In a time where independent electrical manufacturer representatives seemingly decide selling is their alternative when they are ready to exit the business, Dick Stone did it differently.

But then again, he always did.

ASA Founder Dick Stone retires after 45 years in the electrical industry

Dick Stone, who founded ASA Electrical Solutions, a leading independent electrical manufacturer serving 10 states with dual headquarters in Denver and Phoenix, 21 years ago, retired from the electrical industry after 45 years of “electrification service” last month.

Stone did have a plan for the agency. While inevitably he could have sold the agency given that they have a number of quality lines and a strong team, his plan was to transition the agency to his son, Joe Stone, and Brett Bennett, who joined forces with ASA from his rep firm Critical Power Solutions. Together, Joe and Brett are teaming up to take the business to the next level with Joe being President of the Northern Region and Brett being President of the Southern Region, which provides manufacturers options if they so need.

ASA, which means “A Step Above” shared this press release:

ASA Electrical Solutions Transitions to the Next Generation of Leadership

ASA Electrical Solutions announces that founder Dick Stone has retired after 45 years in the electrical industry, including 21 years leading ASA. Effective August 1, 2026, new leadership has taken the helm:

• Joe Stone – President, Rocky Mountain Division
• Brett Bennett – President, Southwest Division

A Career Built on Industry Leadership

Dick Stone began his career at Emerson Appleton, spending 15 years with the company and advancing from a trainee role in Houston to National VP of Sales in Chicago. He went on to lead Rexel Ryall’s sales operations in the Denver Metro Area for nine years before founding ASA in 2005 as an electrical manufacturers’ representative agency serving Colorado and Wyoming.

Joe Stone joined ASA in 2013. In 2017, ASA merged with Brett Bennett’s Critical Power Solutions (CPS), expanding the company’s footprint into Arizona, New Mexico, and Las Vegas.

Brett Bennett said: After meeting Richard and getting a feel for his character, I knew I was making the right move in merging with ASA 8 years ago.

A Growing Regional Footprint

Today, ASA represents product lines across a territory stretching from the Rocky Mountains to the West Coast, including Hawaii. Key lines represented include Hubbell Electrical Solutions brands — Raco, Acme, Wiegmann, Killark, and Hubbell Wiring Device – Kellems (New Mexico only) — along with Eaton Power Quality products, RYMCO Conduit, SP Products, American Lighting, EiKO Lighting, and Halco Lighting.

Celebrating a Legacy

Brett Bennett, Dick Stone, and Joe Stone

On July 9th, ASA hosted a retirement dinner for Dick Stone in Golden, CO, drawing manufacturer, distribution, and construction executives from across the industry. Festivities continued the following day with a round of golf at Breckenridge Golf Club.

“Brett and I intend to carry on the legacy Dick built through years of hard work, strategic thinking, and strong relationships — including the sales team of top performers he hired and developed,” said Joe Stone.

Brett added: “We’re excited to take ASA to even greater heights with the incredible team we’ve built — big enough to compete at the highest level, nimble enough to still give every customer and manufacturer the attention they deserve. Joe and I are calling it now: the future of this company is absolutely electric.”

Congratulations to Dick on his retirement and setting up the agency for future success.