Ideal Electrical Supply Corp

When Jan Adams completed her 24-year career in the U.S. Air Force, she carried with her more than the honor of service. She brought with her a framework of discipline, accountability, and leadership that would later guide the future of Ideal Electrical Supply Corp, the wholesale electrical distributor she now leads as president and CEO.

For Adams, military life was a crucible in which she learned to manage people, lead with purpose, and hold herself and others to the highest standards. Those same qualities now underpin Ideal Electrical Supply Corp, giving the company a natural edge in a highly competitive market.

The military taught Adams that discipline is non-negotiable, deadlines are sacred, and accountability builds trust. It also gave her what she calls a servant mindset, the belief that leadership is about removing obstacles so that others can succeed. At Ideal Electrical Supply Corp, this means fostering an environment where employees are supported, customers are heard, and promises are kept.

More than a retired Chief Master Sergeant, Adams is also a disabled veteran, a perspective that deepens her commitment to resilience, service, and giving others the tools to succeed.

“After spending 24 years in the service providing support and freedoms for our country, I learned how to be a great manager and leader. I took those skills into the corporate world, where customer service is first and foremost, and every person we hire must share that focus,” she says.

Her approach is informed by her work at Ideal and also by her experience leading another business in the aviation sector, where she has seen firsthand how timely support can make the difference between survival and success.

Carrying a Legacy Forward with Generational Strength

The story of Ideal Electrical Supply Corp is one of continuity and renewal. The company has been in business for over 30 years, with deep ties to major manufacturers and a reputation for reliability, flexibility, and scalability. Although Adams acquired the company just four years ago, her leadership has already added a new chapter to its history. With a veteran’s perspective, she has built on the company’s established strengths while steering it toward new opportunities in technology, services, and customer relationships.

Central to the company’s identity is its family-oriented culture. Adams’s son Ron serves as her second-in-command, bringing his own practical experience in housing, construction, boat maintenance, housing renovations, and low-voltage work. His aptitude for conflict resolution has surprised even Adams, who has watched him excel in leadership and foster strong relationships with clients and employees alike.
The presence of family in leadership reinforces the sense of loyalty and shared mission that runs through the company, while also ensuring that Ideal Electrical Supply Corp remains grounded in values rather than just transactions.

Communication holds the Key

Trust has always been the bridge between the company and its clients. In an industry where relationships are as important as products, Ideal Electrical Supply Corp prioritizes effective communication. Adams and her team regularly reach out to clients to understand gaps and opportunities for improvement. This practice helps address minor issues before they become major problems, ensuring that clients never feel neglected.

The company also expects clients to hold them accountable, creating a partnership based on transparency and mutual responsibility. For Adams, this two-way accountability strengthens the bond between supplier and customer, ensuring that both sides remain focused on shared goals. Underlying all these efforts is a commitment to integrity, a value Adams ranks alongside discipline and accountability as the foundation of every client relationship.

While these principles guide its client relationships, the company is candid about the challenges it faces. Competing against billion-dollar corporations is a constant reality for a smaller distributor. Large competitors buy in bulk, securing lower prices from manufacturers that smaller firms cannot easily match. As a result, Ideal Electrical Supply Corp sometimes faces pricing disadvantages. Adams has addressed this by engaging in honest conversations with manufacturers, explaining her position and seeking growth opportunities.

These discussions yield better terms that allow Ideal Electrical Supply Corp to compete more effectively. All these efforts have reinforced the loyalty of clients who value the personalized service, reliability, and integrity that a small business can offer.

Meeting Diverse and Large-Scale Client Demands

The range of services Ideal Electrical Supply Corp provides is broad and vital. At its core, the company offers a full spectrum of electrical components for commercial, industrial, utility, and government projects. This includes wiring, conduit, circuit breakers, switchgear, and transformers.

Partnerships with tier-one manufacturers, such as Siemens, ensure that customers receive products renowned for their quality and reliability. The relationship, in particular, signals credibility, as the manufacturer’s long-standing reputation adds assurance for clients who rely on Ideal for critical projects.

