Anthony Bottino, 32
District Manager
City Electric Supply
Anthony got his start in the electrical industry in 2006, working as an apprentice for an electrical contractor during his sophomore summer in the Electrical Program at Cape Cod Regional Technical High School—but it would take a few more years before he found his path in electrical distribution.
“I found myself in the electrical wholesale field by luck,” he recalled. “After graduating in 2009, my girlfriend of two years (she’s now my wife) was pregnant with our first child. The economy was in bad shape on Cape Cod. I applied to every electrical contractor within two hours of my house with no luck. I applied to every grocery store and fast-food restaurant I could find. Still no luck. In January 2010, after months of looking for a job and a baby due in two months, I saw a listing at CES for a delivery driver position at a warehouse an hour from my house. I thought it would be a perfect opportunity to meet some electricians and get back into the field.”
After about three months Anthony was promoted to counter sales—and began to see the potential. “I was pleasantly surprised when I met the district manager at the time [Jaime Marujo, CES’s current vice president of operations] and learned about how he started and worked his way up to a very successful career. He told me I could do the same if I put in the work and stay focused. It was then I realized this could be a life-changing opportunity for myself and for my growing family.”
Anthony secured an operations manager position in May 2011, was promoted to branch manager in May 2015, and opened a new branch for City Electric Supply in Hyannis, Mass. He ran the Hyannis location until his promotion to district manager in May 2022.
Asked what continues to appeal to him about the industry, Anthony noted that 13 years ago, he was focused on growing his career, and today it has shifted to mentoring others: “I enjoyed all the personal goals I reached, including becoming a top 15 branch in the United States. However, years later, I wanted to be able to provide others with the opportunities that were presented to me when I needed someone to give me a chance. The ability to see people change their lives is something I find more rewarding than any of the individual gains I experienced early in my career. Furthermore, the more we empower people and coach them, the more successful we are as a team.”
To help inspire others to join the field, Anthony talks openly about success stories in the industry and all the opportunities that are available to people. “I don’t typically take the time to look back at my personal growth, but through this process for the tED magazine 30 Under 35 recognition, I have had a chance to really look back at where I started and where I am today,” he said. “Thirteen years ago, I was faced with employment challenges. Today, I am fortunate to provide the same opportunities I was given with CES. That is proof that there are ample opportunities in this industry, and I try to make sure that message is relayed to new CES team members. It’s important for people to know that this is a career option and can turn into something great if you are patient, self-motivated, and hard working.”
Asked about future goals, Anthony admitted that he has visions of where his career will go long term, “My next goal is to hire and promote as many people as possible, and to open branches for CES,” he said. “CES gives local teams the autonomy to make decisions in the market, and I hope to turn that into something special for a lot of people who are ready to step up to the challenge. Opening a new location is a very rewarding process and I look forward to providing that opportunity to more people.”
What would Anthony tell someone just entering the industry? “I think it’s important that we educate people on the opportunities within the industry,” he said. “If you would have told me in 2009 that I could start out as a warehouse worker and turn that into a district manager title in 12 years’ time, I would never have believed it. It’s 100% possible if you are working for the right company and the right people.”
When he’s not working, Anthony can be found spending time with his family. “I have four children between the ages of five and 13, so that takes up most of my time that isn’t spent working,” said. “I started lifting weights again about five years ago, and also enjoy playing basketball, fishing, boating, and taking some time to focus on myself. I enjoy what I do, and being a father is my greatest joy in life, but I also need to remember that I am still Anthony, the person. It’s very easy to lose sight of this in the daily shuffle of life. I can’t stress enough to anyone I know that it’s important to maintain your identity as a person and to fill your glass.”
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 2024 program. Questions can be sent to tED Editor Misty Byers at mbyers@naed.org.
Tagged with 2023 30 Under 35, 30 under 35, City Electric Supply, people