Jordan Grimm, 35
Area Manager—Southern Colorado
Rexel
Jordan got his start in the industry as a summer intern at Van Meter Inc. in the summer of 2008 and was hired full-time in 2011.
“I joined Rexel’s outside sales team in April 2020—during COVID-19—and it was a wild time to start,” he said, adding that he became branch manager in July 2021 and was promoted to his current role in November 2023. “I was recruited by Barry Boyer (president of Van Meter at the time), and he really got me to love the industry and see myself having a career in the business. I could see how we were making a difference in the communities we served. I really connected with the customer base and loved the variety of products and services that electrical distribution can offer. But most of all, I was intrigued by the potential. I saw a future within the industry and was excited to spend my career learning all that it has to offer.”
That excitement about the future of the industry continues to appeal to Jordan. “I see so much potential and opportunity coming over the next 10, 20, 30 years,” he said. “Now, as a leader, I’m also excited about the next generation of people coming into the industry. The electrical industry is transforming to become more technology and services driven, which is a lot more appealing and helps to attract talented people. There is a lot of momentum in our industry with government programs that will bring more business with new technology like AI and blockchain.”
Asked about a problem or challenge the industry is currently facing, Jordan pointed to the question of how to provide more value to customers and vendor partners. “We have seen how fragile the supply chain is with the pandemic,” he explained. “It has caused a lot of volatility with demand, and we are still working with our vendor partners to smooth everything out from that. As we go through challenges like this, we need to find unique solutions to keep our customers supplied with what they need. That takes a lot of creativity and innovation, which ultimately comes down to the quality of your people.”
To help meet that challenge, Jordan said, “First and foremost, I’m trying to hire the best people we can to help us think creatively and solve those problems. In addition to that, I keep close relationships with customers and vendor partners to understand what challenges they face and how we can work together to overcome those challenges.”
Jordan admitted he tries not to focus too much on the next steps in his career so he doesn’t lose sight of where he is right now. “The best way to prepare for the next step is to grow the role you are in,” he said. “If anything, I’m focused on putting my team in the best possible position to succeed and give them exposure to growth opportunities. There are many people who work for me or that I work with who will be great leaders someday, and I pour my efforts into them.”
To someone just entering the industry, Jordan has these words of advice: “Always be a student of the business and look for new ways to add value to your customers, to your company, and to your suppliers.”
Outside of work, Jordan spends time coaching youth sports and throwing or kicking a ball around the backyard with his four boys. “I love being outside and soaking in all that Colorado has to offer,” he said. “I love to hunt, golf, and snowboard and we get into the mountains any chance we get.”
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 2025 program. Questions can be sent to tED Editor Misty Byers at mbyers@naed.org.
Tagged with 2024 30 Under 35, 30 under 35, people, Rexel