An Electrical Sales Agency Leader Since 1958
Lester Sales Company was founded in 1958 by Ernie Lester. His vision was to offer the premier level of representation for the top electrical manufacturers in the industry. Ernie’s success was due largely to his ability to locate, recruit and hire the best possible sales team who shared his vision of “being the best” and representing “only the best”. After Ernie’s passing, the agency was led by Arnie Haley from 1988 until 2012.
John Scott joined Lester Sales in 2009 and spent three years developing a deeper knowledge of the agency sales business. John purchased Lester Sales in 2012. John has over twenty years of experience in electrical distribution and holds a master degree in Industrial Distribution from Texas A&M University. Under his leadership, the company has continued Ernie’s legacy by building their future success on a foundation of strong relationships with employees, manufacturers and customers.
Ernie Lester establishes Lester Sales Company.
Lester Sales becomes representative for ADVANCE.
Lester Sales becomes representative for HOFFMAN.
Lester Sales becomes representative for P&S.
Lester Sales becomes representative for Perma-Cote.
Arnie Haley joined Lester Sales and ran the company until 2012.
John Scott joins Lester Sales as VP.
John Scott acquires Lester Sales.
Rick Gill joins Lester Sales as VP-Sales and Operations.
John Scott launches ARCHER LIGHTING – new lighting agency partnered with Philips.
Kevin Wood joins Lester Sales as VP-Sales for the Ohio market.
Expansion in Ohio continues adding 6 new lines.
Purchased new building at 3233 N. Post Rd.
Continue to grow our territory by expanding into Southern Illinois and Eastern Missouri
Moving north into Michigan with 4 new lines!
Following the yellow brick road into Kansas!
Timeline:
1958
Ernie Lester establishes Lester Sales Company.
1961
Lester Sales becomes representative for ADVANCE.
1970
Lester Sales becomes representative for HOFFMAN.
1982
Lester Sales becomes representative for P&S.
1986
Lester Sales becomes representative for Perma-Cote.
1988
Arnie Haley joined Lester Sales and ran the company until 2012.
2009
John Scott joins Lester Sales as VP.
2012
John Scott acquires Lester Sales.
2013
Rick Gill joins Lester Sales as VP-Sales and Operations.
2013
John Scott launches ARCHER LIGHTING – new lighting agency partnered with Philips.
2015
Kevin Wood joins Lester Sales as VP-Sales for the Ohio market.
2017
Expansion in Ohio continues adding 6 new lines.
2018
Purchased new building at 3233 N. Post Rd.
2019
Continue to grow our territory by expanding into Southern Illinois and Eastern Missouri
2020
Moving north into Michigan with 4 new lines!
2021
Following the yellow brick road into Kansas!