CES Lakeland: Celebrating 25 Years in Lakeland
[Lakeland, Florida] – For City Electric Supply Lakeland, Florida, celebrating 25 years was a big accomplishment. Branch Manager Bob Davis was excited for the event, as it was a good way to express gratitude to customers and vendors.
“The event was a way we could show our customers and vendors how much we appreciate them,” said Davis. “We work with them on a daily basis, and if it weren’t for our customers, we wouldn’t be where we are today.”
This event was a rare occasion for the smaller location.
“There was a lot of excitement from my team because we don’t get to do this too often,” said Davis. “It was the first time we could do something as elaborate as an event like this.”
With 19 vendors in attendance and more than 100 attendees, the branch celebrated with 20 raffles and delicious barbecue sandwiches and ribs from Uncle Eddie’s BBQ.
“We usually only have one or two vendors in attendance, but we had Klein Tools, Milwaukee, TAMCO, and many more attend the event to demonstrate new products and promotions,” said Davis.
Davis was most excited for the event because of the conversations he would be able to have with his vendors, team, and customers.
“It is rare for us to all get together at one time,” said Davis. “It was like a big family reunion.”
Davis originally came from the customer side, working in trade for 16 years. In 2013, he joined the company at the Dade City location before being promoted to Lakeland branch manager in 2017.
“I originally joined the company in 2013 at the Dade City location as their operations manager, and then two years later, I was promoted to an outside sales role,” said Davis.
At the top of the list of reasons why Davis enjoys working for CES is the interactions he has on a daily basis with his team and customers.
“It is one big family,” said Davis. “That goes all the way up to upper management. It’s easy to work with them, and they really make you feel like a part of something big.”
Over the last seven years, Davis’ biggest accomplishment is going from no experience on this side of the trade to being a branch manager in five short years.
“I wish I could have started as a driver and been in every position within the company,” said Davis. “But it has been nice to grow from where I started.”
Aside from the many thanks Davis gave to his customers for their appreciation over the last 25 years, Davis also wanted to make sure his team knew what a huge role they played in the success.
“Even though our customers help us succeed, without the team, the branch wouldn’t be able to operate on a daily basis,” said Davis. “I am extra thankful and hope everyone at the branch knows that.”
As the event came to an end, Co-Chief Operating Officer Andrew Dawes wrapped up the event by making a toast to the branch.“Our loyal customers and the footprint in the local community of Lakeland show just how successful our Lakeland team has been. Congratulations on 25 years,” exclaimed Dawes.