Nominator Notes:

In recognizing Alan Wire, representatives noted the priority and value they place on the partnership and success of their representatives.

• Prioritization of The Partnership: Strong relationships with sales representatives through open communication and mutual support.
• Empowerment Through Collaboration:Equip representatives with the tools and resources to achieve shared goals effectively.
• Commitment to Rep Success: Ensure representatives can confidently serve customers with the support of a reliable and responsive partner.

“Alan Wire’s unwavering commitment to fostering strong partnerships and empowering their representatives truly sets them apart.“

Award Photo:

Nominator Notes:

In recognizing Apex Electrical, manufacturers touched on many of the elements highlighted in the Rep of the Future studies:

• A Commitment to Marketing, Strategic Business Development Planning and Training.
• Demonstrating and Building Brand Preference and Demand Generationthrough In-Depth Knowledge of the Local Markets, Channel Partnerships and Relentless Focus on the End-User.

Award Photo:

Nominator Notes:

In recognizing The Agency, manufacturers highlighted an integrated sales and marketing approach designed to drive sales and enhance brand awareness.

• A strong commitment to a holistic training and education strategy, delivered through their Solutions Center or brought directly to clients via their Mobile Solutions Trailer.
• The use of a multi-channel marketing strategy to create engaging content, leverage marketing automation for tracking key metrics and performance, and deploy specialized resources with a focus on the end-user experience.

Award Photo:

Nominator Notes:

• Proactive Leadership and Innovation: The Lester Sales team’s expertise in managing complex projects, generating accurate bill of materials, and providing start-to-finish support—including on-site training—ensured seamless project execution and minimal delays
• Collaborative Excellence: Lester Sales and Legrand/Cablofil’s partnership has led to securing multiple large-scale projects, including data centers, an EV manufacturing facility, and a pharmaceutical plant. Through pre-bid meetings, BOM reviews, on-site job walks, and training, they have built trusted contractor relationships, earning exclusive vendor status for a national contractor and achieving “trusted advisor” status through quick problem-solving and solutions.

Award Photo:

Nominator Notes: RAB’s commitment to fostering strong partnerships and empoweringtheir representatives with cutting-edge sales tools truly sets them apart. When you represent RAB, you become a part of a culture that values collaboration and growth.

Award Photo:

Nominator Notes: A Commitment to Marketing and Strategic Business Development Planning. Demonstrating and Building Brand Preference and Demand Generation through In-Depth Knowledge of the Local Markets, Channel Partnerships and Relentless Focus on the End-User.

Award Photo:

Nominator Notes: Yusen’s proactive approach towards business planning has been the driving force behind MaxLite’s remarkable growth in the New England market, which has surged by over 50% in the past four years. This level of growth is a testament to Yusen’s strategic thinking and ability to execute on a plan. Yusen’s expertise in building brand preference and demand, along with demonstrated investments in marketing, professional development, and product training, has brought a significant “Value Add” to the table when working with distributors and contractors. 

Award Photo:

Nominator Notes: Larry Rodgers, President of Synergy Electric Sales, had tons to share about his experience nominating Encore Wire for the Rep’s Choice Award. He highlighted Encore’s consistent support, educational initiatives, and a solid commitment to long-term growth. Winning the Manufacturer’s Choice Award in the same year also gave a morale boost to the Synergy team. Larry’s takeaway was crystal clear: Focus on long-term partnership goals and invest in agency infrastructure for a mutually beneficial relationship.

Award Photo:

Nominator Notes: Christy Tilton, Head of US Professional Trade Sales at Signify, nominated Synergy Electric Sales for the Manufacturer’s Choice Award last year. In our conversation, Christy talked about the critical importance of strategic partnerships, which aligns closely with NEMRA’s ethos. Synergy Electric Sales set themselves apart with a forward-thinking approach, significant technology investments, and a focus on diversity and inclusion. Their quick adaptability and top-tier customer service also scored them major points. The key takeaway? Leverage technology and focus on your brand presence. Christy stressed how the NEMMYs provide an ideal platform to spotlight agents who really go the extra mile.

Award Photo:

Nominator Notes: Stuart Hall, Principal Owner at KMS Sales, and Jeff Richter, Regional Segment Sales Manager at Eaton, were co-nominees for the Partnership of the Year Award. Their interview circled around the fundamentals—communication, trust, and fair commission structures. They highlighted the importance of identifying and closing opportunities and maintaining a talent pipeline. Winning the NEMMY was a milestone for both companies, signaling their commitment to fruitful, long-term partnerships. The duo emphasized how invaluable continuity, consistency, and even friendship are in building strong partnerships.

Award Photo:

Winners Notes: Through leading sales and sales related initiatives on TEAMS calls, Bill Waltz and the Atkore leadership team demonstrated their understanding, support and advocacy of their sales representatives. 

In addition to driving product innovation, taking the commodity out of commodities, and providing supporting marketing and sales tools, Atkore implemented a bonus program which resulted in a significant boost to the bottom line for their reps.

Winners Notes: In recognizing John Moore & Associates, Manufacturers touched on many of the elements highlighted in the Rep of the future studies. Having a clear corporate strategic plan and always looking for innovative ways to promote their manufacturer’s… top that list.

JMA consistently collaborates on strategic business development plans, regularly discusses growth initiatives and new opportunities in their markets and is thoroughly engaged at the contractor, engineer, and end user levels, ensuring manufacturers that JMA is driving demand and brand preference for their brands.

Winners Notes:

For over 30 years Legrand and Lyle Williams Company have been building on a partnership based on the core belief that the Manufacturer/Manufacturer Representative relationship is built on trust, integrity, respect, and the pursuit of excellence.

In 2021 the expansion of the partnership between Legrand and Lyle Williams Company and the joint execution of an aggressive sales plan culminated in unprecedented territory growth and market share gain. 

Both parties noted that this performance would not have been possible without the strong partnership that integrated mutual investments in technology, territory engagement, customer service, marketing, and other support tools with a common pursuit of excellence.