January 29, 2024
Electric Avenue — News Impacting Lighting Markets: January 2024
Electrical reps announce new leadership. Plus, amid mixed markets, contractor confidence remains high.
Welcome to Electric Avenue, where each month we explore the intersections between the electrical industry and our beloved lighting industry.
With a focus on news, trends, and economic factors shaping the landscape of electrical distribution, construction, contracting, and manufacturing, Electric Avenue is your resource for staying informed of some of the more notable electrical industry events that may impact North American lighting markets.
Each month, Electric Avenue delivers important news on macro market conditions and changing business dynamics affecting commercial lighting projects and general lighting "stock & flow" distribution across North America.
Here's what's happening since our last Electric Avenue digest was published on December 23, 2024:
Electrical Distributor News
Eckart Supply Acquires O'Donnell Supply
Eckart Supply, an electrical, plumbing, and HVAC distributor, announced its acquisition of O'Donnell Supply, a plumbing and HVAC distributor based in Vincennes, Indiana. Founded in 1895, O'Donnell Supply has served the Vincennes market for over a century.
Details regarding the terms of the acquisition were not disclosed. O'Donnell Supply’s operations and personnel will integrate into Eckart Supply’s network, with plans to continue serving the Vincennes market and maintaining customer service standards. Eckart Supply has not released further information on leadership transitions for the acquired company.
Sonepar Sells Vallen Asia in Management Buyout
Sonepar, headquartered in Paris, announced the sale of its subsidiary, Vallen Asia, through a management buyout led by the Vallen Asia leadership team. The transaction, which aligns with Sonepar's strategy to focus on its core business, closed on Dec. 13, 2024. Sonepar will retain a minority shareholder role for five years to support the transition.
Vallen Asia, headquartered across operations in Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, and China, reported 2023 revenues of approximately €90 million and employed 244 associates. Originally acquired by Sonepar through its 2008 acquisition of Hagemeyer, Vallen Asia has since established itself as a leader in integrated supply services in the region. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
As part of the transition, Andrew Bennett, Sonepar Singapore’s Country Manager and a 16-year veteran of the company, will depart Sonepar to continue leading Vallen Asia. The sale marks Sonepar’s effort to focus more deeply on its core strengths, while ensuring continuity for Vallen Asia under its existing leadership.
Former Summit CEO Ed Gerber Named CEO of Auveco
Industrial Distribution reports that Auveco, a master distributor of automotive and industrial fasteners, has appointed Ed Gerber as its new CEO, effective January 6. Gerber most recently served as president and CEO of Summit Electric Supply, where he led the company through its sale to Sonepar in 2024. Auveco is owned by GHK Capital Partners LP, a middle-market private equity firm based in Greenwich, Connecticut.
Viking Electric Opens Second Milwaukee-Area Location
Industrial Distribution reports that Viking Electric, a Sonepar subsidiary specializing in electrical distribution and services, has expanded its presence in Wisconsin with a new branch in Oak Creek. Located at 7126 S. Millers Way, approximately 15 miles south of its existing Milwaukee location, the new branch opened on Jan. 15 and operates Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The 8,800-square-foot facility features an open store concept, enabling customers to browse aisles, handle products, and pull materials directly from showroom shelves or with the assistance of counter sales associates. Viking Electric Milwaukee Sales Manager Rick Borowski highlighted the expansion as an opportunity to better serve the growing Milwaukee market while strengthening the company’s geographic footprint and customer service capabilities.
Schaedler Yesco Announces New Corporate Headquarters
Harrisburg, Pa.-based Schaedler Yesco Distribution marked the end of its 100th anniversary year by finalizing the purchase of a new corporate headquarters. On December 13, 2024, the company acquired a 57,000-square-foot office building at 5000 Louise Drive in Mechanicsburg, Pa., formerly the headquarters of Members 1st Federal Credit Union. CEO Greg Schaedler noted the new location not only provides more space for corporate teams but also allows the company to repurpose its existing offices into expanded warehouse operations.
President Farrah Mittel highlighted the company’s decade of steady growth, which has included new locations, services, and efficiencies. The transition to the Mechanicsburg facility, just 10 miles from the current headquarters, will enable Schaedler Yesco to increase warehouse capacity, integrate automation, and expand its service offerings. The company plans to relocate to the new building by June 2025. Reflecting on the milestone year, Schaedler emphasized the excitement of capping a centennial celebration that included a regional distribution center grand opening, record-breaking Expo events, and this significant investment in the company’s future.
