Jackson, MS — Irby – Tulsa, a subsidiary of Sonepar USA, celebrated its 30th anniversary on October 29, 2014, by hosting a dinner for past and present employees as well as key vendors that have been with Irby Tulsa since the day the doors opened. The next day, Irby’s Great Outdoor Adventure Counter Day was held in conjunction with an appreciation event for our valued customers to continue with the celebration of this landmark event. One lucky customer was awarded the ultimate entertainment package that included a 55″ TV, surround sound and Blu-Ray DVD player. To commemorate this significant milestone, a special “30 year” branding logo was designed and used throughout the year for marketing collateral, invitations and customer promotional items such as shirts, pens and key chains.
This branch was originally acquired on February 29, 1984. When the company, formerly known as EDI, was purchased by Irby, there were only 5 employees. Today the branch currently has 31 employees, which include employees such as Rick Hall who has worked at this location since the doors opened. This is now a C&I and Utility location.
C&I Branch Manager, Lee Netherland, who has been working for Irby for 18 years, says his 10 years in Tulsa have been his best years. His advice for running a successful branch includes “recruiting, hiring, and retaining the best employees possible. Take care of these quality employees, spend the money to train them, and instill the Irby commitment to offer the best customer service.” He continued with, “Never allow the phrase ‘good customer service’ to become just a worn out phrase. Commit to providing the absolute best customer service and practice it every day!” He also attributes success to finding the best quality vendors to work with, which include some that have been working with this branch since day one such as Square D, Crouse-Hinds, Thomas & Betts, Hubbell Wiring Device, Lithonia, Southwire and Sylvania, just to name a few. Finally, Netherland says he is looking forward to another 30 years of success in this market working with Irby employees and valuable customers.
Irby was founded in 1926 and is based in Jackson, Mississippi. The company has 59 locations in 25 states. The employees of Irby serve customers with innovative products and services in four major market segments – industrial, contractor, commercial and utility. To find out more, go to www.irby.com.
Headquartered in Philadelphia PA, Sonepar USA is part of Sonepar group worldwide organization, a global player in electrical equipment distribution. The Sonepar Group is present in 41 countries. To find out more, go to www.sonepar-us.com.
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