CES Savannah Downtown: Bringing Town History Into the New Branch
[Savannah Downtown, Georgia] – City Electric Supply is excited to open a new branch in Savannah, one of the most beautiful cities in the world and one of the most historically fascinating cities in the United States.
“Our location is a stone’s throw from a significant tourist destination, Savannah’s Historic River Street District,” said Branch Manager Stevie Hawkins. “Our store sits on the head of an enormous expansion project that promises 10 to 15 years of construction growth.”
Hawkins is a fourth-generation electrician and has 35 years of experience under his belt.
“I have done everything from residential service to industrial automation, and I have been state licensed since 1999,” said Hawkins.
Hawkins started with the company a little over a year ago at the Statesboro branch to get his feet wet, and then he moved to the Hinesville branch where he worked primarily counter sales, doing anything and everything to get prepared for his present position as branch manager.
Born in Hinesville and having spent his entire life in the area, Hawkins has built many relationships with contractors in the area and can talk to them on a more personal level.
“Some of my earliest childhood memories are working with my dad on weekends,” said Hawkins. “Being from the other side of the counter and knowing the field has really helped me build new relationships and hold onto old ones. Having done the work before builds a level of trust and understanding with my potential customers.”
Hawkins has 35 years of experience, and his team also brings in many years of knowledge and experience.
“My operations manager, Jason, transferred from the Savannah West location where he started 14 years ago. He brings priceless knowledge and experience to us for which I am so grateful,” said Hawkins. “Brian, who runs our counter sales, is new to the market, but I have high hopes for him.”
Contracts were signed for the location back around August, thanks to the tireless efforts of District Manager William Wilkins, and they immediately began perfecting the branch for customers.
“Billy is the reason we have this piece of gold real estate,” said Hawkins. “The building is over 100 years old and has a magnificent bone structure. It’s 6,000 square feet of exposed brick and mortar which really adds to the appeal of the branch.”
The team capitalized on the natural character of the building and made improvements where they were needed, including new flooring, walls, paint, and lighting.
“The team put in hard work and dedication,” said Hawkins. “The renovations were tough and took nearly six months, but we got the job done while pulling in the history of the town. The brick wall we kept pulls in the historic town, and we had a big mural painted with the historic icons in Savannah to tie it all together.”
Hawkins thinks a key part of the branch is the relaxing customer bar they created that holds snacks and refreshments. It serves as a relaxing place for them to grab a beverage and a quick bite in between jobs.
“We are trying to create a level of comfort for the town, not just a place for guys to come get supplies,” said Hawkins. “I remember going to supply houses as a contractor and it was a nice break for me. Most supply houses feel cold and impersonal, and we wanted to make sure ours was a warm place for contractors to visit and relax.”
Many of the customers who have come to the branch have been amazed.
“This area will set us apart from all other supply houses. We don’t want to just bring people into the door, we want to build relationships with them as well,” said Hawkins.
Being located close to the ports and expansion projects gives great hope for the branch’s success.
“River Street is a big money-maker for Savannah. They are expanding, and our location is at the nose of a highly trafficked area full of construction,” said Hawkins.”
Hawkins believes the branch is going to receive a good amount of attention from the ports and construction business.
“The closest supply house is across town, so being located on this side will cut down a lot of driving for contractors and be convenient to them,” said Hawkins.
Although Hawkins knows there are a lot of expectations from up the ladder, he does not feel worried.
“Many might think I have a lot of pressure on my back, but I am at ease and super excited,” said Hawkins. “I have been ready for this for a very long time, so I am more than ready now to tackle all the expectations presented to me.”
In the short time Hawkins has been with the company, he has come to find many reasons why he enjoys working for CES.
“In the field, I only did my business with CES and no one else,” said Hawkins. “I didn’t care where my job was, I would drive past other suppliers and across town for a CES location because of how I knew I’d be treated there.”
For Hawkins, that was his favorite part of going to a CES location.
“The people at CES are very sensitive to the guys in the field — they care, and I appreciate that coming from the other side of the counter,” said Hawkins.
In his time with CES, he has learned that good customer service is essential to a branch’s success.
“I haven’t met anyone who treats their customers like family and shows them how much they care for them the way City does. I have been treated very well from the time I was a contractor to now.”
Hawkins was able to watch Wilkins advance in his career as well.
“He’s also worked in the field, so we have that in common. I’ve watched him work his way up from a delivery driver to where he is now; I have so much respect for him,” said Hawkins.
Hawkins is ready to tackle whatever is thrown his way. He and his team cannot wait to help contractors.
“This is my life and it is in my blood. I am excited to be with the company and see how much my branch, my team, and I can succeed in helping contractors and electricians in the area.”
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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 506 locations in 30 states in the United States. For more information, please visit cityelectricsupply.com or visit us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram @CityElectricUSA.
CES Savannah Downtown, Georgia:
116 Randolph St.,
Savannah, Georgia 31404