SAINT LOUIS, Mo. – Schaeffer Marketing Group has announced that the co-founder, Michael “Mike” Schaeffer, will be retiring at the end of 2021, after over forty-five years of service, and his daughter, Kris Steiger, will succeed him. With over twenty years of experience in the industry, Steiger has managed the company as President and principal owner in recent years.
Steiger stated, “My dad put his blood, sweat and tears into building this company, earning a reputation in this industry of which we all can be proud. His tireless efforts to serve our customers, to promote our manufacturers and to support our team have inspired me through the years. Together, my parents built this company on a foundation of integrity and a strong work ethic.”
Schaeffer started his electrical career in 1965 as an electrician’s helper at Sachs Electric. He graduated from Missouri University of Science and Technology with a BS in Engineering Management in 1970. While working for Southwestern Bell as a plant engineer, he earned a Professional Engineer license and an MBA from Washington University. Schaeffer cofounded the rep agency Schaeffer Sales Inc. in 1976. Notably, the agency still represents those original manufacturers: Carlon, now part of ABB/Thomas & Betts, and Prime Conduit.
With his wife Brenda, Schaeffer reorganized the agency in 1997 as Schaeffer Marketing Group, Inc., with both performing outside sales and management. In 2014, the agency merged with Ajax Electrical Sales and merged with LEC Co. in April of 2021. The agency has grown to become a full-line hybrid specification supply and lighting agency.
Schaeffer said, “I want to express my deep gratitude to all the manufacturers who trusted us to represent them, and to all the current and retired team members at Schaeffer Marketing Group for their dedicated service. I have no doubt that under Kris’ leadership, Schaeffer Marketing Group will continue to reach new heights of excellence.”
Mike and Brenda will serve on the board of Schaeffer Marketing Group while traveling to see grandkids and family. Mike plans to stay active with the Electrical Board of Missouri and Illinois.
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