SOUTHERN PINES, N.C. — Changing business locations can be challenging. But often, it’s for a good cause. City Electric Supply (CES) recently experienced a branch move. Not just once, but three times in the last 18 months. CES Dunn moved in late 2021, and CES Sanford NC received an upgrade in 2022. Most recently, after 20 years of business in a facility they had outgrown, CES Southern Pines completed their move to a bigger and newer location. The moves have been part of helping grow the Sandhills district in southeast North Carolina.
“All of the relocations have helped us tremendously already. It’s been great for everyone,” said District Manager Joey Barefoot.
Moving during the hottest and most humid days of the year, the CES teams banded together to help one another. Despite all the challenges, CES Southern Pines never closed its doors to customers.
Barefoot explained, “Generally, you have about 90 days to relocate once you decide to move a location when a lease changes. You have to be ready to find a property and get it remodeled. Then, you have to pack up all the inventory and move it. CES remained open for business throughout the process, and that’s something I take pride in.”
The branch teams from across the district rallied together to pack up all the inventory and move materials quickly.
“When one of us moves, the CES family pulls together to help each other out,” said Barefoot. “I’m very fortunate to have a close-knit group of team members in my district. It makes things like relocating a lot easier.”
This reflects the company’s family-first approach and coming together when needed.
Barefoot explained, “That’s the CES way. When one teammate needs help, we all pitch in and lend a hand. It falls in with our model of being a family-owned business and how we pull together when someone needs it.”
While relocating may have been seamless, it wasn’t always easy. Moves are quick, especially for branches already balancing deadlines and orders.
“It’s fast-paced. You have deadlines, and customers rely on you for materials to complete their projects. It’s a lot of coordination, but it’s all worth it,” explained Barefoot.
But the reward is there in the end. Team members find it empowering to get a fresh start in a new location—to plant a seed and watch their new and improved branch grow. If there’s any advice Barefoot can share with others contemplating a move, it’s to stay focused and persistent.
“You have to be on top of your game every day,” he said.
The Sandhills district manager recommends making a checklist and reviewing it once, twice, or even three times. That way, everything is covered—and team members can continue serving customers to the very best of their abilities.
Recently, CES Southern Pines celebrated their grand re-opening with over 100 customers and members of the community.
If you haven’t yet, stop by the new location and say hello!
