Edges Electrical Group Names New President and CEO
Edges Electrical Group LLC hired Isaac Madarieta as its new president and CEO. Madarieta joins Edges with more than two decades of experience, starting his career in the electrical industry as a journeyman electrician from Idaho.
Madarieta has deep distribution knowledge, attributed to his past roles as a switchgear project manager, outside sales representative, vice president of operations and chief operating officer. His diverse background includes experience with industry manufacturers as a western region director, North America director of channel management and global sales and marketing manager in the agricultural irrigation industry. Madarieta also has experience with a manufacturer representative.
With 12 branches, 350 employees and an aggressive growth trajectory, he will lead Edges to its next level of success.
For more information, visit edgesgroup.com.
Incoming President for The Mathes Group Announced
Lauren Cheney has been announced as the president of The Mathes Group/Mathes Electric Supply Co. beginning Jan. 1, 2024. She is the granddaughter of founder Jerry Mathes, and third generation co-owner alongside her mother Kimberly Mathes Cheney. Lauren plans to uphold the integrity and values that Mr. Mathes founded the company on, while focusing on company growth.
For more information, visit mathesgroup.com.
Elliott Electric Supply Forms Board of Directors
Elliott Electric Supply introduced a new Board of Directors that reflects its focus on internally directed management of the business. Elliott managers make up six of the seven board members. Rusty Rust, president of Commercial Bank of Texas, is the only non-employee. Robert Flores was elected chairman and Bill Elliott was elected president. The remaining four board members are Phil Hale, Doug Blevins, Greg Fitzgerald, and Chris Petty.
Among other business, Blevins, Rust, and Elliott were appointed to a search committee to identify a replacement for Elliott. With more than 50 years invested in the company, Bill feels that his age dictates the need for a younger person in his role. He will remain with the company until the new president is comfortable in their position. Local management with centralized support has allowed Elliott Electric Supply to achieve phenomenal growth with no debt. They believe this Board understands our business and will create additional opportunities for success.
“Even though Elliott Electric has always been open to new ideas and discussion, we now have an outstanding opportunity to inject diverse perspectives and opinions into a focused, decision-making process,” Elliott says. “It’s impressive to realize that the people included in this board who will lead our company have more than 200 years of collective experience in the electrical industry.”
For more information, visit elliottelectric.com.
Atlantic Coast Electric Supply Opens Sixth Location
Atlantic Coast Electric Supply (ACES) has added another location to help better serve the Charleston area market. The new location at 2132 Aamco Way, North Charleston, South Carolina, is its third location in the area.
ACES has spent more than the last five years assembling a talented team of experienced professionals to meet the electrical needs of customers in the Charleston market. Jason Hyman has moved from the downtown Charleston branch to lead the team of Casey Lever and Philip Walker in North Charleston. The team brings 62+ years of industry experience with them.
The new location allows ACES to enhance its service capabilities. The newly renovated, 5,000-square-foot building offers call-ahead quick pick-up service, vendor managed inventory, project management, project storage and deliveries from Summerville and Downtown branches if needed. Free ice is offered for customers to fill up their coolers before they head out for the day to keep cool and hydrated.
In more company news, ACES welcomed a group of customers in Nashville, Tennessee for a four-day/three-night customer incentive program. Nearly 200 customers, employees and their guests attended. Customers earned points for their purchases during the qualification period from Jan. 1, 2022, to Dec. 31, 2022.
The program kicked off with an ACES exclusive event for guests at The Grand Ole Opry House. John Marshall, president, and CEO opened the evening announcing that this was the first time ACES has ever hosted an incentive program. Guests enjoyed an all-inclusive experience featuring a songwriter showcase by The Warren Brothers, Liz Rose and Josh Kear followed by dessert and beverages on stage where they could step inside the iconic circle. The evening ended with a backstage tour and departure through the artist’s exit.
The Country Music Hall of Fame was the location for the second private evening event. Guests enjoyed touring the museum, reception in the hallowed Hall of Fame Rotunda, and an ACES business meeting was held in The Ford Theatre. During the meeting, ACES took the opportunity to recognize the premier trip sponsors— Legrand, ABB, and Siemens— presenting each with their own platinum record. The stand-up comedy from one of Nashville’s favorites, Aaron Weber, gave some good laughs to close out the very special evening.
Lastly, they said farewell to Nashville with a party at the iconic Wildhorse Saloon where they had bull riding, a live band, caricatures, dancing, and a Nashville hat for everyone to take home with them from the ACES hat wall.
Accommodations were through The Gaylord Opryland Hotel and Resort in Nashville, Tennessee.
For more information, visit atlanticcoastelectricsupply.com.
