September 11, 2025
Electric Avenue — News Impacting Lighting Markets: September 2025
Big name distributors appoint key top execs. Plus, container rates hit a 52-week low.
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 in electrical circles since our last Electric Avenue article on August 6.
Electrical Distributor News
Penny Cotner Named President and CEO of Crescent Electric Supply
Penny Cotner
Crescent Electric Supply Company has appointed Penny Cotner as its new President and CEO, effective October 1, 2025. Cotner brings more than 20 years of leadership experience, including seven years as CEO of Infinite Electronics, where she led significant growth through strategic acquisitions and operational scaling. Her background also includes roles at Arrow Electronics and NASA’s International Space Station program.
Board Chair Mike Sullivan praised Cotner as a results-driven leader with a strong track record in scaling organizations and building culture. She succeeds interim CEO Kristi Dahlke, who will continue as CFO. Cotner holds an executive MBA and a degree in electrical engineering.
AD Reports Record $50.7B in Member Sales for First Half of 2025
Wayne, Pa.-based buying group AD reported record member sales of $50.7 billion for the first half of 2025, a 25% increase year over year across its 13 divisions in three countries.
Purchases from AD suppliers rose 28% to $12.9 billion. Growth was bolstered by the addition of more than 590 new members—558 from the IMARK Electrical merger—and 39 member-led acquisitions. CEO Bill Weisberg emphasized the resilience of independent distributors during uncertain times.
Four Electrical Distributors Recognized Among 2025 Top Workplaces
MDM has released its annual Top Workplaces 2025 list which includes dozens of wholesale distributors across the U.S., including four that work primarily in the electrical distribution space and also rank on MDM’s 2025 Top Distributors lists. Those companies are:
- Graybar: St. Louis, MO
- Van Meter: Cedar Rapids, IA
- Kirby Risk: Lafayette, IN
- Schaedler Yesco Distribution: Harrisburg, PA
Each earned a spot based on employee feedback, highlighting their workplace culture alongside industry performance.
U.S. Commodity Prices Shift as Copper Climbs, Aluminum and Steel Advance, and PVC Drops
In its September 2025 Commodity Update, Border States reports significant year-over-year price shifts across key materials, reflecting a mix of global pressures, domestic policy changes, and supply chain dynamics
Copper ↑ 25%
- Driven by a weaker U.S. dollar, tighter supply, and expectations of slower mine output.
- Legal delays halted Arizona’s Resolution Copper project amid tribal and environmental opposition.
- Opened September at $4.51 per pound.
Aluminum ↑ 46%
- Tariffs on imports accelerated the shift toward scrap recycling, which is more energy efficient.
- LME prices slipped slightly due to high Chinese output; supply tightening is expected in 2026.
- September opening price: $1.90 per pound.
Steel (¾-inch) ↑ 15%
- U.S. steelmakers expand capacity, but soft demand and high domestic prices present challenges.
- Prices spiked up to $400/ton above global averages.
PVC (4-inch) ↓ 33%
- Oversupply and reduced construction demand drove prices down.
- Lead times extended about one week due to large-scale project activity.
Winsupply Opens Texas Location, Projects $8.3B in 2025 Revenue
According to MDM Distribution Intelligence, Winsupply has opened Winsupply Midlothian, TX, expanding its HVAC presence while projecting $8.3 billion in 2025 revenue—up from $7.9 billion in 2024. The new 46,000-square-foot facility, led by industry veteran James Fulton, will serve residential and commercial HVAC customers and includes plans for training space and outdoor storage.
The Midlothian opening is part of Winsupply’s broader strategy to launch 20 new local companies nationwide this year. The distributor ranks No. 2 in plumbing and No. 6 in industrial PVF on MDM’s 2025 Top Distributors List.
AD Continues Expansion Beyond Electrical with TCG Merger
AD is broadening its commercial distribution reach with the announced merger with The Commonwealth Group (TCG), a collective of 325 independent distributors in the plumbing, heating, cooling, and piping (PHCP) sector.
The deal, pending TCG shareholder approval, will mark AD’s 17th overall merger and sixth within the PHCP space. It strengthens AD’s position across plumbing, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), and pipe, valves and fittings (PVF) markets, while reinforcing its member-owned model across 14 divisions and more than 1,000 independent distributors in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Scott Electric Opens New 100,000-Square-Foot Branch in Springfield, Ohio
Scott Electric has announced the official opening of its newest branch in Springfield, Ohio. The 100,000-square-foot facility is now fully operational and serves customers across the Springfield, Columbus, Dayton, and Cincinnati markets. Located at 1487 Upper Valley Pike, Suite 300, the branch is led by Branch Sales Manager Tom Daniels and Warehouse Manager Scott Wagner.
