Trevor Lewis, 35
Regional Operations Director
Summit Electric Supply
Trevor’s journey in the industry began in the field as an apprentice electrician during his summers at Texas A&M University. “While I didn’t initially realize the sheer scale of the electrical industry, a career fair encounter with Summit Electric shifted my perspective,” he recalled. “I joined the company in February 2014, literally starting from the ground up in the warehouse—pulling orders, managing inventory, and making deliveries.”
That foundational “boots on the ground” experience was invaluable as Trevor moved through the ranks: from counter sales, where he honed his product knowledge, to inside sales and, eventually, inside sales supervisor. “In 2019, I stepped into the role of operations manager for our Dallas branch—one of the largest in our footprint—before being promoted to my current role as regional operations director,” he said.
Noting that his time as an apprentice gave him a “field-first” advantage, Trevor explained “I understood how the products we sell are actually installed and utilized by the end-user. What initially appealed to me—and what keeps me driven today—is the unshakeable stability of the industry. Electrical infrastructure is the backbone of modern society. Whether the economy is booming or shifting, the demand for power and innovation never goes away. It’s a field where you can build a lifelong, high-impact career.”
Asked about a challenge the industry is currently facing, Trevor pointed to the “Silver Tsunami” and talent recruitment. “A significant portion of our veteran workforce is approaching retirement, creating a massive knowledge gap,” he explained. “In my position, I am focused on aggressive mentorship and structured succession planning. We aren’t just hiring; we are coaching the next generation to ensure that decades of technical expertise aren’t lost. I prioritize creating clear ‘warehouse-to-director’ pathways, showing new hires that this isn’t just a job—it’s a career with no ceiling.”
Looking ahead, Trevor’s next goal is to transition into the vice president of operations role, overseeing a broader strategic scope of the company’s logistics and supply chain. “I’m preparing by immersing myself in financial oversight and working closely with our executive team to understand how our regional efficiencies impact the company’s bottom line,” he said. “I’m also staying ahead of the curve on automation and digital transformation within our distribution centers.”
What would Trevor tell someone new to the industry? “Learn every ‘why’ behind the ‘what, ’” he said. “Don’t just learn the part numbers; learn why a contractor needs that specific breaker over another. Also, don’t be afraid to start in the warehouse or on the counter. The leaders who truly thrive in this industry are the ones who understand the friction points of the business because they’ve actually lived them. Your credibility in the boardroom starts with your sweat equity in the warehouse.”
When he’s not in the office or visiting branches, Trevor is usually looking for ways to get outdoors and spend time with his family. “I’m an avid traveler and love exploring new destinations, but I’m just as happy closer to home engaging in shooting sports, which I find to be a great way to stay sharp and disciplined,” he said.
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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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