Company News: Mike Potter Steps into New Role

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Gordon Electric Supply is excited to announce the newly created position of Operations Development Manager. Mike Potter steps into this role, which will focus on the implementation of procedures and processes at all Gordon locations, after almost years with the company. His knowledge of management information systems and business degrees will aid the growth of the company, looking toward new technology and ideas to improve efficiency. Previously, Mike was an account manager on the Gordon sales team at the Mokena office, and before that worked as a data analyst for an OEM parts distributor in Chicago.

As the grandson of founder, Howard Gordon, Mike has a lifelong connection and family history with Gordon Electric Supply. You can read more about Mike’s new position in the news brief published by the Daily Journal in the May 30, 2020 edition. We look forward to the ideas Mike will bring to the company.

~Kristine Weller 

Feel the Surge

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Sweet summer time! It’s kind of different this year, but soon it will all be over. With summer comes thunderstorms. With thunderstorms comes lightning.

Myself, I love watching storms. I always think of the scene from Caddie Shack. Bill Murray being a caddie in a raging storm, saying “don’t think the heavy stuff’s gonna come down for quite a while.”

With all the electronics in our homes these days, one lightning strike can damage thousands of dollars’ worth of equipment.

To combat this, Intermatic has Surge Protection for a single device or the entire house.

For point-of-use:

The IG112463 Type 3 Point-of-Use Surge Protective Devices (SPD) are designed for heavy industrial use with 3 modes of surge protection (L-N, L-G, N-G). Features a 15 A re-settable breaker and #14 AWG SJT power cord with molded plug. CSA certified to ANSI/UL 1449, 3rd Edition.

For whole house:

The IG1240RC3 Series Surge Protective Devices (SPD) are designed for a variety of applications. A green LED indicator provides status of protection. Trusted, state-of-the-art TPMOV® (Thermally Protected Metal Oxide Varistor) surge protection technology eliminates the potentially hazardous failure modes that are commonly associated with standard MOV technology. Type 1 applications include outdoor installations before service entrances and utility meter cabinets. Type 2 applications include installations after service entrances. CSA certified to ANSI/UL 1449, 3rd Edition.

For HVAC:

Power surges are the silent killer for home appliances and HVAC equipment. Most homeowners protect their electronics, but leave more valued equipment unprotected. Surges can wipe out equipment and leave you searching for answers. Search no more. The easy-to-install AG3000 Surge Protective Device (SPD) is the perfect add-on for HVAC equipment. A green LED indicator provides the status of protection. Trusted, state-of-the-art TPMOV® (Thermally Protected Metal Oxide Varistor) technology eliminates the potentially hazardous failure modes that are commonly associated with standard MOV technology. UL Listed to ANSI/UL 1449, 4th Edition.

So the next time lightning strikes, be protected.

~Woody

THE Shop Light!

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Shop lights have been around forever! You see them every time you walk into someone’s garage.

It’s usually hanging by ty wire over a work bench full of half-finished projects. And there is always one lamp burned out.

They come in all shapes and sizes from 2 foot up to 8 foot.

If the garage is not heated, they spiral and blink in the winter.

Now we have the magic of LED! Very slim/compact design, linkable up to 4 fixtures with multiple mounting installation, and it won’t blink when it gets cold! We are excited to introduce the SYLVANIA 61451 LEDSHOP/120/42840/4FT/G2 LED shop light now in stock to illuminate your shop.

Highlight Specifications:

  • 42W
  • 120V
  • 4,200 lumens
  • Size: 4 ft /
  • CCT: 4,000K
  • CRI 80
  • Pull Chain on/off (2.5 ft)
  • Beam angle: 120d
  • Plug-in installation
  • Non-dimmable
  • Lifetime: 50,000h
  • PF 0.9

~Woody

Keeping Things Running

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Gordon Electric Supply and Pontiac Electric Supply are open and supplying the electrical industry, but none of this would be possible without the crews that work on site each day. We are so thankful for all of the hard work and dedication from our team. They keep everything running by helping customers, making deliveries, and sharing a friendly smile.

