Second Chances: How CES Rekindled a 20-Year Friendship — and Helped to Rebuild a Life

City Electric Supply (CES) team members Dave Losier and Joe Barlow have known each other for 20 years. They were once bandmates who rocked the stage together but, for a time, their lives took separate paths.

Losier began his career at CES in Indianapolis in 2017, while Barlow struggled to find a passion outside of music — and eventually became unhoused.

Yet when Losier was hiring at a new CES branch he was opening, Barlow quickly came to mind.

A shared love of music

Let’s go back 20 years, to a time when Losier and Barlow played in bands together. They traveled around Central Indiana, jamming out, and even recorded four songs.

“You’ve got to be really comfortable to do only one take per song,” said Losier. “But Joe made us a better band. It’s hard to find a player as good as him who checks his ego at the door.”

The two bonded over their deep musical connection, but eventually their paths diverged; Losier focused on his work at CES and the pair lost touch. But fate stepped in when Losier had the opportunity to run his own branch in Muncie, Indiana — the exact town Barlow was from.

Getting back in touch

Eager to speak with his former bandmate, Losier reached out to Barlow’s wife on Facebook.

The conversation that followed didn’t go as planned. Barlow, it turned out, was living off the grid. He had fallen on hard times, yet he was still the same kind, talented person Losier knew. So Losier, now a branch manager, offered to interview him for a position at CES.

“A person’s current circumstances have to take a backseat to the heart and desire,” Losier remarked.

Barlow got the job and began his journey with CES manning the counter before working his way up to Operations Manager — and the musician is still excelling. His computer skills are better than ever, and he is always willing to learn.

“I meet people every day, and even if I don’t sell them something, I want to try and help them out,” Barlow shared.

The team member goes above and beyond not only for CES customers, but for his colleagues too; he’s known to frequently arrive early for work.

A friendship renewed at CES

Losier emphasizes the importance of hiring based on character and potential, sometimes over experience. He notes the importance of coaching over training — encouraging employees to find their own path to success.

“Sometimes you just have to give people a chance and see what they can do,” Losier added. “Joe is an amazing person.”

Those words mean a lot to Barlow, who feels similarly.

“Dave’s always taking an extra step to make somebody’s day bright,” he shared. “I’ve always admired him for that.”

Today, Barlow explains that he feels lighter. He’s utilizing all the opportunities available at CES while enjoying this next chapter of his friendship with Losier.

“If I had a really big arm, I’d give this whole company a hug,” Barlow said. “CES saved me. They pulled me out of where I was and gave me a shot.”

Inspired by his parents, Losier has long believed in making an impact through small acts of kindness. But beyond that, he’s thrilled for the chance to reconnect with his dear friend and now team member.

“I’m proud to work for City Electric Supply and grateful for the ability to offer this opportunity to an old friend,” Losier said. “The funny thing is that I think it’s been equally life-changing for both of us.”

CES is only speculating, but we anticipate a new song or two in these musicians’ future. In the meantime, we’re very grateful to have both Losier and Barlow on our team.