NEW FACILITY, SAME COMMUNITY: CES SOUTHERN PINES REOPENS
After 20 years, City Electric Supply (CES) Southern Pines has moved to a new location down the road. Joey Barefoot, district manager of the Sandhills District, saw everything come together.
The Driving Force Behind the Move
Moving is never easy. Yet, often, it’s for a good cause. The Southern Pines branch relocated just minutes away to better serve customers.
The move was also part of a push to develop the Sandhills District, which consists of six branches, one projects department, and a bulk store.
“We did the move during the dog days of summer,” said Barefoot.
The Dunn, Fayetteville, Fort Bragg, Lumberton, Sanford NC, and Southern Pines branches make up the Sandhills District. In the past 18 months, three of these locations have moved—with remarkable results.
“All the relocations have helped us tremendously already,” he added.
A Display of Camaraderie at Southern Pines
The best moves involve groups of people coming together. Though remodeling the new property took time, CES Southern Pines didn’t have to close up shop for even a minute.
The team truly rallied to pack up the inventory and move quickly.
“When we move, the CES family pulls together to help each other out,” said Barefoot. “I’m very fortunate to have a close-knit group of team members in my district. When one branch needs help, the others are always willing to step in, and it makes things like relocating a lot easier.”
Everyone at CES lent a hand. Barefoot laughs when he considers the photos of all the trucks lined up, waiting to transport materials to the new site.
“That wasn’t even half of them,” he said with a smile. “That’s the CES way. When one teammate needs help, we all pitch in.”
This reflects the company’s family-first approach. There’s a real focus on coming together when needed.
Thoughts on Future CES Relocations
For decades, the Southern Pines branch has maintained a busy counter.
Previously, the branch was in a smaller building—and it became clear they needed a bigger counter area and more square footage.
“We haven’t seen a difference in the counter traffic,” Barefoot elaborated. “It’s been great.”
While relocating may have been seamless, it wasn’t always easy. Moves are fast-paced, especially for branches already balancing deadlines and orders.
But the reward is there in the end. Team members find it empowering to get a fresh start in a new location—to plant a seed and watch their new and improved branch grow.
If there’s any advice Barefoot can share with others contemplating a move, it’s to stay focused and persistent.
“You have to be on top of your game every day,” he said, “because one day of relaxing can cost you a lot of time.”
The Sandhills District Manager recommends making a checklist and going over it once, twice, or even three times. That way everything is covered—and team members can continue serving customers to the very best of their abilities.