Kankakee Branch

Mokena Branch

Pontiac Branch

Is the TV room getting crowded?

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These are definitely some freaky times!!! The best way to stay safe and protect others is to stay inside. If you have a large family, the TV is always in use, but not everyone wants to watch the same program. Not to mention, sometimes we need to separate or the TV room could turn into a wrestling ring!!

What to do, what to do!!

You need another TV, but it’s not that simple anymore.

When I was a kid, it was easy. All you needed to do was plug in the TV, adjust the antenna, and you had 3 channels. (If the screen was full of static, just add some tin foil to the antenna).

Now you must run a cable to the cable box but putting on the connectors can be a challenge.

Ideal Industries has just to kit to do the job!

The 33-620 Economy Coax Compression Kit includes the basic tools and connectors to cut, strip and terminate coax cables.

Applications: RG59 and RG6/6 Quad cable preparation and compression termination for F connectors.

Kit Includes:

  • 33-632 LinearX®3 Compression Tool
  • 45-605 PrepPRO® Coax (59/6/6Q/Plenum)/UTP Cable Stripper
  • 45-075 Data T®-Cutter
  • 10 RG-59 RTQ™ F Compression Connectors
  • 30 RG-6 RTQ™ F Compression Connectors

This kit has everything you need to correctly install connectors to your cable!!

So run the wire, hook up the box, and enjoy your favorite programs in peace.

And remember, this virus is no joke. Keep yourself and you love ones safe!! We will get through this!

~Woody

Celebrating Service at Gordon Electric Supply

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Gordon Electric Supply is a family-owned company, but more than that, we pride ourselves on the family atmosphere at each location. Many employees begin their careers at Gordon and retire from Gordon. It is amazing and heartening to see long-time employees and hear their stories. This month we would like to honor some employee milestones.

Crystal Benedict reached her 5th year working at Gordon Electric Supply in 2019. Crystal is our Lighting Quotation Specialist and works at the Mokena location. Thank you, Crystal, for your six years at Gordon and here is to many more!

 

Dan Whalen started his career working in the Gordon Electric Supply warehouse in 2000. Twenty years later he is the resident gears specialist and salesperson. Congratulations to Dan! We cannot wait to see what you will accomplish in the years to come. 

Todd Wilson is a staple of Pontiac Electric Supply. He began his time with Pontiac Electric Supply twenty-five years ago and has been a knowledgeable inside salesperson ever since. Thank you, Todd, for all of your hard work and being a part of the Gordon team! 

Jo Ann Ford is celebrating her 45th year with Gordon Electric Supply. She has been a mainstay of the Kankakee office since 1975. Jo Ann has worked in our purchasing department and is now our web sales coordinator. We are lucky to have Jo Ann and thank her for all of her knowledge and hard work!

Pictured with all of the service award recipients are Cara Gordon Potter, CEO and president, and Dan Korthauer, Vice President Sales & Marketing.

~Kristine

High Visibility Yellow Safety Vest: Not Just for Crossing Guards anymore!!

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Being a nerd and growing up in a small Midwestern town, as I did, and getting picked as the weekly crossing guard at school was as cool as you could get.

There were many perks involved in such an important job. First and foremost, you were allowed to go to class late in the morning and out early in the afternoon.

Second, you got to boss everyone around as they crossed the street (except for the kids bigger or older than you because that would get you shoved in your gym locker).

Third, and this was so fun, you could hold up traffic for as long as you wanted to!

But the coolest thing was wearing the yellow vest! It made you the boss!

Over the year, the safety vest has come along way and is required on most construction sites.

We now stock the High Visibility Yellow Safety Vest from Milwaukee.

