PLATINUM PARTNER SPOTLIGHT: Graybar Increasing Productivity | Modernizing the Electrical Storeroom
About…
Graybar is one of the oldest major companies in the United States and one of the largest employee-owned businesses in the world. It traces its roots to Gray & Barton, a small firm established in 1869 to manufacture telegraph equipment. In 1872, Gray & Barton changed its name to Western Electric and eventually became the world’s leading manufacturer of telephones.
During the 1890s, to supplement its manufacturing operations, Western Electric developed a second business — the wholesale distribution of other companies’ electrical products. This second business became Graybar. In 1929, Graybar employees made history when they purchased their company from Western Electric for $9 Million. Graybar was the first large U.S. Corporation to be owned entirely by its employees.
Stephen J. Gosciminski, Manager of the Electrical Business, has worked for Graybar for 11 years, starting in Phoenix, then Tucson, and returning to Denver in 2019. While the majority of his career was in the Communication/Data industry when he became the branch manager of Tucson, his responsibilities also included Electrical and Industrial.
What is your company’s position statement?
“We strive to help our customers to always be installing. This means we want to enhance contractor productivity, efficiency, and safety through best-in-class project management, job site services and material management,” says Stephen. “Ultimately, it’s about delivering an exceptional customer experience and earning our customers’ trust for the long term.”
What is the most strategic service you provide to electrical contractors and the renewable energy industry?
“From a national perspective, the main services we provide include project management and logistics. Locally, Graybar stocks material from class of trade manufacturers and works with our customers on delivering those products where and when they are needed,” says Stephen. “We are your logistic partner on every job working to reduce the overall installed cost of the project.”
How does Graybar partner with IEC National and IECRM?
“Graybar is a strong proponent of IEC nationally with financial, time, and material support from our Corporate office down through each branch and chapter,” says Stephen. “Locally, Graybar has been an IECRM member since 1988. IECRM is a shining example of success within the IEC family. Our membership and involvement in our industry is something we can all take pride in.”
Tell us more about your “get it done right” attitude and “We Are Pros Like You.” What is the underlying meaning of both?
“‘Get it done right’ means having the right parts, tools, and experience to get the job done right the first time,” he says. “‘We are Pros Like You’ is about our people. They are knowledgeable career people in the Electrical Industry with decades of experience.”
What is the favorite part of your job?
“The people I work with and the people I meet at our customers’ locations.”