CES Palatka: Cheers to 25 Years and More to Come
[Palatka, Florida] – From the beginning of the day to the end, City Electric Supply Palatka had a constant flow of traffic to help celebrate their 25th anniversary. With food, vendors, and prizes, customers and employees kept busy socializing and enjoying one another’s company.
“There were many customers who stopped by that have been with us since day one, which helped make the event even more memorable,” said Branch Manager Ben Blackwelder.
Blackwelder has been with CES Palatka for 15 years and has been branch manager for 13 of them.
“Over the years, I have grown close to several customers. I have even had the opportunity to watch customers’ kids and grandkids grow up and start working for their family company,” he said.
For Blackwelder, having customers come in and have real-life conversations with him is one of the most rewarding parts of his job.
“It isn’t just about work. It’s about building relationships that will create friends and customers,” he said. “One of our first customers lives down the street from me, and sometimes I will stop by his house after work to take him something he needs and just chat. That’s part of the culture we have at our branch, and I wouldn’t want it any other way.”
Aside from being able to build relationships with customers, Blackwelder enjoys coming to work every day and having a team that enjoys succeeding and growing with him.
“I’ve worked with several individuals who started with CES and have since been promoted into other roles. Some have even become branch managers. Being able to show that type of success really proves that CES cares about growing its employees, and it’s something I always like to see.”
District Manager Steve Conley believes the Palatka team has been successful because of their goals.
“Our Palatka team is successful because they have a common goal to out-service any of their competition and run their store to fit their customers’ needs,” Conley said.
Not only were the team and customers able to have conversations and a good time, they also indulged in Uncle Eddie’s BBQ and learn about new product features from multiple vendors. Representatives from Milwaukee, Klein Tools, Lithonia Lighting, and more attended the celebration as well.
For a business to operate for 25 years, it takes true grit and hard work. CES Palatka is the perfect example of that, and we couldn’t be prouder.
VP of Operations Jim Lawson echoed this sentiment to CES Palatka about such a momentous achievement at the event.
“Twenty-five years is quite an accomplishment and shows your hard work and dedication,” he said. “I want to thank you all for everything, and here’s to 25 more years.”
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City Electric Supply is a family-owned electrical wholesale distributor dedicated to providing the best customer service in the industry since 1983. City Electric Supply currently operates 493 locations in 30 states in the United States. For more information, please visit cityelectricsupply.com or visit us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram @CityElectricUSA.