Straight from Milwaukee: Our ANSI Type R Class 2 High Visibility Safety Vest is designed to carry more. The high visibility safety vest has 10 pockets including a clear ID holder and internal pocket, providing you with added storage. The safety vest features a quick internal size adjustment providing you with a better fit as well as a durable pass-through slit for fall protection gear. This allows you to wear the same vest in the summer over a t-shirt or in the winter over a jacket. Additionally, a zipper closure on the safety vest provides you with ultimate job site security. Our high visibility reflective vests are required if you are working around traffic going 25 mph or working around heavy machinery. This includes construction, road construction, traffic direction, utility crews, and survey crews. Yellow and orange color options are available, as well as CSA compliant safety vests.

So, stay safe out there!

~Woody

Company News: Promotions and Retirements

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We’ve started the year off with some important company news. Back in January, Nelson Gowler was promoted to Operations Manager at our Kankakee location from his previous role of procurement and materials management specialist. This is an exciting opportunity to utilize Nelson’s experience and knowledge. He brings years of industry experience and fresh ideas to the job. The Daily Journal published a wonderful brief about the promotion in its January 11, 2020 issue.

With Nelson’s promotion comes the sad news that long-time employee MaryAnn Hanahan is retiring this month. MaryAnn has worked at Gordon Electric Supply for over 30 years in various accounting roles. As president Cara Gordon Potter mentions, “She’s been a lady of many talents!” We wish MaryAnn all of the best and enjoyment of her retirement. On behalf of everyone, it has been a pleasure working with MaryAnn.

~Kristine Weller

Parallel Wire/Cable Reeling makes your job easier!

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Parallel

[ par–uh-lel, -luhl ]

(of lines, planes, surfaces, or objects) side by side and having the same distance continuously between them.

It’s amazing how many people have trouble saying that word. Just the other day, I had a customer ask me if we “paralegaled” wire. And without a blink I said yes! I could relate because I have a hard time saying “all you man e mum”, aluminum.

Having to set up a bunch of reels to make one pull is time consuming and that’s expensive. First you have to find a lot of reel jacks, and if there is no fork truck, you need some big guys to lift reels!

Then what to do with the empty wood reels? (Side note: The small ones make great end tables if it’s your first apartment.)

Luckily for you, we here at Gordon’s offer cable paralleling!!

How does paralleling cables work? A multi-compartment reel allow ground wire to be added to the reel and spin independently. These reels can spool up to five wires or cables onto this one multi-compartment reel, which makes the installation process easier and faster. It simplifies and cleans the job site by decreasing the number of reels.

We also will deliver and pick up empty reel, making it easy to keep the job moving!!

~Woody

Not Another Top 10 List…The Best of 2019

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Top 10 lists or countdown lists from 2019 are everywhere as 2020 comes around the corner. You might be sick of all of the countdown lists, so we thought we would, of course, add one more to your reading list! Luckily this is only a Top 4 list.

Over the years, Woody has shared some fun memories, thoughts, and information about the electrical industry. To celebrate another year of electrical humor and new products, we are taking a look at some of the best 2019 blog posts.

And without further ado:

  1. Gone FIshin’: Woody had a fun time with this fish tape solution from Milwaukee. We think he hid the fish tape tool and only shared the video with us!
  2. Is It Ever Gonna Warm Up?: A question that has been on my mind recently, but that is a Midwest winter for you. Woody sums up our need to stay warm with a Marley space heater and shares his new favorite television show in the process.
  3. Think Pink with 3M: Woody gets serious to explain the importance of our partnership with 3M for National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. We ended up donating proceeds from these sales to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, a great organization for information and support.
  4. Sliding through the raceway made easy!: The sad news is that this post is not about a water slide. The good news is that Polywater Lubricant J is an effective solution for pulling wire through conduit.

There you have it: the top 4 posts from 2019. You can read the full article by clicking on the link in each title. Thank you for enjoying and have a happy New Year!

~Kristine