In the Spotlight: Jim Lawson
In 1979, an ambitious 22-year-old began work at City Electric Supply as an outside sales representative for the North Glasgow branch in Scotland. That man was current Vice President of Operations Jim Lawson, and this year marks his fortieth with the company.
From 1979 to 1996, Lawson worked hard to climb the ranks in the UK before receiving a life-changing promotion that moved him from Scotland to the United States, specifically the Carolinas.
“My response was, ‘Where? I’ve heard of the States, but not the Carolinas. Are they on the coast?’” joked Lawson.
Lawson and his wife packed up their two young children and belongings, and they moved to Raleigh, North Carolina, where he served as the district manager of eight branches.
THE EARLY DAYS
In his forty years with the company, Lawson has collected many memories, but his favorites will always be those he shared with CEO and founder Tom Mackie.
“I spent a lot of time with Tom,” said Lawson. “The extent of his knowledge was outstanding. I wish everyone could have sat down with him at least once just to learn something.”
One of Lawson’s favorite memories of Tom was the first time they met at a tradeshow in Glasgow.
“At the end of the night, we were loading up trucks. Instead of leaving, Tom put his things down to help load,” said Lawson. “I will never forget my first interaction with Tom because his humanity was so memorable.”
Over the years, Lawson spent a lot of time not just with Tom, but with the entire Mackie family.
“They have never treated anyone like an outsider,” said Lawson. “especially when they see what you love and want to do. They are all lovely people who truly want the best for others.”
When Lawson first met Tom’s grandson, CEO and President Thomas Hartland-Mackie, Thomas was just 17 years old.
“Thomas’ first words to me were, ‘Are you the car guy?’” said Lawson. “His grandpa, Tom, knew I loved cars, and when the Mackies find out you love something, they will work hard to make sure you’re doing something related to it.”
Everyone who knew Lawson knew he loved cars and as soon as word got around to Tom, Lawson was given the opportunity to work with them.
“When Tom learned about my interest, he said, ‘Let’s talk cars and get you a job doing something with them,” said Lawson.
Lawson then began negotiating car purchases for the CES fleet and orchestrating the shipments to get them where they were needed.
Along with the many joys Lawson has experienced throughout his successful career, he has also had his share of challenges.
ARRIVING IN THE U.S.
“Moving from Glasgow to Raleigh was a challenge,” said Lawson. “My accent is less defined now, but back then, many could not understand me.”
Many differences between Scotland and the U.S. took Lawson by surprise.
“We realized that in the summer in the U.S., you can’t expect guys to go cut wires in suits and ties. It’s too hot. You can do that in the United Kingdom, but not the States,” said Lawson.
Lawson also quickly realized the sheer heft of American products would prove to be a challenge.
“How can America even fit their spaceships in space? Everything in the U.S. is bigger,” joked Lawson. “I had to learn we need more warehouse space here to hold stock.”
On top of adjusting to life in a new country, Lawson had to develop the North Carolina territory for CES, as it was still very new. There were no vendor relationships, and no one seemed to know CES even existed.
“It was character-building. When you have something that needs to be taken care of, you buckle down and do it. We made it work,” said Lawson.
THE BUSINESS TODAY
In more recent memory, Lawson recalls an important experience he had at the 2014 North American Managers’ Conference (NAMC).
“I remember being backstage at the first NAMC. All of us were so nervous, but it was important to realize exactly how many people we are responsible for,” said Lawson. “They have families, they need good incomes, and they deserve to enjoy their jobs. It gave me a new perspective.”
Lawson’s proudest moment in his entire career with CES was watching his son, Scott, join the company.
“Scott has been with CES for 12 years, diligently working his way up to branch manager. My wife hated when we would come home and discuss our days at work because it seemed like all we could talk about. He learned, as I did, that this is not a nine-to-five job, but a 24-hour one.”
REFLECTION
Lawson has seen many careers begin and thrive at CES, and he claims that the surest way to tell if someone is going to be successful is to see if they have the “magic dust.”
“When you talk to those people, you can see a sparkle in their eyes. You can see how interested they are, and you can know they will be successful.”
Lawson has enjoyed watching and helping people succeed at CES.
“Treat people well, and they will succeed. Find out what they like, and push them toward their dreams,” said Lawson.
Lawson also believes a key to success is loving what you do.
“That is what it takes to succeed here. You give your all to the job and the Mackie family will do the same. That’s why this business has been so successful.”
Lawson has an impressive history with CES, and he can’t wait to see where his future takes him.
“Making the decision to join CES in 1979 provided me with opportunities and a lifestyle my family and I never thought we could have; I would never take it back.”