Meet Sarah Casterton of Consolidated Electrical Distributors

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Casterton.

Sarah, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I was a junior at Northern Arizona University in 2016 when I ran into CED at a career fair. I remember thinking… “Electrical Distribution… well, that sounds terrible!” I was asked to interview and decided to take the shot because I was in need of a paid summer internship! I figured, all experience is relative, so if anything, I know I will come out knowing something I didn’t before about business. I was one of 3 summer interns. It was the first year this division of CED even had interns; that meant they had as much experience with internships as I did- none! I had a general schedule to follow but to be honest, the internship fell short of my expectations. At the end of the summer, during my exit interview with my supervisor, I decided to speak my mind. I presented my problems with the internship but I also provided several solutions to those problems they could implement next year. While I was still shaking from the frustration and confrontation I had just expressed, my boss calmly took my intern schedule (littered with my scribbled suggestions) and asked if he could make a copy of it. It was at this time that he also mentioned a new position the company was considering developing and… he thought I’d be perfect for it!

This new job would include redesigning and developing a brand new internship program, increasing college recruitment efforts for the entire division and assisting profit center managers in growing their teams at a local level. I was stunned at his faith in me, I had no experience recruiting, heck I had no experience at all before this internship! I felt great to be heard and believed in. The months following my exit interview, I working at a CED location in Flagstaff while I finished my senior year at NAU. This profit center was small, but it’s where I fell in love with CED. From this new perspective, I was able to see the autonomous structure CED established over 60 years ago. Each manager has the ability to run the branch as if it was their own business!

When I graduated in May of 2017, I took on the role of Recruiting and Training Manager for both the Grand Canyon and Salt Lake Divisions of CED. Since then, it has not been easy. Like I mentioned before, this position didn’t exist before my intern exit interview- that meant figuring this all out on my own! A year later and I am still trying to figure it out! I wouldn’t have it any other way. I love the accountability and support my managers give me in my role. They trust in my ability to get the job done and allow me to make mistakes along the way that only help me learn. At first, being a woman in the construction industry seemed daunting but my managers have had by back since day 1 so I haven’t had any issues. They even encouraged me to attend a Women in the Industry Forum in order to collaborate with other women in the Electrical Industry. For the most part though, I’ve realized no matter who you are, if you work hard and know your stuff – you will demand respect. CED has been the best company I could have ever stumbled upon. I don’t think anyone here ever dreamt about being in the Electrical Distribution Industry when they grow up, but we are all glad to be here now.

Has it been a smooth road?
Smooth? No. Rewarding? Yes. Like I said in my story, creating a new position with no other business experience is daunting. Every day is different though, which I love! I also enjoy the idea of knowing that when I am successful, it was ME that made it happen. It’s a double edge sword though because when I fail, I also have to hold myself accountable. However, I couldn’t do this job without the support of my managers. Even when I do fail, they don’t lose faith in me. They continue to believe in me and my abilities; I can’t tell you to have great that feels. I always tell students to consider mentorship before accepting any job offer. I believe the success of your career has to do with the people supporting you along the way.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Consolidated Electrical Distributors – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Consolidated Electrical Distributors (CED) has been a privately held business for 50+ years. CED started with two locations in 1957 and has expanded to 600 locations nationwide– adding more than 10 new locations each year for the past 55 years. The Grand Canyon division of CED provides electrical products/services for Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, and West Texas. The Salt Lake Division covers Utah, Southern Idaho, and Eastern Nevada.

Electrical Distribution is a $75 billion industry in the United States that continues to grow and thrive in the areas of residential construction, commercial construction and industrial manufacturing.

Our decentralized business model drives CED’s success. Each location, (affectionally known as a profit center) runs autonomously as though it were a small family business. CED Profit Center Managers are empowered to run their business as if is their own. They are responsible for nearly evert aspect of day-to-day operations as well as long term business planning.

CED’s unique profit sharing model allows employees to see the results – and rewards – of their hard work. A percentage of the profits a Profit Center generates comes is shared with the employees of that location. There is no ceiling at CED!

Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
What I like best about our city is now available so many different climates and landscapes are! Phoenix provides a central hub for events, jobs etc. but on weekends, you can head North to Flagstaff to be in the largest Ponderosa Pine Forest in the world or you can drive south to Mexico and sip margaritas on the beach! There is opportunity all around Phoenix. I also appreciate the city because it houses what I hold most dear to my heart – my family.

As far as what I like least, I’m sure you can guess it… the summer heat!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.cedgrandcanyon.com
• Phone: 602-558-6589
• Email: sarah.casterton@ced.com
• Instagram: @cedgradncanyon

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