Electrical Wholesaling Q&A with NEMRA President, Jim Johnson
When Jim Johnson took the job as President and CEO of the National Electrical Manufacturers Representatives Association (NEMRA) in May, 2019 upon Ken Hooper’s retirement, he came to the position with what looked like the perfect background. He spent more than 18 years as an independent rep with Lester Sales Co., Indianapolis, IN, and over a decade at executive posts at Ideal Industries, Ericson Manufacturing, Calpipe and Atkore. Johnson also earned a degree at Northern Illinois University, the alma mater for so many electrical market executives, and worked with his dad as an electrical contractor.
But not even a stellar resume like this could totally prepare anyone for the challenges that came with the COVID-19 pandemic. Electrical Wholesaling recently visited with Johnson over Zoom to learn how NEMRA and its membership have overcome the challenges presented by the pandemic and the association’s plans for the future.
Jim Johnson believes NEMRA reps can use the business lessons they learned during the COVID-19 pandemic to redefine and reinforce their role in the electrical channel.
