Ernie Lester
(November 8, 1928 - April 9, 1996)

While working as a salesman for the Pass & Seymour company in 1958, he and his wife Carol agreed to risk self-employment over so called "job security" and he created Lester Sales Company, a manufacturer's representative sales agency. Within a brief time, the company grew from a home office into a highly respected, prosperous company that today employs 36 people and more importantly, in his words, "supports 36 families." In March of 1996, the Electric League of Indiana recognized his contributions to the industry and honored him with a lifetime achievement award.

As an employer, he inspired tremendous loyalty among those who work at Lester Sales Company, as evidenced by the fact that many of the them have been there for more than twenty years. Peggy Wright, his secretary, recently retired after twenty-five years of devoted service. His client relationships were also marked by unusual longevity. Within the electrical business, his was known as "the best place to work." His motto, "straight shooters always win" is represented by the company logo, an archer. He especially loved putting the logo on gift items; hundreds of friends and customers across the country received the logo on thousands of pens, desk accessories, golf balls, shirts, sweaters, and coffee mugs over the years --so much so, he was available for teasing on the subject, too. A few years ago, as a Christmas gift, co-workers jokingly had the logo embroidered for him on a dozen pairs of underwear.

Insuring that Lester Sales Company would prosper beyond his semi-retirement, about 9 years ago, at Ernie's insistence, Brian Chase, whose history with the company dates to 1974, took over the daily responsibilities of managing and leading the company, and with Ernie's passing, officially holds the title of president. Jere Crawley, another longtime associate at the company since 1975, and Ernie's close friend, is vice president. As he planned all along, the future of the company is in good, experienced hands.