Sonepar Unveils New Branding for Standard Electric, Madison, and Wittock
Sonepar has introduced new logos for Standard Electric and its divisions, Madison Electric and Wittock Supply, following its 2024 acquisition of the Michigan-based distributor. Operating 36 branches across Michigan and northern Indiana, the unified branding supports Standard’s expanded service offerings in electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and industrial markets.
The rebranding reflects a strategic consolidation aimed at enhancing customer experience through shared resources like custom cable assemblies, lighting design, and Pro Logistic Services (PLS). Standard is also growing in solar, datacomm, and industrial automation, while investing in associate development programs, including Sonepar’s Lighting Academy and tools for advanced lighting design.
Quarterly Earnings News
Graybar Reports Record Q2 Sales and Income Amid Centennial Year
Graybar posted record second-quarter results in 2025, with net sales rising 12.1% to $3.37 billion and net income up 25.1% to $138.1 million—both the highest in company history. For the first half of the year, net sales reached $6.3 billion, a 10.1% increase over the same period last year.
The company, marking its 100th anniversary as an independent business, cited progress on its Graybar Connect transformation project and extended its $750 million credit facility through 2030. Graybar was also named a US Best Managed Company for the second year and donated $400,000 to local disaster relief efforts in St. Louis.
Electrical Rep News
ELA + Synergy Named Lutron Rep for New York Metro Market
Effective September 1, ELA + Synergy will become Lutron Electronics’ new representative for New York City, Long Island, and Northern New Jersey — a major shift in a territory historically held by only two other agencies in Lutron’s 64-year history.
The move solidifies Synergy’s growing influence across the Northeast, following its merger with Electric Lighting Agencies in 2024 and previous acquisition of Pyramid Lighting. Backed by experienced Lutron veterans, the agency now represents Lutron across the key markets of New York, Philadelphia, and Northern New Jersey, assuming responsibility for high-profile, complex lighting and shading projects across the region.
MC and EFI Open Joint Facility in Houston’s Generation Park
According to tED Magazine, Rep Materials Company (RMC) and Ewing Foley, Inc. (EFI) have opened a joint, state-of-the-art facility in Houston’s Generation Park to expand manufacturing, logistics, and technical support capabilities.
The move marks EFI’s entry into rep warehousing services and reflects both companies’ commitment to faster, more integrated solutions across the Gulf Coast and beyond. Strategically located near major transportation hubs, the facility will support large-scale projects with wire, cable, and value-added services. Both firms aim to deliver streamlined, customer-focused offerings from one centralized location, leveraging Texas’s strong logistics infrastructure and construction market.
More Executive Moves
Charlie Bradburn Named President of Viking Electric
Charlie Bradburn
Sonepar has appointed Charlie Bradburn as President of Viking Electric, effective August 12, 2025. According to the company, Bradburn brings over 20 years of distribution experience, most recently serving as Regional Vice President for the Midwest at US LBM Holdings.
He succeeds Stacy Stanslaski, who now leads business transformation initiatives at Sonepar USA. Viking Electric, which operates 23 locations across Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Chicago, continues to grow through strategic investments in supply chain and digital innovation. Bradburn holds an MBA in Finance and Entrepreneurship from the University of St. Thomas and is expected to drive continued operational growth.
Régis Chouinard Named President of Lumen
Sonepar has appointed Régis Chouinard as president of Lumen, effective August 25, 2025. Chouinard brings over 30 years of experience in the electrical industry and a longstanding commitment to Lumen, where he has excelled in team engagement, operations, and sales leadership.
Sonepar Canada President Serge Leblanc expressed confidence in Chouinard’s ability to strengthen Lumen’s market position while upholding the company’s core values. Lumen is a leading distributor of electrical and automation materials in Quebec and parts of Canada, serving multiple sectors including industrial, residential, and municipal markets.
Danny Castillo Returns to Lighting & Electrical Sector as Wesco EVP
Danny Castillo is reentering the lighting and electrical arena as Executive Vice President and General Manager of Electrical and Electronic Solutions at Wesco, effective September 1.