Standard Electric Supply Co. Names New Leadership Team
According to Industrial Distribution, Milwaukee-based Standard Electric Supply Co. has announced several leadership promotions, including the appointment of Cassie Petty as chief human resources and quality officer. Petty, who has served the company for 41 years, has played a pivotal role in its growth and success through her leadership and guidance. President Larry Stern praised her immeasurable contributions, emphasizing her integral role in shaping the company’s development.
The company also promoted four associates to vice president positions, recognizing their contributions and leadership. Dan Knapp was named vice president of sales and marketing, Megan Schultz vice president of finance, Penny Mingerink vice president of warehouse operations, and Kati Broady vice president of supplier relations and digital transformation. COO Matt Stern expressed confidence in the group’s ability to drive growth, citing their strategic insights and operational expertise as key assets for the company’s future success.
Major Contractor News
EMCOR Group to Acquire Miller Electric Company for $865 Million
EMCOR Group, Inc. (NYSE: EME) has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Jacksonville, Florida-based Miller Electric Company for $865 million in cash, subject to customary adjustments. The acquisition expands EMCOR’s electrical construction capabilities in high-growth sectors such as data centers, manufacturing, and healthcare. Miller Electric operates 21 branch locations and employs more than 3,500 workers, primarily serving the Southeastern U.S. The company is expected to generate approximately $805 million in revenue and $80 million in adjusted EBITDA in 2024.
Following the acquisition, Miller Electric will operate under EMCOR’s Electrical Construction Services segment, with CEO Henry Brown and the existing leadership team remaining in place. EMCOR plans to fund the transaction through cash on hand, with closing anticipated in the first half of 2025, pending customary conditions. The deal has already received Hart-Scott-Rodino approval and is expected to be modestly accretive to EMCOR’s earnings per share in 2025.
Electrical Rep News
Centauri Names Bill Sweitzer Regional Vice President

Above: Bill Sweitzer
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Centauri, A JD Martin Company, has appointed Bill Sweitzer as Regional Vice President, effective Dec. 9, 2024. Sweitzer brings extensive experience in senior sales leadership, employee development, and strategic business planning within the electrical industry.
With a track record of fostering partnerships and driving growth, Sweitzer will focus on strengthening relationships with distribution partners and advancing Centauri’s commitment to exceptional service. Tim Klinger, CIO of JD Martin, highlighted Sweitzer’s expertise as key to the company's continued success.
JD Martin is a leading electrical manufacturer representative agency operating across 17 states, specializing in lighting, wire, cable, and EV infrastructure solutions.
Elec-Tech Sales Expands Team with Key Promotions and New Hire
According to Electrical Business Magazine (EBMAG), Elec-Tech Sales has promoted Dustin Nedohin to business development for British Columbia, where he will work with consulting engineering firms and oversee major projects. President Damon Cronin highlighted Nedohin’s engineering background and communication skills as key assets for his success in the role.
Additionally, Kevin Lomas has joined the company as an outside sales representative, bringing nearly a decade of experience in the electrical industry at both the agency and distribution levels. Based in British Columbia, Elec-Tech Sales has been a manufacturer’s representative for over 35 years.
ElectroRep Expands Leadership Team with Key Promotions
According to TED magazine, ElectroRep, a division of Electris360, has announced two leadership promotions aimed at driving growth and enhancing collaboration with manufacturer partners. Todd Landis has been named Director – Vertical Markets, where he will focus on refining strategies and fostering collaboration within key vertical markets across the West Region, including California and Northern Nevada. Landis, who has been with ElectroRep for 16 years, previously contributed to market share growth in the Inland Empire, Palm Desert, and Orange County territories as an Outside Salesperson.
Teri Youngblood has been promoted to Director – Outside Sales, taking on the responsibility of leading ElectroRep’s Outside Sales/Field Sales Team. With more than 25 years in the electrical industry and 11 years at ElectroRep, Youngblood has played a critical role in growing market share in the San Diego territory. In her expanded role, she will oversee sales efforts across California and Northern Nevada, while strengthening collaboration with manufacturer partners to support company initiatives.
