Press » North Coast Electric Celebrates 30 Years of Lemman Family Ownership
North Coast Electric Celebrates 30 Years of Lemman Family Ownership and 91st Anniversary
APRIL 2004
BELLEVUE, WA - 2004 marks the 30th anniversary of Lemman Family ownership at North Coast Electric Company and the 91st Anniversary of the company.
North Coast Electric was founded in 1913 by Harry Byrne; by the 1970's North Coast Electric had built a reputation for quality products and services, but was struggling to keep up with modern business practices. In 1974, then President and CEO of Consolidated Electrical Distributors, Bob Lemman bought the company with locations in Seattle and Portland and revenues of $5 million a year. By that time, the company was seen as "stodgy" and "they were still doing things the same way they did things in the 1920's" said Bob Lemman.
Since the purchase, Bob Lemman has made North Coast Electric a family affair. In 1992 he appointed his sons, Peter Lemman, President and Dean Lemman, Executive Vice-President. John Carver, Bob Lemman's son-in-law, guides the Puget Sound Group and the new lighting division of North Coast Electric. Dean Lemman reflected "North Coast has a reputation, tradition and culture that I'm proud to be a part of." Bob Lemman continues to work and serve as Chairman.
Under Bob Lemman's guidance, revenues have grown to over $200 million a year and 27 locations. "With vision, foresight, hard work and a certain amount of risk we have built North Coast Electric in to one of the most successful and admired independent electrical distributors in the country," reflected Pete Lemman.
Bob Lemman realizes "it's not just taking orders for conduit and wire anymore," with their strong focus on technology, the company continues to expand with their Automation Group, Tool Division, Supply Solutions Group, Commercial Market Division and the recent acquisition of Alexander's Contractor Lighting.
"Strong, innovative and fiercely independent; this is what has built North Coast Electric and what is going to guide us in the future," said Pete Lemman when asked about the companies success over the last 30 years.
