VP of Operations Gary Smith celebrates over 40 years at City Electric Supply
“My dad always told me, ‘You must make your own life choices, follow your dreams, and create your own destiny,’” recalled Gary Smith, vice president of operations for CES National Solutions Division (NSD).
Smith’s career with City Electric Supply (CES) is a testament to perseverance, vision, and the power of mentorship. From a chance encounter with the sister company of CES in the U.K., City Electrical Factors (CEF), to leading successful divisions for the organization, Smith has built a legacy of growth and giving back that reflects his unwavering commitment to people and progress.
Creating his destiny
Smith grew up in an electrical family. His father was an electrical engineer, and his brothers worked in the trades, creating what he jokingly calls a “family business of sorts.” However, Smith quickly realized his path would be different. “I wasn’t gifted like my father and brothers,” he said.
In 1984, while picking up supplies for his brother at CEF, Smith noticed a “Help Wanted” sign. Intrigued, he applied, interviewed with Branch Manager Bob Street, and was hired. Starting in the warehouse, Smith quickly moved to counter sales.
“I’ve always said it’s the best job I’ve ever had,” Smith shared. “You’re surrounded by great people, and it taught me so much about the wholesale industry.”
Rising through the ranks
By 1985, Smith’s dedication and potential were evident. When the operations manager position opened, Street encouraged him to apply despite Smith’s reservations about his limited experience. “He believed in me before I believed in myself,” Smith recalled. Later, Smith was asked to step into a sales representative’s role. With some degree of reservation, Smith agreed to step into the role and again was mentored by his manager and the other sales representative in the branch, Mark Bates.
After six years as a sales representative, Smith was offered an opportunity to open a new CEF branch in Willenhall, which he accepted. “I’ve always had this spirit that enjoys building something from the ground up,” he explained. Over five years, he established the branch as a strong performer in the network.
In 1991, Smith took on another project, taking over the Birmingham branch, which was struggling at the time. Motivated by the opportunity to prove himself, he transformed the location into a top-25 performing branch. “With minor adjustments, we turned it around in a very short time,” he said.
An opportunity in the U.S.
Smith’s achievements caught the attention of the Mackie family, the owners of CES. After years of observing his work, they presented him with a life-changing opportunity in 1998: to become a district manager in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Although the decision meant leaving behind his home, culture, and extended family, Smith embraced the challenge. “There was excitement and nervousness,” he said. “But I’ve never been one to turn down an opportunity to grow.”
Smith and his family moved to the U.S. in 1999, where he took on six branches in the Carolinas. With mentorship from Jim Lawson, who later retired as VP of Operations, Smith continued to grow the district and open up several more districts in North Carolina before expanding into Virginia and Indiana, and taking over multiple existing districts. His leadership led to further promotions and expansion, which eventually led to him overseeing 90+ branches across multiple states.
Pioneering the National Solutions Division
In 2022, Smith played a pivotal role in formalizing NSD, which now includes nine specialized groups: EV Solutions, Strategic Solutions, Strategic Accounts, Multifamily Solutions, Power Infrastructure Solutions, Government Solutions, Marine Solutions, Concept & Design Studio, and Corporate Solutions.
“Our branches do extremely well at the local level, but specialty companies, large end users, and big contractors — that’s where the National Solutions Division can step in to help,” Smith explained. He saw an opportunity to bridge the gap between local expertise and national needs, enabling the company to serve contractors and businesses on a larger scale.
This strategic vision of NSD has helped tap into markets previously untouched by the traditional branch network.
A turning point
Smith’s commitment to CES was solidified early in his career when an accident became a defining moment. At 17, while making a delivery in his personal car, Smith totaled the vehicle. Expecting to be reprimanded after accepting full fault for the accident, he instead found unexpected support.
“Bob Street handed me a check from the company to replace my car,” Smith recalled. “That moment changed everything for me. They didn’t have to do it, but they did. It showed me the kind of company CES is — one that values people.”
Since then, Smith has remained dedicated to paying it forward, helping others grow and succeed within the organization.
Boundless growth and giving back
Now, after four decades with CES, Smith’s passion for growth remains undiminished. “The beauty of CES is that if you work hard, opportunities are endless,” he said. “I started in the warehouse, but I never thought of it as ‘just a warehouse job.’ I saw it as a chance to grow, and that mindset has made all the difference.”
Smith also takes pride in mentoring others, often reflecting on advice he gives his children: “Find something you’re passionate about. If it provides a good life, great. If not, you’ll still have done what fulfills you. We’re only here once.”
Looking ahead
Smith’s legacy at CES is built on a foundation of perseverance, vision, and a deep respect for the people around him. “It’s all about people at the end of the day,” he said. “Seeing others succeed is what drives me and gets me excited about the future.”
With a career defined by challenges embraced, milestones achieved, and lives impacted, Gary Smith’s journey is a testament to the power of determination and the rewards of giving back.