 2017, the company underwent its first successful CEO leadership transition, with Nate Scott stepping into the role of President & CEO.

Cargas’ sustainable growth and Built-to-Last strategies have allowed the company to navigate difficult economic periods and take advantage of new business opportunities. Due to the business’ success and expansion, Cargas will be the anchor tenant of the 101 North Queen renovation project and is moving its headquarters, along with more than 100 people and jobs, to downtown Lancaster in late 2019.

Throughout its history, Cargas has upheld a commitment to support the local community. Today, the company shares 5% of net profits through charitable and philanthropic giving. Life-to-date, the Cargas Spring Rendezvous event has raised more than $130,000 for local nonprofits, while the recently established Cargas Community Fund (a corporate advised endowment fund at the Lancaster County Community Foundation) provides a self-sustaining resource for philanthropic initiatives.

The company has also made a commitment to future Cargas employees, supporting local youth STEM programs by partnering with the Lancaster Science Factory to support the the Girls Code Club program, as well as collaborating with Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology to establish a Computer Software Engineering Technology program.

Cargas has developed and maintains an exceptional reputation among its customers, partners, and community. In addition to numerous industry accomplishments, Cargas has been recognized for the following achievements: 2018 NCEO Innovations in Employee Ownership Award winner, 2016 Central Penn Business Journal Business of the Year, 2016 Samaritan Counseling Center Ethics in Business Award winner, designated one of the Best Places to Work in PA for twelve years, and recognized annually as one of the Top 50 Fastest Growing Companies in Central Pennsylvania since 2015.

“As we celebrate our 30th anniversary, I want to thank everybody who has been part of this great adventure,” said Chip Cargas, Founder & Board Chair. “It started as my company, but now it’s our company, and it’s just been a team success. As we move forward into the future, I never want us to lose the special quality that we have, and I hope we’ll keep reinventing new ways to maintain the core of what we’re all about.”

“Reaching the 30-year milestone is a huge accomplishment for any business,” said Nate Scott, President & CEO.  “We truly appreciate the efforts everyone on our team has made during the past 3 decades to help our customers achieve success. Our vision is to be “Built to Last,” and we are excited to seize the opportunities and solve the challenges of the next 30 years and beyond.”