TEMPLE, Texas — Forty-five minutes north of Texas’ capital, Austin, sits Temple, Texas. At the crossroads between I-35 and the slated I-14 to run from El Paso, Texas to Georgia, Temple has experienced a 19% increase in Jobs from 2009-2019 and a 17% percent population increase during that timeframe, as well, according to the Temple Economic Development Corporation.
“The growth happening in the Temple area is incredible,” said District Manager John Moreno. “CES is glad we could put a branch here to help service customers to the best of our abilities.”
Not only is Temple close to major metropolitan cities, but it also sits just half an hour outside of Fort Hood Military Base, the largest active-duty armored post in the country, according to Military Installations. The CES Temple team started looking for a location in July of last year. Wanting to pick the best location possible, they signed a lease over 10 months ago and began renovations to make the branch look the absolute best.
“The coolest part of this renovation process for the team was getting to use local construction companies and contractors to help us turn it into the ideal spot,” said Branch Manager Keith Kellum. “Getting to build those relationships in the community is important to us. Tamlite provided the lighting inside the branch, and it was really cool to see things come full circle when putting the branch together.”
CES Temple is led by Kellum, an electrical industry veteran who joined the industry over three decades ago. Currently wrapping up his 32nd year in the industry, Kellum has experience in all areas of distribution. Starting his career in New Orleans and moving to Texas, Kellum is a former branch manager of another CES location.
“I was a branch manager at one of our Austin locations prior to this,” said Kellum. “I’m grateful to have the opportunity to lead this new location, and I’m excited to see the success to come for this branch.”
“Overall, it’s exciting to know CES has a location here,” said Moreno. “I am looking forward to seeing how Keith develops the team in Temple and see how the CES presence expands from here.”
The CES Temple team has its own set of strengths related to experience. But what brought them all to CES and what makes them excited for the future of the branch is the family feeling that comes with working at CES.
“CES is a family-friendly environment and allows me to treat my customers as such,” said Kellum. “We treat everyone that comes through the doors as long-time customer, and I’m glad we are allowed to run this branch with a personable touch.”
What is the CES Temple team looking forward to the most? Meeting everyone in the community.
“We are service driven. That’s where we’re going to shine. You give us a call, and we will do our best to make your needs happen as soon as possible,” said Kellum. “That’s preached to CES employees daily, and it’s something we take to heart here. My team and I look forward to serving everyone to the best of our ability.”
Tagged with City Electric Supply