Blazer Helps Next Generation Electricians

Blazer Electric Supply Company, Colorado Springs, Colo., held its 9th Annual Blazer Benefit Golf Tournament at Bear Dance Golf Club in Larkspur, Colorado on July 29, 2021.

A total of $32,000 was raised to support the local training initiatives of the Independent Electrical Contractors and the Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee. $206,750 has now been raised to support scholarships, tools, training materials, and equipment.

Steve Blazer, President of Blazer Electric Supply, said, “We are making a difference with not only the quality of the education these young apprentices are receiving, but also giving opportunities to many who want to start a career in the trade but can’t afford tools or tuition. We were fortunate to raise funds during 2020 as well.”

According to Lalena Kotasek, eCommerce, Sales and Marketing Director for Blazer, this year the IEC program has a record number of apprentices involved in the program and at other local trade schools in the area. This is due to “a tight network of contractors in Colorado Springs and Pueblo. The IEC (and presumably other trade organizations) have also started working with the local high schools and for many years prior trades were not being promoted like they should be.” Given the current, and projected future, labor shortages, initiatives such as Blazer’s … and their commitment to give back to their local community, should be commended. Given the consolidation that is occurring in the distribution and manufacturing communities, these investments are needed by “national / large” organizations in addition to independent distributors.

Blazer also connects with the apprentices regularly. They are invited to monthly vendor sponsored counter days at Blazer. They are also able to get a free lunch or breakfast and view and learn about new products. Blazer also organizes two large tradeshows each year in Colorado Springs and Pueblo and apprentices are always invited to attend for continued education purposes. (Sounds also like a great opportunity for suppliers to get involved to train, and influence, the “next generation” and Blazer seems like the perfect conduit to facilitate the interaction.)

Ryall Group was the Title Sponsor for the tournament. Other major sponsors were ASA Electrical Solutions, Casey Bergquist, Eaton, Hubbell Wiring, Illumination Systems, iPro Sales & Marketing, Mersen, Minerallac, Omni Cable, Southwire, The Lighting Agency, and Visual Interest.

Blazer is Southern Colorado’s leading independent electrical distributor and was ranked #106 in the 2021 Electrical Wholesaling Top 150, based upon 2020 revenues. Blazer is also a leading IMARK Group member. The company is the only locally owned electrical distributor in Southern Colorado with two locations and over 100 employees.