“Telecom business is jumping toward us,” Corbett said. “Cable, distribution equipment, grounding, and bonding conductors, these aren’t things that every branch keeps on hand. It’s a very specific set of products, but where we are, it’s in demand because so many people are working from home. Keeping specialized supplies like this stocked is crucial for our partnership with essential businesses. They need solutions fast, and we’re proud to give it to them.”
When essential businesses were selected, Corbett was contacted by customers across his district asking if the branches would be able to assist in the coming weeks and months.
“Very early on, these customers that support the wireless and telecom businesses were worried about getting the materials they needed to keep cell towers and other network structures running,” Corbett said. “We assured them of our essential status and that we were prepared to help them with anything on a daily basis.”
Maintaining the connection to wireless networks is not an easy task. It includes, but is not limited to, regular everyday maintenance and the construction of new cell towers for AT&T, Verizon, and other network providers. A lot of towers are located in very remote areas, so keeping necessary materials on hand is crucial to saving time when it matters most.
“These cell towers are not in the most convenient places. Some are on sides of mountains or way out in the country on farms. Pretty much anywhere that is difficult to get to is where you can expect to find some of our customers, so they have to be prepared with very special equipment and materials for any situation,” Corbett said. “That’s where we come in.”
A part of what makes CES branches unique is their ability to help at moment’s notice.
“These customers don’t just work 9 to 5. If anything happens in the middle of the night, we have to be prepared to help them out. Some have even asked us about that specifically,” Corbett said. “This service is what makes us special. We stay ready because our customers have to. It’s a challenge, but it’s what makes us such an important partner to all types of essential businesses.”
CES branches understand the flexibility and commitment needed to supply essential businesses during these times.
“Right now, we’re either shipping directly to our customers and their jobsites, or we deliver it. Our drivers are often up at 5 a.m. to make sure everything gets delivered on time. We’ve had urgent orders get delivered all the way out to Tennessee from nearby branches. Being able to provide this level of service in a time like this is what being an essential supplier is all about. Our customers want to know that they can depend on us, and we’re never going to say we can’t do something for them if it’s possible.”
CES is a family-owned electrical wholesale distributor headquartered in Dallas, Texas. The company was founded in 1951 by Tom Mackie in the United Kingdom and expanded to the United States in 1983. Today, CES employs more than 3,000 people in over 500 branches across the U.S. CES provides personalized service and support for customers in the residential, commercial, and industrial marketplace.