Blazer Electric Supply’s Golf Tournament Raises Record Funds for Apprenticeship Programs
Blazer Electric Supply Co. hosted its 11th Annual Blazer Benefit Golf Tournament on July 27 at Bear Dance Golf Club in Larkspur, Colorado. This year’s event witnessed overwhelming support from individuals and companies, resulting in a record-breaking total of $40,000 raised to bolster the local training initiatives of the Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) and the Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (JATC). Thanks to the generosity and dedication of participants and sponsors, a cumulative sum of $290,250 has now been raised to provide crucial support for scholarships, tools, training materials and equipment in both apprenticeship programs.
Trevor Blazer, general manager of Blazer Electric Supply, said, “As the heart of southern Colorado’s electrical supply industry, we embrace our responsibility to uplift the community. The Blazer Benefit Golf Tournament not only provides scholarships but also ignites passion and ambition in those embarking on a career in the Electrical field. We extend our deepest gratitude to all the individuals and companies who join us year after year to sponsor holes and donate generously. Together, we pave the way for bright futures, bridging the gap between apprenticeship and rewarding careers in the electrical trade.”
A special thank you to the following sponsors:
Title: Casey Bergquist, Inc., Atkore, Ideal Industries, Legrand, Milbank, Priority Wire and Spike
Master: Eaton Corporation, Electrical Lines / Service Wire, Ewing Foley Inc., Southwire Company, and The Lighting Agency
Journeyman: ASA Electrical Solutions, Burndy, Hubbell Wiring Devices, Illumination Systems Inc., i-Pro Martin, MH Lighting, Milwaukee Tool, and Omni Cable
Apprentice: C. Wright & Associates, CET & Associates, Diode LED, Highland Sales, Keystone Technologies, Mountain States Agency, Nora Lighting, Picoma Industries, Satco, and The Lighting Group
For more information, visit buyblazer.com.
Gordon Electric Supply Opens New Facility
Gordon Electric Supply announced the grand opening of a new, larger facility in Mokena, Illinois. The move to the new location provides 41,781 square feet more than the previous facility and was completed in late March 2023.
Planning began in 2021 for the 54,781-square-foot facility with construction starting in the spring of 2022. The progress of the building’s construction and finalization was documented through completion in 2023 in Gordon’s Project Raise the Roof videos that include interviews with project partners.
“Investment in the new building enables us to better meet the needs of today’s electrical professional,” said Mike Potter, chief business officer, “and foster a stronger culture where our employees and strategic initiatives can continue to grow.”
The new building allows the Gordon Mokena team to better serve customers with a higher capacity for inventory and continue providing quality services daily.
Customers, vendors, and guests were invited on June 15 to the facility for a Grand Opening celebration. Guests toured the new building and enjoyed an evening of great food and music. The building tour included a display of Gordon’s 70 years of reliability as an electrical wholesaler with displayed items dating back to its founding in 1953.
For more information, visit gordonelectricsupply.com.
Warshauer Electric Earns Another Siemens Business Excellence Eagle Award
For the third consecutive year, Warshauer Electric Supply has been recognized for the exclusive Siemens Eagle Award.
The Siemens Business Excellence Eagle Award is the highest honor a distributor can receive from Siemens, with only 25 awards given nationwide. This award is presented to distributors in recognition of their outstanding sales achievements, support capabilities and overall commitment to business excellence. This prestigious honor is presented to the top performing regional distributors based upon growth in sales, market share and marketing events.
“This award is a true reflection of our team’s hard work, dedication and passion for delivering exceptional service and solutions to our customers,” said Jim Dunn, executive vice president of Warshauer Electric Supply. “We are immensely proud to receive a third consecutive Siemens Eagle Business Excellence Award, which recognizes our commitment to innovation and our ongoing partnership with Siemens.”
For more information, visit warshauer.com.
IMARK Members Join NAED Next Level Campaign
The NAED Education & Research Foundation (NERF) is pleased to acknowledge Elliott Electric Supply for supporting the Next Level Now Campaign with a $500,000 commitment. Since its founding in 1972, Elliott Electric has grown into one of the most innovative and highly sophisticated distributors in the industry. Elliott Electric Chairman Bill Elliott has dedicated countless hours of service to the distribution channel, having served as both chair of NAED and the Foundation.
“The goal as leaders in this industry should not be limited to growing our own businesses,” Elliott said. “It should also be to strengthen and grow the channel. Just as we reinvest in our companies, it is our duty to also reinvest in the overall success of the industry. This will create even greater opportunities in the future. The Next Level Now Campaign is a chance to do just that and remains a worthy cause worth everyone’s consideration.”
The NERF is also delighted to recognize Colonial Electric Supply for its $250,000 pledge to support the Next Level Now Campaign. Since 1972, Colonial Electric Supply has been a trusted colleague in the electrical distribution channel and prides itself on providing the highest levels of service and quality. The company’s desire to operate with excellence and offer an unmatched customer experience mirrors the goals of the Campaign. The Foundation appreciates Colonial Electric Supply’s generosity and investment in the future of the distribution channel.