Castillo most recently led North America for Brinks, reporting to CEO Mark Eubanks —the former president of Cooper Lighting. Earlier, Castillo served as president of Cree Lighting and held senior roles at JELD-WEN, Eaton, and Cooper Industries, after starting his career at GE. He holds an electrical engineering degree from Florida International University and an MBA from Columbia. Castillo succeeds Nelson Squires, who will retire September 30 after a decade with Wesco.
Jérôme Baniol Appointed Chief Financial Officer of Sonepar
Sonepar has named Jérôme Baniol as its new Chief Financial Officer, effective September 1, 2025, according to a company announcement. Baniol, who joined Sonepar in 2022 as Deputy CFO, succeeds Jean-Luc Guiziou, who is retiring after a 21-year tenure.
Prior to Sonepar, Baniol held senior finance roles at global firms including Schneider Electric and LVMH. In his new role, he will join the Group’s General Management team and report directly to CEO Philippe Delpech. Sonepar praised Guiziou’s long-standing contributions and expressed confidence in Baniol’s ability to support the company’s strategic and financial goals.
What We are Reading
Contractors Advised to Refocus DEI Programs Amid Legal Scrutiny
According to Construction Dive, federal contractors are being urged to reassess their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives to avoid potential violations of anti-discrimination laws under heightened government scrutiny. Legal experts recommend aligning DEI efforts with broader business goals and focusing on inclusion and belonging rather than race- or gender-based quotas.
The Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs has increased audits and enforcement actions, prompting firms to evaluate language, training, and hiring practices. While DEI remains a business priority, experts caution that improperly structured programs could result in regulatory penalties or contract risks for government contractors.
Cumming Group Releases Q2 2025 Construction Market Analysis
Published quarterly by Cumming Group—one of the nation’s largest commercial developers—the Q2 2025 Market Analysis offers an in-depth look at construction trends, economic drivers, and cost movements across major U.S. markets. The report covers key sectors including commercial, healthcare, education, and infrastructure, providing data on labor conditions, materials pricing, and regional activity.
It highlights continued labor shortages, volatile material costs, and shifting demand across sectors, while also tracking macroeconomic indicators like inflation and interest rates. The analysis serves as a resource for industry professionals seeking insights into project planning, procurement strategies, and market forecasting.
U.S. Industrial Space Demand Declines for First Time Since 2009
Demand for U.S. industrial real estate has declined for the first time in 15 years, according to a new report highlighting a slowdown in warehouse leasing and construction. Factors contributing to the drop include rising interest rates, reduced consumer spending, and a post-pandemic shift in e-commerce growth.
Major developers such as Prologis are adjusting strategies, focusing more on tenant retention than new builds. Despite the slowdown, vacancy rates remain relatively low compared to pre-pandemic levels. The trend signals a potential cooling in one of the strongest-performing commercial sectors. The data was discussed in the CNBC Property Play segment on CNBC.
Economic Factors
Construction Backlog Grows, But Contractor Confidence Dips
The Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) reported a rise in its Construction Backlog Indicator to 8.4 months in July, up from 8.3 months in June, reflecting steady project flow across most sectors.
Above: Construction Backlog data, courtesy of Associated Builders and Contractors
However, contractor confidence declined slightly, with the Confidence Index for profit margins and sales both falling. ABC Chief Economist Anirban Basu noted mixed industry sentiment, stating, “Some contractors are gravely concerned by the possibility of a recession and the impact of higher borrowing costs, while others remain busy and are actively recruiting workers.” Despite economic uncertainty, backlog levels remain historically elevated, indicating ongoing demand for construction services.
“Despite a wide array of headwinds... backlog rebounded,” said ABC Chief Economist Anirban Basu, noting strong data center demand and warning that tariffs may impact future profit margins.
Nonresidential Construction Spending Sees Sharp Drop
According to the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), nonresidential construction spending fell 1.0% in July, the steepest monthly decline since early 2021. Thirteen of the 16 nonresidential subcategories saw decreases, with public sector spending down 0.4% and private sector spending dropping 1.2%.
Above: Nonresidential Spending data, courtesy of Associated Builders and Contractors
ABC Chief Economist Anirban Basu noted the surprising breadth of the decline, stating, “While it is too early to tell, it may be that the combination of tighter credit, weaker commercial real estate fundamentals and rising construction and labor costs are finally catching up with the nonresidential segment.” Despite recent growth in backlog, the data signals potential headwinds for future construction activity.
Daily Copper Prices
Data source: Yahoo! Finance
Global Container Freight Rates
Above: Container rates from China to West Coast USA. Data source: Freightos
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.
