Michael Daake, 33
Area Manager for Colorado
Elliott Electric Supply
Mike entered the electrical distribution field in August 2016 and joined Elliott Electric Supply in March 2018. “I graduated from the University of Nebraska at Kearney with a degree in Supply Chain Management. My wife received a job offer located in Scottsdale, Ariz., so I was looking for opportunities there where I could put my degree to use,” he recalled. “I was one of the first people hired in Arizona when Elliott moved out here. I started at the counter and progressed to inside sales. After we opened three branches in Arizona, I was promoted into the area operations role to assist the area manager.” In late 2025 Mike was promoted to his current role of area manager for Colorado.
Mike noted that one of the biggest appeals of distribution when he first started was that there are many different avenues he could take, and each day would be slightly different. “It still appeals to me because I love solving problems and overcoming challenges,” he said. “When problems arise in my area, I have found that between our local management team, our salesmen, and me, we are generally able to find a solution that fixes our customers’ problem.”
Asked about a challenge the industry is currently facing, Mike pointed to not having enough educated and trained people to take care of the growing market. “In my position I am tasked with building up our employees and making sure they are getting the training needed to provide value to our customers, including keeping up with evolving technology,” he said.
Looking ahead, Mike noted that his goal is to become an area manager. “Currently, I am working with my mentor, Quentin Bell, to continue to learn from him and how he makes decisions in certain situations,” he explained. “I also continue to work with our sales team to make sure we are asking for every order we can and with our store managers in the area to make sure our processes are streamlined and that all our operational procedures are followed as we continue to grow in Arizona.”
What would Mike tell someone just entering the industry? “Showing up with a great attitude, having a positive work ethic, and taking pride in what you do will put you ahead of most people,” he said. “If you approach your career with a mindset that you want to learn, work hard, and try new things, we can teach you the technical part of it.”
When he’s not at work, Mike enjoys spending time with his two-year-old son. “I like swimming with him, hiking, and I enjoy the occasional round of golf,” he said, adding, “I am a huge Nebraska Cornhusker fan and will watch any sport they play. Also, another fun fact about me: I’m training for my first triathlon!”
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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 2026 program. Questions can be sent to tED Editor Misty Byers at mbyers@naed.org.
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