“This campaign has the potential to catapult our industry forward during a time of rapid evolution,” Steven Bellwoar, president of Colonial Electrical Supply, said. “The NAED Foundation has been an invaluable resource in shaping the channel over the years and, with our support, it will be poised to continue doing so for many more years to come. It is our responsibility to steward the future of this wonderful industry, and this effort is a prime opportunity to do so.”
The NERF also welcomes United Electric Supply as a lead supporter of the Next Level Now Campaign. The company has made a generous commitment of $125,000 in support of this extraordinary endeavor.
“For years, we stood on the shoulders of giants who had a vision of a stronger and more capable distribution channel,” George Vorwick, president, and CEO of United Electric Supply, said. “Their selflessness and unrelenting passion to improve our industry laid the groundwork for our success. We are all working to make our businesses better. We should be equally focused on making the channel better. It is our time to be bold to ensure the next generation of ourselves can flourish as we have.”
The NERF also announced Wiseway Supply has joined the Next Level Now Campaign with a commitment of $50,000. For more than 50 years, Wiseway Supply has epitomized the spirit of the distribution channel. It has provided customers with the highest levels of service, supported its employees through good and bad times, and remained dedicated to serving its community. Today, Wiseway has an eye toward the future, as the company explores and implements new processes, platforms, and technology to make the lives of its customers and employees easier and more efficient.
“This is an exciting time for our industry, and it is energizing to think about the opportunity we have to grow our businesses by tapping into new tools and technology,” John Cain, president, and CEO of Wiseway Supply, said. “The NAED Foundation has been investigating the impact of these shifts and is well positioned to build on its work to support distributors in navigating their own unique journeys. With our support and guidance, they will have the resources they need to accelerate this transformation for everyone. Wiseway is proud to support the Campaign and eager to help the distribution channel succeed.”
As of press time, 16 NAED distributor companies have contributed more than $4.2 million to the Next Level Now campaign.
For more information, visit naed.org.
COO of Parrish-Hare Retires
Wes Butler, chief operating officer (COO), has announced his retirement from the team at Parrish-Hare Electrical Supply in Irving, Texas after 40 years of service.
Pat Hare, Parrish-Hare’s owner, shared some words about Butler’s integrity, character and impact on the company. “Year in and year out, he was the guy you could trust to take care of our company and do the right thing, for our customers, for our employees and for our community,” Hare said. “When you live with honesty and integrity, you don’t need to worry about what you might have told someone a month ago because it’s always been the truth. Together we realized who we are as a company that ‘treats our team like family and our customers like friends.’”
Butler was loyal, motivated, and passionate about Parrish-Hare and his community. His best gifts were his leadership capabilities and his desire to see people grow. While he will be missed, the company wishes him well in his retirement, and in his pursuit of new interests and hobbies.
For more information, visit parrish-hare.com.
Warshauer Electric Supply VP Retires
Warshauer Electric Supply recently announced the retirement of
John Pardenek, vice president of technical sales, after an illustrious career spanning 46 years. Pardenek’s tenure at Warshauer has been highlighted by his unwavering commitment, exceptional leadership, and invaluable contributions toward the company’s success.
Pardenek graduated from NJIT with a BSEE in 1977 and spent the next six years as a field sales engineer for the Square D Co. In 1983 he joined Warshauer Electric as its first switchgear salesperson. Over the years that followed, he played a pivotal role in both the growth and development of the switchgear department and the company.
As a respected industry veteran, Pardenek’s extensive knowledge and expertise have been instrumental in positioning Warshauer as a trusted partner and industry leader; directly led to the success of the corporation’s Switchgear Division. Under his leadership, Warshauer has been awarded multiple Siemens Eagle Awards in recognition of outstanding sales achievements, support capabilities and overall commitment to business excellence; most recently received one in 2023 for a third consecutive year.
Warshauer Electric Supply’s Jim Warshauer, president [left] and John Pardenek, vice president of technical sales, at Pardenek’s retirement party.
Pardenek’s contributions to Warshauer Electric Supply extend beyond his professional achievements. Throughout his tenure, he has built strong relationships with customers and suppliers, fostering a culture of trust and collaboration. His commitment to exceptional customer service and his genuine care for the success of others have left an indelible mark on the company’s reputation.
Reflecting on his retirement, Pardenek expressed his gratitude for the opportunities and experiences he had at Warshauer Electric Supply stating, “It has been an incredible journey, and I am sincerely grateful to Jim Warshauer and the Warshauer Electric Supply family for the past four decades. I have had the privilege of working alongside exceptional colleagues, serving wonderful customers and witnessing the growth and transformation of our industry. I am proud of what we have accomplished together. I look forward to spending more time with Colleen, my wife of 46 years. I also look forward to spending time with my two daughters, son-in-law and three grandchildren.”
As Pardenek enters a well-deserved retirement, Warshauer Electric Supply wishes him good health, fulfillment, and success in all his future endeavors. The company extends its heartfelt appreciation for his outstanding service and congratulates him on a remarkable career.
For more information, visit warshauer.com.