What We are Reading
Trump Administration Policies Continue to Influence Infrastructure Construction in 2025
According to Construction Dive, policies implemented during the Trump administration continue to shape infrastructure construction in 2025, particularly through the lingering impact of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and the $1 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) signed in 2021. The IIJA’s funding for roads, bridges, broadband expansion, and energy projects has significantly boosted infrastructure investment, with many projects now entering advanced stages of development.
Additionally, changes to corporate tax structures from the 2017 legislation have influenced private sector investment in construction and infrastructure. As contractors navigate this environment, they are leveraging increased federal funding while addressing challenges such as labor shortages, supply chain delays, and cost escalation.
Top Trends Shaping the Electrical and Construction Industries in 2025
The electrical and construction industries will face continued supply chain challenges, labor shortages, and the growing need for digital transformation in 2025, according to EC&M. Contractors are expected to prioritize resilient supply chain strategies, implement labor-saving services such as pre-kitting and prefab, and invest in workforce development to address skilled labor shortages.
Additionally, the industry will focus on digitization as a foundational step before adopting AI-driven solutions, while dynamic partnerships will play a crucial role in managing large, complex projects. By leveraging technology, strengthening workforce pipelines, and fostering collaboration, industry professionals can navigate challenges and drive growth in the coming year.
Industry Leaders Call on Congress to Protect Vital Building Tax Incentives
In a January 2025 letter to Congress, the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), along with several industry organizations, urged lawmakers to preserve and strengthen federal tax incentives that promote energy-efficient building practices and green technologies. The letter emphasized the importance of maintaining programs like the Section 179D Energy Efficient Commercial Buildings Deduction and the 45L Energy Efficient Home Credit, which have been instrumental in advancing energy efficiency, reducing carbon emissions, and fostering economic growth within the building sector. USGBC highlighted how these incentives drive private investment in sustainable construction, create jobs, and align with national climate goals.
Economic Factors
Backlog Shrinks, But Builders Stay Bullish
ABC’s Construction Backlog Indicator (CBI) dipped to 8.3 months in December, a 0.3-month decline from the previous year, with the commercial and institutional backlog hitting its lowest level since February 2023. Conversely, infrastructure backlog reached its highest point since August 2023. Despite the decline, contractor optimism remains strong, as ABC’s Construction Confidence Index (CCI) showed growth expectations for sales and staffing, though profit margin confidence dipped.

Above: Construction Backlog data, courtesy of Associated Builders and Contractors
“While backlog inched lower in December, contractors broadly expect construction activity to pick up in the first half of this year," noted ABC Chief Economist Anirban Basu, adding that interest rates will be a pivotal factor for 2025 performance, particularly for the struggling commercial and institutional sectors.
Data Center Construction Surges 43% Year Over Year
Nonresidential construction spending dipped 0.1% in November, totaling $1.234 trillion on a seasonally adjusted annualized basis, according to an ABC analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data. Spending remains flat year-over-year in inflation-adjusted terms, with declines in 8 of 16 nonresidential subcategories.
Despite this, optimism among contractors surged post-election, driven by expectations of deregulation and tax cuts bolstering sectors like traditional energy and manufacturing. “Nonresidential construction spending momentum has all but disappeared, despite an ongoing boom in data center construction (up 43% year over year), largely because project financing costs remain elevated,” said ABC Chief Economist Anirban Basu, warning that stubborn inflation, high interest rates, and potential tariff increases could hinder growth.
Copper
Copper prices surged above $5.00 per pound in May but have recently retreated to slightly lower levels.
Global Container Freight Rates
Above: 90-day container rates from China to West Coast USA. Image: Courtesy of Freightos, used under license
The FBX01 global ocean freight container pricing index tracks the cost of shipping 40-foot containers between major ports in China and East Asia and the West Coast of North America. This index, developed in partnership with the Baltic Exchange, includes key Chinese ports like Shanghai (PVG) and Ningbo (NGB), and U.S. ports such as Los Angeles (LAX) and Chicago (ORD).
This trade route is a vital artery for global commerce, facilitating the movement of billions of dollars' worth of goods across the Pacific. Commonly shipped items on this route include electronics, clothing, furniture, toys, and machinery.