Alyn Pinkofsky … A Boston Electrical Industry Icon

For almost 50 years, Alyn Pinkofsky was synonymous with B N Yanow (now known as Yanow) in the Boston marketplace. Alyn passed away on February 16th.

Born in 1934, Pinkofsky spent 58 years in the electrical distribution industry when he officially retired but his presence continued to influence Yanow for another 8 years … 64 years dedicated to the electrical industry!

According to NEMRA:

“Alyn Pinkofsky was a visionary and a leader in the industry.  A founding member of NEMRA, he was popular and respected by his contemporaries for his entrepreneurship, humility, and strong business acumen.

His career began at age 18, accepting a truck driver/counterman position with Gem Electric Supply.  His father, Louis, a retired Sergeant Detective of Homicide for the Boston Police, also worked there as a salesman.

In 1954, another distributor, Electric Specialty, approached Alyn, recruiting him as their lead counterman. In 1956, due to poor business conditions, Alyn was laid off.  A position quickly became available at Ralph Pill Electric Supply (which was acquired by Northeast Electrical Distributors, a Sonepar operating company).

Alyn worked for Ralph Pill until ‘57 when the Naval Reserve drafted him. He traveled the globe on two aircraft carriers: The USS Wasp and the USS Intrepid, as Chief Petty Officer.  After discharge, he returned to work at Electrical Specialty, continuing his career in multiple capacities.

Then, in 1961, Ben Yanow hired Alyn as a salesman. In 1968, he became a partner. In 1985, Ben retired, and Alyn took sole ownership. The following years saw Alyn lead Yanow through continuous, expansive growth and success.  Alyn retired in 2010.  He continued to consult and mentor Yanow’s personnel until approximately 2018, when he retired fully.”

Alyn was an icon in the Boston market, known by all distributors and contractors.

According to Randy Pinkofsky, his son and the President of Yanow, Alyn had an avid love for animals, particularly bused and/or rescued ones. A favorite charity of his was Save A Dog, which is a small, privately owned shelter.

The family requested that, if you desire, donations be made to Save A Dog. 100% of contributions are used to support these unfortunate dogs and cats. If you donate, you’ll notice that on the donation page you can mention whom the donation is in memory of.

A truly special person who gave to the industry, his community, and to his family. He will be missed.