Shelby Petty, 34
Digital Operations Manager
Capital Electric, a Sonepar Company
Shelby started with Capital Electric in June 2014 as a sales and operations trainee (now Sonepar’s STEP program). “I studied Industrial Distribution at Texas A&M University, where I had the opportunity to attend a career fair that connected students with a variety of distributors and manufacturer agents,” she recalled. “During this event, I was fortunate enough to connect with Sonepar. As a graduating senior, I was unsure of the role I wanted in a company or where I could add value. Sonepar’s STEP program was particularly attractive because it allowed associates to learn about the business comprehensively over the course of a year. An important aspect of this program is that you learn directly from the people doing the job, and you are partnered with a variety of departments and functions. It’s a unique program that I am incredibly grateful to have been a part of.”
After a year in the STEP program, Shelby worked as a sales specialist for another year focused on a program and products for residential service contractors before joining Capital’s Digital Solutions Team as a digital sales specialist. “In March 2019, I had the unique opportunity to build a team focused on developing business with our counter locations,” she recalled. “Through that work, I recognized how passionate I had become about the digital space within our business, and I resumed my work with the digital team in May 2020.” In 2023, she moved into her current role of digital operations manager.
“As I began learning from my peers, I quickly recognized that this industry is full of passion and opportunity,” said Shelby when asked what appeals to her about the industry. “People joked with me when I first started that I better like the business because ‘you’ll get stuck’ for the rest of your career (let’s be clear, it’s a good stuck!). While said jokingly, I think the truth in that statement is due to the passion you develop for the people in the business and the endless opportunity within it. Whether you are interested in sales, marketing, supply chain, operations, finance, engineering, project management, product management, data analytics, e-commerce, IT, development, specialty services, you name it—there is a place for you in this industry. The people that you work with often have decades of experience in a variety of roles, and the common denominator is their passion for their work. They are passionate about the customers we serve, the products we offer, and the value we provide. This dedication has kept me engaged in the business for years.”
Asked about a current challenge the industry is facing, Shelby pointed to growing the workforce to support the momentum within the business. “At the same time that segments of our business, like data centers, are projected to grow through 2030, veterans of our business are also retiring in large numbers, taking decades of knowledge and technical expertise with them,” she explained. “This loss is hard to replace and underscores the importance of leveraging existing resources and technology. While there are many talented people in this business (I know 1,150 at Capital alone!), we need more of them. There are strong efforts to attract and retain new talent. As we work to develop these new associates, the work does not slow for our existing ones.”
She noted that this is where the digital team seeks to bring value to associates and customers. “We have several tools that aim to improve productivity, ranging from invoice downloads and order entry automation to material management for flow goods and commercial projects,” she said. “Maximizing adoption of these tools is a team effort. Through training programs, digital marketing, and data analytics, I hope to equip our team and salesforce with the knowledge and awareness needed to maximize adoption and free up some time in their day to focus on the many other things they do to service our customers.”
Looking ahead, Shelby is excited by the innovation taking place within Capital Electric and Sonepar. “I sincerely enjoy collaborating with my peers to identify and implement innovative solutions that drive our business forward,” she said. “As the needs of our business grow, I hope to play a part in the development and adoption of strategic solutions. By volunteering for various committees and ERGs, I aim to keep my finger on the pulse of the industry and expand my knowledge, so I can contribute to our company’s success.”
What would Shelby say to someone new to the industry? “Welcome! Learn as much as you possibly can and do not limit that knowledge to just one part of our business,” she said. “Ask questions, join committees, get involved, raise your hand for opportunities, seek the knowledge of your peers, and build strong relationships with them. Your colleagues can be a great source of information, inspiration, and support. You will find yourself leaning from them often. Those relationships will be one of your greatest assets in this business. Remember, you never know where your career path will take you or what project you’ll be asked to join, so stay open to new experiences and be adaptable. Most importantly, enjoy your journey and make the most of each opportunity that comes your way!”
Currently, outside of work, Shelby’s twin, two-year-old daughters are her biggest interest. “We enjoy playing outside, trying new recipes, checking out local family events, and spending time with friends,” she said. “Over the years my hobbies have included hiking, running, home brewing, traveling, and anything near a body of water. I look forward to exploring many of these again with my young family.”
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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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