Today’s Distributor Spotlight features Lafayette Electronic Supply, a local distributor of electronic components and accessories based out of Lafayette, Indiana. Lafayette Electronic Supply is a full-line distributor and retailer of electronic parts and systems and serves customers within surrounding communities and neighboring states.
In the late 1950’s, Lafayette started off as a small store formerly known as CWY Electronics. The store was founded by three local businessmen—Jess Young, Bill Whitely, and Slim Cowden—who came together to offer television and radio repair to city locals. As time passed, CWY Electronics moved on to provide services and products for cable TV supply businesses.
Once CWY Electronics sold off its electronics division, the was store renamed to Lafayette Electronic Supply in 1988. After working with Lafayette for 23 years, one employee, Jim VanLaere, moved on to work as a local contractor. While his duties focused on tending to sales and quotes, his understanding of the electrical maintenance industry grew. Working with MP Baker Electric for 10 years added to that knowledge, which subsequently gave him the tools to start up his own electrical contracting service known as Electric and More, LLC in 2009.
With a huge desire for continuous inventory expansion, building excellent product lines and with a great understanding of the business, an opportunity to come full circle with Lafayette Electronic Supply presented itself. This led to Jim and his wife Debra to purchase the store last November.
“Jim knew that Lafayette Electronic Supply and Electric and More would be able to work well together and complement each other,” Debra said. “Jim still owns Electric and More and our son Josh VanLaere and nephew Dave Whaley manage it currently.”
Not only has Lafayette been able to provide electrical solutions and products, but their outreach to customers and audiences beyond the retail industry and contractors have seen major milestones.
Lafayette was recently recognized as one of the radio-energy partners of Purdue University Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers after having provided discounts and assistance with Microwave Theory and Techniques Society’s Microwaves in Internet Delivery project.
“We have worked diligently to get our name out to the Lafayette and West Lafayette community,” Debra said. “So far we’ve been doing that by advertising via radio and television ads. We have also increased inventory by at least 25% to make sure that we have products in stock.”
Are you searching for an electrical retailer that excels in providing solutions to fit your project? Then it’s time to get in touch with Lafayette today! Lafayette Electronic Supply is located at 405 N. Earl Ave, STE B, Lafayette, IN 47904. For more information about Lafayette and its services, please visit http://www.lafayetteelectronicsupply.com/