Joe Kiss and his dog, Ella
Joe Kiss, owner of Kiss Electric in Levittown, has been in the electrical contracting business for over 15 years. You may have spotted his work trucks around Levittown, sporting an infamous logo. The logo has changed, I recently spoke with Joe and found out why.
Joe Kiss grew up on Spring Lane in the Stonybrook section. His father worked as a butcher for Nu-Way grocery store, on Haines Road. His mother work for the US Steel Mill, in the canteen. Joe spent much of his childhood exploring in the woods and the creek, near his home. He played little league baseball at Levittown National, attended St. Michael’s elementary school and graduated from Harry S.Truman.
Joe began his electrical trade career as a student at The Bucks County Technical School, taking adult classes under the direction of Mark Krysa. Many of Joe’s current employees are attending the same program.
Kiss Electric is an industrial electrical company. In recent years, they have added solar panel installations to their repertoire. Joe is a NABCEP ( North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners) certified solar installer, licensed in New Jersey, with a master license in Pennsylvania and Delaware.
Joe’s original Kiss Electric logo was similar to the KISS band logo. You know, the heavy metal big hair and make-up band from the 70′s? He decided to use it on a team softball jersey as a joke, it was such a big hit, it quickly became the company’s logo. It seemed like a great idea at the time.
Recently, as Joe was pursuing the patent process for the logo, it caught the attention of Gene Simmons, original member of the band. As a result, Simmons’ attorneys issued a cease and desist to Kiss Electric, ordering them to stop all use of the logo.
In an effort to save a quarter of a million dollars, Joe decided not to pursue the legal matter and scrapped the logo. It eventually stopped the numerous phone calls from customers asking if Joe would be showing up to do the electrical work in full Kiss make -up. It had always been a running joke, that Joe would probably be sued for the logo, so it comes as no surprise that Joe proudly displays the cease and desist order in his office. Joe was actually pulled over by police, once, just so they could take a picture in front of his van.
When he’s not running his electrical business, Joe Kiss also finds time to give back to the community .Kiss Electric is proud to be a part of a local fundraising event for The Mark Wornczyk Foundation.The foundation honors Mark Wornczyk, Joe’s brother-in-law, who passed away. All money raised in Mark’s name will be donated to The Kisses for Kyle Foundation. The event is scheduled for September 9th at Neshaminy Shore Picnic Park from 11am- 6pm.The Kisses for Kyle Foundation, assists families with children who have cancer. To purchase tickets, call Kiss Electric 215-547-0603.
