F&M Electrical

F&M Electrical Supply serves the greater Danbury, Connecticut area. The independently owned company has more than three decades of experience, ensuring that it provides the best customer service, delivery service and selection for residential, commercial, government and industrial projects.

“The company was started in 1969 by our uncle under the name Electric Heat and Appliance; the basic reason for the startup was that the utility was pushing for builders to install electric baseboard heat in new homes,” said Fil Cerminara, co-owner of F&M Electrical Supply. “Finding it difficult to find a supplier that stocked the volume of baseboard heat and electric hot water heaters needed, our uncle and a partner formed the company; that company went on until the early 80s when my cousin and I were presented with the opportunity to work for it.”

When the managers of Electric Heat left in the early 80s, Cerminara and his cousin Mike were asked to jump in and take over. “We were in our 20s and knew very little about the electrical supply business,” Cerminara said. “At that time the economy was not very strong and we could see the struggles ahead, especially with a very limited line card. It was at that time that we decided to try become a full line electrical distributor.”

Sales reps didn’t know the duo and local competitors threw up roadblocks to prevent them from getting product lines that would make the business a full line distributor. “One of the challenges was that our uncle was an electrical contractor and therefore the complaint was that it was a conflict of interest,” Cerminara said. “So, we fought that battle for a year or so until the change of ownership was presented to us. I guess you could say it was an offer we couldn’t refuse.”

Once the hurdles were cleared, hard work and dedication allowed them to persevere. “The true key to our success and growth has been a staff of truly loyal and hard-working employees,” Cerminara said. “The challenges ahead are continuing to build that staff.”

In the early 80s the business had five employees in one small location that was a combination warehouse and showroom. “Today we have 46 full-time people who have been here 10 years or more; three of those people—including myself and my partner—have been here more than 40 years,” Cerminara said.

Cerminara’s two sons joined the company 10 years ago and are learning to move the business forward. “No silver spoons, just hard work and an understanding of what it takes to stay alive in this business,” he said.

When F&M Electrical Supply started, there were about nine to 10 other electrical distributors in the greater Danbury area. “Today, there are four—with only two independents and the others national distributors,” Cerminara said. “We had to show them that we were going to continue to be a player and grow the business. We also proved our worth to many manufacturers and as time went on, the others closed or were bought out. Our manufacturers came around because we built a pretty good name for ourselves and the reps started respecting us for that and offered us quality lines we wanted to build around.”

The business offers outdoor lighting, bathroom light fixtures, kitchen light fixtures and portable generators as well as other top-quality electrical service and products.

Built on a foundation of loyalty, quality and respect, F&M Electrical Supply has had a tremendous amount of success. The business now has four locations including a 75,000-square-foot headquarters and a showroom. With a customer mix that’s 30-40% residential, 50-60% commercial and 10% industrial, its sweet spot is small- to medium-sized contractors.

Cerminara said the No. 1 benefit of being an IMARK Electrical member is networking with other members. Stating that while F&M Electrical Supply is considered to be a player in the market, Cerminara added, “We are always looking to listen to others, which without a doubt will help us to get to the next level.”

For more information, visit fmelectric.com.