Fire, Water, Mold Restoration and Cleanup Experts

Call Today – 24/7 Emergency Services (717) 738-2121
Call Today – 24/7 Emergency Services (717) 738-2121
Cliff and Lucy founders of Compleat Restorations

The Compleat Story

In 1978, Cliff and Lucy Ellis embarked on a pioneering journey that would shape the landscape of property restoration in Pennsylvania…
 

With a vision and a single van, they founded Compleat Restorations, a one-man operation specializing in chimney cleaning, residential and commercial property maintenance, and insurance claim restoration services. The unique Old English spelling of “Compleat” was a deliberate choice, setting their venture apart from the start.

At that time, the concept of a dedicated restoration industry was virtually nonexistent. Cliff’s early work in the field was instrumental in establishing standardized practices and procedures, paving the way for the development of a formal industry. Meanwhile, Lucy played a crucial role as the backbone of the company, overseeing administrative, human resources, and clerical responsibilities with a keen eye. She even stepped into the field from time to time, a trailblazer in an industry with few women in leadership.

Industry Pioneers

Over the next two decades, Compleat Restorations flourished, expanding its services to meet the evolving needs of its clientele and adapt to the ever-changing industry landscape that Cliff himself helped to create. The company’s growth necessitated three relocations within the Lititz area, culminating in the purchase of their current 31,000 square foot facility in Ephrata in 1995. In 2011, they further extended their reach by purchasing a York location, better serving clients in their southwest footprint. Cliff and Lucy’s dedication to the industry extended to their family life, as they raised their sons, Ryan and Chad, in the restoration business. Both sons grew into leadership roles within the company, with Ryan eventually branching out on his own in South Carolina, and Chad spearheading the launch of Compleat Environmental, a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit fostered within the Ellis family.
Compleat Restorations owners Greg Stephen and Chad

New Horizons, Same Compleat Excellence

In 2022, Cliff and Lucy transitioned into a well-deserved retirement at their summer house in Virginia. Their son, Chad Ellis, along with his longtime operations peers, Greg Zelt and Stephen Zywko, formed a new partnership in early 2023, solidifying the company’s commitment to its core values and ensuring a seamless continuation of the Compleat legacy.

Building on this legacy, the partners further expanded Compleat’s footprint in 2024 with the opening of a third facility in Allentown. This new location houses a warehouse, shop, content restoration facilities, offices, (like our other two locations) but also offers a free-to-community-groups conference room, demonstrating Compleat’s continued commitment to serving its clients and communities.