AD announces Independent Electrical Supply Division board
The AD Independent Electrical Supply Division (IESD), formed as a part of the 2024 merger with IMARK Electrical, has achieved the milestone of welcoming over 530 former IMARK Electrical members into IESD since the end of January. AD says the division's membership of 700 independent distributors represents 30% of the overall electrical channel in the U.S.
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Steve Helle, Granite City Electric Supply, (left) |
“This merger is a testament to the incredible work and dedication of both the AD and IMARK Electrical board of directors, and we are thrilled to be bringing the best Independents together," said AD Electrical & Industrial Business Unit President Marisol Fernandez. "It’s an exciting time to be part of the electrical industry, and we are equally grateful to our supplier partners that recognize the importance of maintaining a strong independent channel in the markets we serve.”
AD IESD also announced two changes to its 2025 board of directors. Steve Helle, president of Granite City Electric Supply, will step into the role of board co-chair to lead alongside John Hanna, president and COO of Fromm Electric Supply. In addition, Stephen Paul, president of Elliott Electric Supply, joins the board of directors.
Helle's company has served the New England region for over 100 years. Under his leadership, Granite City Electric Supply has expanded through acquisitions and adding new locations, growing from five locations and 75 employees to 32 locations and almost 500 employees across Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Albany, New York.
“I’m truly honored to join this exceptional board and to serve as co-chair,” said Helle. “This role offers a unique opportunity for me to partner with John and the entire board of directors to guide our strategic direction, represent the voices of the expanded IESD membership, and drive meaningful programs for our industry.”
Paul joined the Elliott Electric Supply Leadership team in 2023 as president. Prior to Elliott, he spent 24 years at Eaton Corp., where he held various leadership roles spanning sales and manufacturing across the country, including as regional vice president for the Gulf Region. He earned a degree in industrial distribution from Texas A&M University and is actively engaged with helping this program today as it attracts new talent to the industry.
“I’m thrilled to join this talented group of leaders and bring Elliott Electrical’s perspective to the table,” said Paul. “This is an incredible opportunity to collaborate, share ideas, and work together to make a lasting impact for our industry.”
AD IESD President Karen Baker added, ”I’m delighted to welcome Steve and Stephen to the Divisional Board of Directors. Their leadership and fresh perspectives will be invaluable as we work together to integrate the two groups and unlock new opportunities that drive meaningful value for our members and suppliers.”
The members of the 2025 AD Independent Electrical Supply Division Board are:
- Steve Helle, president, Granite City Electric Supply and IESD board co-chair
- John Hanna, president & COO, Fromm Electric Supply and IESD board co-chair
- John Cady, president, Revere Electric Supply Co.
- Michael Doris, president, Mars Electric Co.
- Danny Gray, president & CEO, Independent Electric Supply
- Paul Kennedy, president & CEO, DSG
- Craig LaRue, president, Alameda Electrical Distributors
- John Marshall, president & Owner, Atlantic Coast Electric Supply
- Lura McBride, president & CEO, Van Meter
- Jeff Metzler, CEO, Lonestar Electric Supply
- Stephen Paul, president, Elliott Electric Supply
- Jason Seger, president & CEO, Border States
- Bruce Summerville, president, Inline Electric Supply Co.
- Luis Valls, president & co-CEO, Turtle
INDUSTRIAL SUPPLY MAGAZINE
The January/February issue of Industrial Supply magazine features an in-depth cover story about MSC Industrial Supply. Plus, we're featuring articles by contributing writers Dr. Bharani Nagarathnam and Frank Hurtte, as well as interviews with numerous product and distribution industry experts.
