CES Helps Georgia Northwestern Technical College Student Kickoff Career 

From the start of his journey to becoming a substation electrician, Landon Stephens, a student at Georgia Northwestern Technical College, learned the importance of building relationships in the industry. 

It started when Stephens was a senior in high school and needed to make a quick decision about his future. He decided to go into the electrical industry because technology is constantly changing, and there are countless opportunities to learn new things.

Luck was on his side because he won his first scholarship from North Georgia Electric Membership Corporation. He was eligible because his parents were members of the utility company. 

But the winning didn’t stop there. Stephens then scored two bigger scholarships through the Georgia Northwestern Technical College Foundation, thanks to support from the Rome Home Builders Association and an individual donor.

The First Visit

All the scholarship wins led to his first visit to City Electric Supply (CES) in Rome, Georgia.

“Before I had the opportunity to get the tools, I had heard of City Electric Supply, but I’d never been a patron of theirs,” said Stephens. “My experience with them was great. If I ever need electrical supplies or tools, I am definitely doing my business with them in the future.”

Branch Manager David Combs assisted Stephens with his first big purchase. 

“We keep a Klein Tools basic electrician’s tool set for all the new guys who come through,” said Combs. “They usually come back to buy power tools because we treat them well.”

Coincidentally, a teacher of Stephens, who is a longtime customer of CES, gave a heads-up to Combs that the student was stopping by to make his purchase. 

“We’ve helped students with their starter tool kits for at least 15 years,” said Combs.

Coming Full Circle 

It all came full circle during the student’s visit because Combs is also a member of the Rome Home Builders Association, which granted one of the scholarships. 

Stephens’ scholarships afforded him all the tools he needed—plus his tuition and extra tools to have on hand. Best of all, CES had all the tools ready within two weeks of his first (but certainly not last) visit to the store. 

Georgia Northwestern Technical College buys many of their tools for their students from the CES location, building a strong relationship with the technical school’s electrical departments. 

“Right now, it’s a golden opportunity for anyone who wants to work in the industry,” said Combs. “Once these kids graduate technical school, they are going to make a good living for themselves.”

Starting his studies—and not stopping there

In August 2022, Stephens started his studies in Georgia Northwestern Technical College’s Electrical Systems Technology program. He completed dual enrollment in high school, so he only does electrical coursework now. 

All his hard work means he will complete the two-year program in less than a year when he walks across the stage and grabs his diploma in May. 

“The Georgia Northwestern Technical College Foundation is proud to support outstanding students like Landon. We are so grateful for the partnerships with the business and industry that make such support possible,” said Lauretta Hannon, Executive Director of the GNTC Foundation.

It doesn’t stop there for Stephens, though. He plans to return to school in the summer to earn an associate degree in Applied Technical Management. 

While in school, Stephens was hired at Easter Electric in Armuchee, Georgia. 

He looks forward to getting out into the field after graduation and continuing to build a relationship with CES for his future purchases.