Ryan Peterson, 30
Outside Sales
Elliott Electric Supply
Ryan graduated from Texas A&M in December 2019 and started with Elliott Electric Supply the following January. “I was introduced to Elliott Electric through a golf tournament held by my major (PAID at Texas A&M for the Industrial Distribution major),” he recalled. “I’ve always loved the look of a clean electrical install and knew I wanted to go into sales. I clicked with the Elliott crew and did an internship that summer in Austin.” An internship in Houston followed in summer 2019 and Ryan was hired on after that.
Ryan has been with Elliott-Houston ever since. “I started at our NW Houston RDC through our LDP and spent the first year finishing the LDP program,” he said. “I moved to our Pasadena RDC in mid-2021 and was promoted to inside sales at the end of that year. I then worked inside sales on strategic industrial accounts until May 2025 when I got promoted to outside sales. I’m currently in the outside sales role (Industrial/OEM) and have completed NAED’s EPEC Bronze and Silver. Elliott has been great to me, and I look forward to our growth in the Industrial and OEM markets.”
Ryan said it was Elliott’s culture and ownership that first appealed to him. “Everything was very efficient, and all of the management was very professional and just good people,” he said. “The electrical market continues to appeal to me due to the many different applications. Whether it’s switchgear, special panel builds, MCCs…there’s always something I feel like a novice at. It keeps me sharp!”
Asked about an issue the industry is currently facing, Ryan pointed to lead times/stock. “With the immense pressure and workload of the electrical needs now, stock is king,” he explained. “Elliott has done a good job placing larger stock orders and branching out to stock items that others might not be willing to. I’ve been working with our folks to run personal hotshot deliveries to them when I can to help get projects out quickly. What sales rep doesn’t though? It’s a part of the job. We might be sick for loving the work, but it’s fun!”
Looking ahead, Ryan said his next career goal is finishing NAED’s EPEC Gold and to get within the top six sales reps in his area. “I’m planning to make time for EPEC Gold by getting more efficient with my accounts to make time. I’m also planning a weekly call schedule to improve my sales and improve Elliott’s market share,” he noted.
What would Ryan tell someone just entering the industry? “Talk to the folks making things happen,” he said. “Talk to your sales reps and your tenured managers—there’s a million things you can learn from them. Keep at your work, do good work, and your managers will notice and will help you reach your goals.”
When he’s not at work, Ryan can often be found on the golf course. “I played golf all through middle school/high school/college,” he said, noting he played on the club team at Texas A&M. “I make that clear to everyone who asks me about my golf so they don’t get it confused with playing on the main golf team! I enjoy playing and always love to connect with customers/vendors/co-workers on the course.” He can also be found on the pickleball court. “It’s good to get out there to work up a sweat and make those annoying ‘dink’ noises,” he laughed. “I’ve learned to share my hobbies with everyone I come into contact with. There’s nothing better than connecting with a customer/vendor/co-worker outside of the office doing something you both enjoy.”
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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 2027 program. Questions can be sent to tED Editor Misty Byers at mbyers@naed.org.
Tagged with 2026 30 Under 35, 30 under 35, Elliott Electric Supply, people