Lighting solutions represent another area of expertise, with the company delivering both interior and exterior lighting, including advanced LED systems. Projects have ranged from commercial buildings to stadiums and transit systems, demonstrating the company’s ability to meet diverse and large-scale demands. Utility support is also a significant part of the business.

Ideal Electrical Supply Corp provides materials nationwide, often in urgent situations where power outages or natural disasters require immediate action. With drop-ship capabilities and just-in-time delivery, the company ensures that materials reach their destinations swiftly, supporting efforts to restore power and maintain infrastructure.

Creating Long-Term Relationships Built on Gratitude and Trust

While Ideal Electrical Supply Corp currently focuses on distribution, Adams is already looking toward the future. She envisions expanding services to include installation, responding to frequent client inquiries about whether the company can provide electricians, as well as other components. She also sees potential in emerging areas such as EV charging infrastructure and data center projects, both of which are experiencing rapid growth.

By pursuing opportunities with contractors building these facilities, Adams hopes to position Ideal Electrical Supply Corp as a trusted partner in the evolving energy and technology landscape.

Beyond the core services, Ideal Electrical Supply Corp distinguishes itself through a willingness to support smaller companies as they strive to establish themselves. In some cases, the company extends credit terms to businesses that lack strong credit histories, allowing them the flexibility to pay once their own projects are paid. This practice carries risk, yet Adams views it as an extension of her belief in giving back. Having received support at different points in her own life, she values the chance to provide the same for others.

“Our efforts have helped several small businesses strengthen their financial footing and grow, creating long-term relationships built on gratitude and trust,” says Adams.

The Expert Team Leading the Charge

The company’s success also rests on the expertise and dedication of its team. David, the controller, has been with Ideal for many years, maintaining meticulous oversight of finances and vendor relations. His attention to detail ensures the company remains financially sound and responsive. Larry, the director of construction, brings decades of experience, including years with Siemens, making him an expert in switchgear and transformers. His ability to read schematics and assess project requirements is invaluable for large-scale construction efforts.

Antonio manages the warehouse, a 20,000-square-foot facility that handles daily deliveries across the region. His leadership ensures that operations run smoothly and efficiently. Grace leads the utilities division, leveraging her in-depth knowledge of the sector to strengthen Ideal’s role in the critical infrastructure supply chain.

Together, these leaders embody the operational excellence that underpins the company’s reputation.

The Willingness to Embrace Change

Looking ahead, Adams envisions growth with purpose. She is exploring the creation of an over-the-counter operation, while the current location's challenges, such as limited parking, may require relocation. She sees potential in expanding marketing efforts, having already wrapped company trucks with QR codes to make it easier for prospects to connect online.

Recruiting and developing talent is another priority. Recognizing the difficulty of finding experienced sales professionals in the electrical supply field, Ideal Electrical Supply Corp is working to attract younger employees to start in warehouse operations, grooming them for higher roles as they gain product knowledge. This approach reflects Adams’ long-term view of leadership development and her desire to create career paths within the company.

Technology is also at the center of future plans. Adams is particularly interested in how artificial intelligence can streamline inventory management, supply chain processes, and customer platforms. She imagines a future where real-time tracking, ordering, and data analysis enhance efficiency and customer satisfaction. Her curiosity about AI reflects her broader mindset: one of innovation, exploration, and a willingness to embrace change.

Charting the Path Ahead

Ideal Electrical Supply Corp’s future is about intentional growth. Expanding services, embracing new technologies, and maintaining integrity remain guiding principles. The company’s story is both a continuation of its 30-year history and a new chapter under Adams’ leadership.

By blending military values, family leadership, client trust, and innovative vision, Ideal Electrical Supply Corp has positioned itself as a trusted partner in powering communities, supporting infrastructure, and helping other businesses thrive.

It is apt to say that Ideal Electrical Supply Corp is a reflection of its leader’s journey. From the discipline of military service to the challenges of entrepreneurship, from family bonds to national infrastructure, the company embodies resilience, service, and integrity. Its path forward is bright, powered by the same values that have carried it this far and guided by a leader who wakes in the night with new ideas, ready to build the future one project at a time.