MaxLite Expands Relationship with Lester Sales; Takes Share

According to a recent press release from MaxLite, the company has forged an expanded relationship with Lester Sales that now covers eight states.

“MaxLite, a leading manufacturer of energy-efficient lighting & controls, and Lester Sales Company, a leading sales and marketing manufacturer’s representative across the Midwest, are proud to announce the formation of a new strategic partnership beginning January 1, 2024. In this new partnership, Lester Sales Company will exclusively represent MaxLite’s C&I business across all the 8 states they operate in which include Western Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Kentucky, Southern Illinois and Eastern Missouri.

“The combination of MaxLite’s strong and comprehensive Lighting & Controls and EV portfolio, combined with Lester Sales market expertise, superior sales coverage and strong relationships made this decision to form a strategic partnership an easy one. Our target is to aggressively grow our business, and this partnership sets the foundation for that in a critical geography for us both.” – Jeff Bristol – SVP
Sales & Marketing at MaxLite.

The two organizations bring almost 100 years of combined experience to the electrical distribution market, and both MaxLite and Lester Sales are strong supports of NEMRA (National Electrical Manufacturers Representative Association), which adds further strength to the partnership. Spencer Bolgard – President & CEO of MaxLite stated, “MaxLite’s 100,000 sq./ft distribution and value-add manufacturing facility located in Greenwoood, Indiana will help to play an instrumental part in servicing customers quickly and efficiently throughout the Lester Sales regions. It’s part of our ease of doing business philosophy and will be a key pillar in our continued growth with Lester Sales.”

“We are thrilled to expand our partnership with MaxLite. This collaboration joins our exceptional team of sales professionals with their high-quality LED products, cutting-edge controls, and history of thought leadership. The business we have shared in our Eastern territory proved mutually beneficial and we anticipate similar results throughout the new markets.” – John Scott, CEO of Lester Sales.

The strategic partnership between Lester Sales and MaxLite is one of many that have been formed over the past several years across the United States. Both organizations are excited to support their Midwest customers in a stronger and more focused and meaningful way.”

According to an article on Edison Report, the decision to forge the partnership came together quickly. Apparently Lester and MaxLite saw an opportunity. Lester to grow their lighting busines. MaxLite to not only grow but to also take share (note: industry lighting sales have lagged overall industry sales, according to Channel Marketing Group’s Pulse of Lighting Report, so taking share is key for lighting companies.)

Again, according to the Edison Report article, Lester is “wrapping up its commitments with LedVance by the end of January”. So, a significant win for MaxLite.

In addition to its extensive fixture, lamps, and controls lines, the new relationship provides Lester Sales with an EV charging solution that is BABA compliant, enabling the company to peruse new opportunities within its marketplace.