Kenny Cochrane, 34
Director—Tools, Fasteners, Safety
Quality Electrical Distribution, “QED”, a Sonepar Company
Upon graduating from Colorado State University in 2012, Kenny started his career with Milwaukee Tool, where he worked until 2017. “I was immediately enthralled with the fast-paced work environment the construction industry brought daily,” he said. “Working for the manufacturing side I was exposed to the core MEP business and MEP distribution business. I eventually gravitated toward the electrical sector and really enjoyed working in this space. The nature of their work was always exciting, and I enjoy watching projects start and finish.”
This foundation gave Kenny the opportunity to become an outside salesman for a local construction supplier, where he worked until 2022. “In that position I continued to network and become more entrenched with the local electrical contractor market in the Rocky Mountain Region. This set me up to be able to run a newly founded sales department at QED,” he said.
Asked about a challenge the industry is currently facing, Kenny pointed to labor savings. “This is the No. 1 problem our contractors face daily,” he explained. “Our society continues to demand more and more electricity every day. We consistently have labor shortages all over this country in the construction industry. By stocking, selling, and offering new technology in the tools and equipment space we provide solutions for our contractors that save them time and money. In a lot of cases our solutions allow them to do their jobs more efficiently with fewer people.”
Looking ahead, Kenny noted he would like to progress his sales career in the electrical industry. “I eventually plan expand my sales skills and venture into an outside sales role where I can learn the gear, lighting, and other products we provide for our contractors,” he said. “If I can understand our business from other areas this will only help develop my leadership skills to prepare myself for another role in management down the road.”
What would Kenny tell someone new to the industry? “If you are looking for a fast-paced sales environment this industry never has a dull day,” he said. “There are so many avenues and career opportunities that come your way.”
Kenny grew up in Colorado and is no stranger to the amazing weather and outdoors. “With the mountains in our backyard my family loves to camp, hunt, fish, mountain bike, hike, and ski,” he said, adding “Our three-year-old son and one-year-old daughter old keep me on my toes. We spend a lot of time at playgrounds and we also love attending [football] Broncos and [hockey] Avalanche games.”
Each year tED magazine recognizes 30 of the industry’s best and brightest under the age of 35. Please visit tedmag.com/30Under35 for nomination information and updates about the 2025 program. Questions can be sent to tED Editor Misty Byers at mbyers@naed.org.
Tagged with 2024 30 Under 35, 30 under 35, people