G&G Electric Supply Co. Inc. started out as a mom-and-pop-shop and has grown into one of the largest distributors of electrical supplies, lighting, security and low-voltage products in the heart of New York City. The company was founded in 1914 by Gabriel Soffer and his father-in-law George, hence the name G&G. Jacob Soffer, a liquor store owner in Stanislow, Ukraine who convinced his brother to leave the country and start a new business in America, joined G&G six years later.
G&G thrived during the mass electrification of the city in the first quarter of the 20th century. The family-owned and operated business persevered during the 1929 stock market crash and the Great Depression to go on to supply the construction of the Empire State Building, Radio City Music Hall and many of the Works Progress Administration projects of that era.
Dispirited from the loss of his son Bernie in World War II, Gabriel Soffer retired and sold his half of the business to the Barnett family (Harry and Irwin) in 1947. At that time, Jacob Soffer brought his son-in-law Erwin Heimrath, an Austrian refugee, into the business. In 1985, Heimrath and his son Larry bought out the aging Barnett family.
Larry Heimrath was an engineer by profession, specializing in software development for larger corporations.
With his technical expertise and financial wherewithal, G&G began a slow and steady transformation into a leadership position in the New York market. The business tripled revenues in the next 10 years.
In 1994, several years after Erwin Heimrath’s death, Larry Heimrath bought Dykes Lumber Yard on West 24th Street. The added space permitted another tripling of revenues.
Larry Heimrath spotted talent in his nephew Joseph Fusco and brought him onboard in 1993. Fusco anchored G&G into its fourth generation. His technical and personal skills greatly enhanced G&G’s products and services, securing the company’s position as the major electrical distributor in Manhattan.
Fusco became president of G&G in 2004 and quickly demonstrated that he was ready and able to see the company through its 100th year anniversary.
“We opened another branch in Harlem four years ago and in the past two years we opened a central distribution center in the Bronx to better serve our customers,” Fusco said. “We plan to keep acquiring over the next 10 years.” Fusco attributes G&G’s success to always being there for customers and always having the materials that they need.
G&G services commercial contractors, high-end residential contractors, as well as a small percentage of building management and maintenance, repair and operations projects.
Today, the business has 55 employees. Other key members of the management team include Operations Manager Peter Rolvan and Controller Frank Bodt.
“I want to highlight all 55 of them,” Fusco said. “They are the best electrical supply people in the world. I would put them up against anybody. A lot of them have grown with us and have longevity of 30 to 35 years. Our staff retention makes us the best.” Three years ago, Julie Sczesnick joined the family business.
“We need more women in the industry and the whole marketplace for that matter,” Fusco said, adding that he does conduct business with a lot of women-owned companies and G&G is a member of the Women Builders Council.
When asked what challenges or concerns he sees in the industry, Fusco said, “One of my biggest concerns is Amazon coming into the marketplace. A couple of years ago customers used to mention that they could order products and have them mailed to their house. It’s one of my biggest fears for where distribution and brickand-mortar businesses could be in five to 10 years. I think there will always be a need for us, but I’m concerned about what part of Amazon could creep into our market.”
As for opportunities, Fusco said G&G does not yet have a webstore, but developing one or partnering with someone to create one is a necessity for the business in the next couple of years.
Having joined the IMARK Group a year and a half ago, Fusco said he’s just getting acquainted with all of the benefits that membership brings, such as GainShare, Gateway to Growth, IMARK University, as well as the opportunity to network with other IMARK members from across the United States.
“It has already consolidated my purchasing so I can offer better pricing and better rebates and incentives,” Fusco said. “The IMARK people have been very helpful. I’m still learning about how we can get the most benefits from all the IMARK programs and resources.”
For more information about G&G Electric Supply, visit ggelectric.com.